The ongoing approval process to bring online an innovative approach to dealing with refrigerants that have reached the end of their useful life has taken another step forward.

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 International Council of Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Manufacturers’ Associations (ICARHMA) met Oct. 3-5 in Canada to discuss industry trends and approve the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE) as an associate member.

The International Council of Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Manufacturers’ Associations (ICARHMA), at its meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, discussed industry trends and other topics and approved the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE) as an associate member.

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.

Whether or not HCs become major refrigerant players in the U.S. depends on who you talk to. Advocates point to extremely lower global warming potential, low cost, and a proven track record in Europe and Asia. Others see the flammability issue, A3 safety rating, and current building and fire codes limiting use to smaller applications.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added three hydrocarbons as acceptable alternative refrigerants in small commercial and household refrigerators and freezers through EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program.

The long-term availability of HFCs survived another effort at phase-down during the 23rd Meeting of the Parties (MOP23) to the Montreal Protocol held in November 2011. Participants did not reach agreement on taking any action to control HFCs.

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.

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is moving forward with an ambitious project to identify low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. What does that mean?