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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 topics of the conference are design of modern ammonia systems and technological innovation, improving energy efficiency, various applications, technical guidelines, safety and regulations.

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The industrial refrigeration industry manufacturers, contractors, trainers and other service providers will gather in Milwaukee to display their products and services at the 2012 IIAR Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition. Read More