Ammonia is both a friend to refrigeration contractors and a danger, too. When used properly in refrigeration units, its outstanding heat transfer capabilities can keep food cold for long periods of time, it does not harm the environment, and it is biodegradable. But exposure to ammonia does pose a danger to human health.

Move over compression ratio, ring valve, and reciprocating compressors. There are two new terms to add to your refrigeration terminology: ‘bi-volt’ and ‘spool.’ The words relate to some of the newest developments in compressor applications.

From a global perspective, there is a lot of interest in the wider use of R-744 (CO2), especially in supermarket refrigeration. Recently, a number of international studies and seminars have reported some of the latest developments regarding R-744.

The amount of condenser subcooling needed is system dependent. The more pressure drops — friction and static — associated with the lines and accessories that carry the liquid in the system, the more need there will be for liquid subcooling to prevent liquid line flash gas.

One of the basic components selected when installing a walk-in cooler/freezer or any field-assembled refrigeration system is the metering device, typically the thermostatic expansion valve (TXV). The TXV needs to be selected to match the Btu capacity of the system’s evaporator and compressor.

Perlick Corp., a maker of undercounter refrigeration, announced it has extended its residential products warranty to three years. The warranty is applicable to products built after Feb. 1. The warranty covers all parts and labor to repair or replace any part of the product, for three years from the date of the original purchase.

Although overall standards of refrigeration maintenance remain high, at many facilities there is still room for improvement. Upgrading your company’s rotating-equipment maintenance procedures and eliminating unsound practices will help reduce the risk of failures that can lead to process shutdowns or spoilage of refrigerated product.

Emerson announced that it has acquired the Marine Container and Boiler business of Johnson Controls Inc., enabling Emerson Climate Technologies to expand its refrigeration technology and solutions offerings in the global transportation sector. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Highly-efficient AK/AJ condensing units have been added to the Celseon® line of products. Each unit has an ultra-reliable, single-phase, PSC (permanent split-capacitor) motor, which does not require a starter (115V 60Hz and 208-230V 60Hz are available).

Tecumseh Products Co., a leading global manufacturer of compressors and related products, announced that Stephanie Hickman Boyse has been named to its board of directors effective immediately.