Recent Blog Posts

Vessel Corrosion (IIAR 6, Part 12)

February 4th, 2020

Pipe and vessel corrosion has been a regular cause of ammonia releases since the invention of the vapor compression refrigeration cycle. For this reason, it is appropriate that ANSI/IIAR 6-2019 prescribe the minimum requirements for inspection, testing, and maintenance of pressure vessels. ANSI/IIAR 6-2019 Table 10.1 requires that non-insulated pressure vessels be inspected annually for […]

Ammonia Week in Review | January 31, 2020

January 31st, 2020

More is uncovered regarding the Beach Park ammonia leak in this week’s edition of the Ammonia Week in Review… CDC: Twice as Many Affected by Beach Park Ammonia Leak than Initially Thought – More than twice as many people — including homeowners, commuters, police and fire first-responders and hospital personnel — were exposed and treated during the hazardous material incident […]

Overview of IIAR 6 Video

January 24th, 2020

At our recent 2020 Ammonia Refrigeration Training Days, President and Senior Engineer Peter Thomas gave the keynote address. Peter, a member of the writing subcommittee, gave an overview of the new mechanical integrity standard: ANSI/IIAR 6-2019 Standard for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Closed-Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems. Watch the video:

Ammonia Week in Review | January 24, 2020

January 24th, 2020

An ammonia leak occurs at a water treatment plant in this week’s edition of the Ammonia Week in Review… Ammonia Leak Under Control at Asheboro’s Water Treatment Plant – The leak occurred as a contractor was performing maintenance on the above-ground anhydrous ammonia holding tank and encountered an equipment failure. […keep reading] Testing Compressor Safety Devices (IIAR 6, […]

Testing Compressor Safety Devices (IIAR 6, Part 11)

January 21st, 2020

Is it acceptable to test a high discharge pressure cutout (HPCO) by lowering the setpoint? Maybe. ANSI/IIAR 6-2019 §6.1.1 prescribes the allowable methods for testing a compressor HPCO which is required annually per Table 6.1. Depending on the type of pressure limiting device being used, allowable methods differ. Electromechanical Switch Electromechanical switches are widely used […]