Ammonia Refrigeration Takes The Spotlight

By Peter Powell

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Ammonia refrigeration had its day in the sun at the 26th Annual International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) Conference and Trade Show.

The importance of mechanical cooling was not lost on the 1,200 attendees. The conference site, the Gaylord Palms Resort, has its four buildings of hotel rooms emptying onto a massive plaza of stores, restaurants, fountains, and mock Everglades, all covered by a 10-story glass atrium and provided with continuous comfort cooling.

IIAR Chairman Ron Vallort (Ron Vallort and Associates, Oak Brook, Ill.) welcomed attendees comprised of manufacturers, designers, engineers, contractors, operators, technicians, and instructors - a cross-section of the industrial refrigeration industry.

"A strong IIAR equates to a strong industry," he said. "IIAR is recognized around the world as the authoritative source of information about ammonia refrigeration."

On behalf of her deceased husband, Fred Herl, Madeleine Herl accepts a posthumous IIAR Member of the Year honor.

IIAR Accomplishments

He ticked off some of the accomplishments of the past year:

The final draft of an Ammonia Refrigerant Management (ARM) program was completed. Vallort said it is "designed to help small plants with refrigeration systems containing ammonia charges of less than 10,000 pounds operate safely and manage regulatory requirements appropriately."

The IIAR board approved a revision to one of its publications, Bulletin No. 110. The revision deals with vessel inspections. According to Vallort, "The revision clarifies requirements for inspecting vessels internally and externally."

Work continues on a design manual for ammonia/CO2 cascade refrigeration systems. The technology is starting to be used in low-temperature food-processing applications.

The Ammonia Refrigeration-Piping Handbook has undergone extensive revisions that will be made available in 2004.

Progress was made on new training videos covering emergency response and stop valves.

Steve McLeod of Cimco (right) accepts an honorary life membership in IIAR from Chairman Ron Vallort.

In addition, Vallort noted, the association has set up "regular working relationships with key government agencies, such as the EPA, and with other industry-related associations." One focus, he said, has been "working with the food industry to exempt ammonia used in closed refrigeration systems from chemical security legislation."

Another focus deals with code requirements for emergency control boxes. Vallort said IIAR has proposed an automated high-to-low crossover system traditionally provided by manual valves in an emergency control box.

Members elected the following new directors: Bob Bonar, Bonar Engineering & Construction, McLean, Va.; Tim Facius, Baltimore Aircoil Co., Baltimore; Rudy Nechay, Industrial Refrigeration Services, Baltimore; Bob Port, Hixson, Cincinnati; Don Stroud, Kraft, Madison, Wis.; Rene Van Gerwen, Unilever, Vlaardingen, Netherlands; and John Yencho, Hansen Technologies, Burr Ridge, Ill.

An honorary life membership was given to past IIAR Chairman Steve McLeod of Cimco Refrigeration in Toronto.

IIAR granted a posthumous Member of the Year honor to Fred Herl, a valve manufacturer from Cologne, Germany, who passed away last September. Mr. Herl was honored for his long service to the association, most recently as a board member, and to the industry at large. His widow, Madeleine Herl, accepted the honor on his behalf.

Sidebar: Mycom Unveils Compressor Line

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Compressor manufacturer Mycom used the trade show at the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) meeting to introduce its I-Series compressors.

According to the company, the I-Series "is a low-cost answer to the 75- to 150-TR compressor market." The company said the compressor can be used as a replacement for aging reciprocating compressors, as well as in new installations. The compressor has variable-frequency drive capabilities.

The company said the compressor will be sold primarily in the United States and should be available this summer.

For more information, visit www.mycomus.com.

Publication date: 06/07/2004

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Peter Powell is Refrigeration Editor. He can be contacted at 815-654-7270 or peterpowell@achrnews.com. Peter was formerly Editor/Publisher of Service & Contracting, where he gained his refrigeration experience. Among his duties, Powell is responsible for the monthly Refrigeration Zone sections in The NEWS