Recent Blog Posts

Ammonia Detection in Non-Machinery Rooms

May 11th, 2015

Question: Is ammonia detection required in rooms that contain ammonia, but are not classified as machinery rooms? Answer: To answer this question properly, we must first consider the various occupancy classifications and refrigerant restrictions within those classifications. ANSI/ASHRAE 15-2013 Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems defines two (2) main types of refrigeration systems: Direct Systems and Indirect Systems. Indirect Systems are further divided into […]

Ammonia Week in Review | May 8, 2015

May 8th, 2015

Ammonia causes trouble at school in this week’s edition of the Ammonia Week in Review….. Ammonia Leak On South Carolina Campus – The Columbia, S.C. fire department is responding to a reported ammonia leak on the campus of the University of South Carolina. […keep reading] IARW Show Puts Ammonia Advances in Front of Cold Storage Decision-Makers – Following on the heels of […]

Ammonia Week in Review | May 1, 2015

April 30th, 2015

Ammonia leaks with costly consequences in this week’s edition of the Ammonia Week in Review….. Anhydrous Ammonia Spill Prompts Road Blockage Near Osseo – Crews blocked off a road as they cleaned up an anhydrous ammonia spill.  It happened around 10 a.m. Wednesday morning on Hixton Levis Road, which is southeast of Osseo. […keep reading] Ammonia Leak Sends Four to Hospital – Four […]

Pipe Bending

April 27th, 2015

During a recent Mechanical Integrity Inspection, I ran across a pipe that had been bent to facilitate proper joining during installation. My instinct was to view the bent pipe as a Mechanical Integrity deficiency. After reviewing the most current Refrigeration Piping Code (ASME B31.5 §529) I learned that pipe bending is allowed within the limitations defined in the code. Here’s […]

Ammonia Week in Review | April 24, 2015

April 23rd, 2015

Ammonia keeps emergency responders busy in this week’s edition of the Ammonia Week in Review….. Consider Anhydrous Ammonia to be Alive – Anhydrous — “without water” — ammonia seeks water from any available source — including human tissue. […keep reading] 100 Evacuated From Ice Rink After Ammonia Leak – Approximately 100 people had to be evacuated from the Pineville Ice […]