Recent Blog Posts

Q&A | Ammonia Detector Testing and Calibration

February 17th, 2014

Question: How often must ammonia detectors be calibrated? Answer: It is often best to let the codes speak for themselves… 2013 CFC §606.1 Periodic Testing. The following emergency devices or systems shall be periodically tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and as required by the fire code official 1. Treatment and flaring systems. 2. […]

Mechanical Integrity 101 | Ammonia Storage Tanks

January 22nd, 2014

I was recently asked the following question: I work for a company that uses anhydrous ammonia for emission control. One thing that I noticed is there wasn’t any information on the tank maintenance (integrity testing of the tank etc). We have maintenance plans for all the components associated with the tank but do you know […]

Q&A | Safe Access to Equipment

November 8th, 2013

Question: Do I have to provide safe access to all of my ammonia refrigeration equipment? Answer:  According to current codes and standards, the answer is a resounding YES! The 2013 California Mechanical Code states the following under General Requirements: 1106.3 Access. An unobstructed readily accessible opening and passageway not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width […]

Q&A | Condenser Relief Valves

September 10th, 2013

Question: Are pressure relief valves required to be installed on an evaporative condenser? Answer: This is a very good question and one that gets asked frequently. Since an evaporative condenser is not a pressure vessel, it is not a black and white requirement as it is for the vessels throughout a refrigeration system. However, the condenser has […]

Q&A | Decommissioned Equipment

August 8th, 2013

Question: Does decommissioned ammonia refrigeration equipment need to be inspected as part of the mechanical integrity program if it is still connected to the closed-circuit system, but valved-off and not under pressure? Answer: The fundamental problem with the question is that ammonia refrigeration equipment cannot be decommissioned while it is still directly connected to the closed-circuit […]