Recent Blog Posts

Update on Ammonia Diffusion Tanks

September 5th, 2017

Since 1994, jurisdictions which adopted the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) have required ammonia refrigeration systems to be equipped with a diffusion tank to which all pressure relief valve discharge pipes must terminate. As a state, California has adhered to the California Mechanical Code (CMC) which is a derivative of the UMC. The most recent version […]

PSI Explained: Safety Systems

August 8th, 2017

Title 8 CCR §5189(d)(3)(A)(8) and Title 29 CFR §1910.119(d)(3)(i)(H) requires that “information pertaining to the equipment in the process shall include: Safety systems (e.g. interlocks, detection or suppression systems)”. At minimum, Safety Systems documentation must identify and summarize all Safety Systems associated with the chemical process. Once developed, this documentation will serve as a useful […]

Q&A | Co-Location

February 24th, 2015

Question: If two independent ammonia refrigeration systems share a water diffusion tank should they be considered one (1) or two (2) processes under RMP and PSM? Answer: This is a great question that addresses the issue of “co-location“. In order to correctly answer this question, we must first consider the definition of a Process. Title 40 §68.3 Process means […]

Mechanical Integrity 101 | Ammonia Diffusion Tanks

February 2nd, 2015

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 […]