Recent Blog Posts

Ammonia Detection in Non-Machinery Rooms

March 5th, 2024

  Question: Is ammonia detection required in rooms that contain ammonia, but are not classified as machinery rooms? Answer: This depends on which codes and standards the refrigeration system is subject to. New ammonia refrigeration systems are required to have ammonia detection in both machinery rooms and non-machinery rooms that contain ammonia equipment. Since IIAR […]

Ammonia Release | Band Saw to a Live Line

February 20th, 2024

Summary In October 2021, a contractor accidentally cut into a live ammonia pipe, resulting in the release of approximately 419 lbs of ammonia. Due to a general lack of labeling, the live pipe was confused for the decommissioned pipe that was intended to be cut out of the system. Incident Description A contractor was performing […]

Access to Refrigeration Systems

February 6th, 2024

It has long been required that access be considered when designing and installing an ammonia refrigeration system. In fact, we wrote about this topic in some detail back in 2013. Since a decade has passed, it seems appropriate to revisit the relevant access requirements contained within the current RAGAGEP documents applicable to ammonia refrigeration. ANSI/IIAR […]

Ammonia Release | Auto-Purger

January 23rd, 2024

Summary In September 2012, the rupture of an auto-purger bubbler resulted in two injuries, one of which was permanent and disabling. The root causes were determined to be a buildup of scale inside the bubbler, and failure to follow proper maintenance/operating procedures. Incident Description Water & mineral deposits were collected in the drain line of […]

Ammonia Release | Arc Flash in Solenoid Valve

January 9th, 2024

Summary In September 2022, a solenoid coil grounded out against the plunger tube which burned a hole in the post of the valve. This resulted in two injuries and a release of approximately 1,095 lbs of ammonia.   Incident Description Damage to the solenoid coil allowed the “live” coil to make contact with the “ground” […]