Summary In June 2023, the vibration of an evaporator over a long period of time allowed exposed electrical wiring to cause an arc flash that ruptured a distribution tube. This resulted in two (2) injuries and a release of approximately 11 lbs of ammonia. Incident Description The direct-expansion evaporator was equipped with an electric heater […]
The first edition of IIAR Standard 9 was published in 2020. Consistent with the document title, “Standard for Minimum System Safety Requirements for Existing Closed-Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems”, Standard 9 lays out the minimum requirements that all systems must adhere to, regardless of when they were built. The original publication of Standard 9 required facilities […]
A July 2024 publication by the USEPA has put small ammonia refrigeration facilities in the Pacific Northwest on notice. This notice states ‘EPA is providing advance notice of an upcoming enforcement initiative so that you can take steps now to avoid a penalty before the initiative begins.’ Many ammonia refrigeration facilities across the Pacific Northwest must comply […]
Summary In August 2022, hydrostatic expansion occurred inside an improperly isolated evaporator coil, resulting in a release of approximately 230 lbs of ammonia. The leak occurred when one of the return tubes of the evaporator coil broke due to the overpressurization. Incident Description The evaporator coil (Coil 3) was recently replaced and the other two […]
Ammonia pipe supports are a crucial component to the construction of a refrigeration system. Inadequate pipe supports could lead to an ammonia release in the event of an earthquake, prolonged vibration, or physical impact. Many of IIAR’s standards and guidance documents provide helpful clarification regarding how ammonia piping should be supported and secured. Design of […]
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