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 […]
Question: What is the correct NFPA 704 placard for an ammonia refrigeration system? Answer: This question has caused enormous confusion in the ammonia refrigeration industry, so I will attempt to bring some clarity to the issue. ANSI/IIAR 2-2008 Addendum B §13.1.10.4 requires that “Refrigerating systems shall be provided with approved informative signs, emergency signs, charts and […]
Since 1994, ammonia refrigeration systems subject to the requirements of the Uniform Mechanical Code or California Mechanical Code have been required to install an Ammonia Diffusion Tank for the purpose of relief valve termination. Originally, the codes required the following: 1994 UMC §1119 Ammonia Discharge Ammonia systems shall be provided with an emergency discharge into a tank of water provided exclusively for […]
One important factor in conducting a quality Mechanical Integrity Inspection is to ensure that the equipment being inspected is adequately protected from accidental impact. Humans are notorious for making mistakes and so, to the extent possible, we must ensure that ammonia refrigeration equipment is adequately protected. Most governing codes and standards for refrigeration systems address this issue to some […]
Next time you are performing a Mechanical Integrity Inspection of an Oil Separator be sure to check the tightness of the nuts being used to fasten the manway access to the Oil Separator. Recently, I received this picture illustrating what vibration can do to a nut over an extended period of time. Thankfully, the design of the […]
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