During a climate seminar event toward the end of 2010, members of the Consumer Goods Forum, made up of European sector manufacturers and retailers, announced intentions to ban their use of refrigerant gases that they said had high global warming - including HFCs - by 2015 and to replace them with natural refrigerants.

A lot of talk these days about natural refrigerants focuses on CO2, propane, isobutene, and the like. Stateside, they may be new kids on the block in terms of HVACR applications. But one natural refrigerant that has been around seemingly forever is ammonia. So it - like those “newcomers” - is drawing a lot of attention.

Ammonia in compact systems using micro-channel technology. Building warehouses as high-rises as a way to save energy and reduce ammonia refrigerant charges. Ammonia in integrated heating and cooling systems. These were just some of the directions technical papers took at the recent International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration Industrial Conference.

The ammonia gas sensor module Model 5100-25-IT utilizes smart sensor technology and is network-enabled with a choice or combination of outputs: Serial RS-485 Modbus RTU interface, 4-20 mA, and optional 8-A integral relays.

As the world of refrigeration moves away from traditional CFCs and HCFCs toward more environmentally friendly alternatives, the use of ammonia refrigerants has been gaining in popularity and trending upwards.

The use of ammonia as a refrigerant has been around for approximately 160 years, dating back to its first use in France in the 1850s. It first appeared in the United States in the 1860s when it was used for artificial ice production. Its latest uses are a testament to the growing popularity of ammonia refrigerants.

Refrigeration contractors know that there are several upsides to ammonia refrigerants. The most common is its compatibility with the environment. Ammonia does not contribute to global warming because it does not deplete the ozone layer. It has thermodynamic qualities that require less electricity in its usage.

Safety is paramount when working with ammonia refrigerants. Why? If something does go wrong in such a situation, it can have grave consequences. Ammonia is a health risk because of its corrosiveness to skin, eyes, and lungs. In fact, exposure to 300 ppm creates an imminent danger to life and health.

Now that the industry is all confused about HCFC refrigerants, it might be time to pay a bit more attention to another refrigerant that has been around a long time, doesn’t cost all that much, and has a solid track record.

The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration will hold its 2012 Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition, March 17-21 at the Frontier Airlines Center in Milwaukee.