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As part of a seminar on Global Cold Chain, International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration President Bruce Badger and the new Chairman Peter Jordan presented the institute’s safety philosophy for ammonia refrigeration systems as well as best practice and standards that are in place. +IMAGE GALLERIES

At Asia’s leading HVAC&R trade fair China Refrigeration, 100 Asian experts gathered to discuss safety, standards and protection technology for ammonia refrigeration system. The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) held a seminar on Global Cold Chain including a one hour special on safety design as well as safety standards that have to be respected when using ammonia systems. The presentation was given in English with an integrated Chinese translation.

What to do in case of ammonia release

IIAR president Bruce Badger started off by explaining IIAR’s ammonia safety philosophy with the main focus on design, maintenance and training. This includes that the systems are already designed to prevent ammonia releases on the one hand and detect quickly as well as mitigate in case of ammonia release on the other. He clarified that the right design is key to avoid any release, however, even with the best system one must be prepared for a release. For this case the IIAR recommends the following steps:

1. Detect the release
2. Ensure personnel are quickly evacuated
3. Provide adequate ventilation
4. Stop the leak

Badger added that in addition to the design aspects a proper maintenance using protective equipment is as important as continuing training for the personnel.

Mitigation device for great safety benefit

Badger also explained that using special mitigation devices for the ammonia system could prevent releases from the pressure relief valves and lead to major safety benefits. The emergency pressure control system in combination with high-pressure vessels ensures that any ammonia is released into the low pressure rather than into the atmosphere.

Safety standards specifications

IIAR’s new Chairmen Peter Jordan who was elected two weeks ago at the IIAR conference in San Diego, presented the second part of the safety special. He focused on the regulatory side and gave details about ammonia detection systems, emergency exits that have to be respected, as well as ventilation and mitigation systems.

To ensure that safety systems are properly maintained he pointed out the following main safety measures:

• Test compressor safety cutouts, level alarms and level cutouts shall - once a year
• Calibrate ammonia detectors - once or twice a year
• Test emergency cutouts switches and isolation valves - once a year
• Test ventilation systems - once a year

Personnel protective equipment

Jordan also explained the importance of personnel protective equipment for different levels of ammonia concentration. He differentiated between Level D+, C, and A. Whereas Level D+ refers to the sole potential of ammonia exposure and requires general work protection, requires level C with concentration up to 5000ppm additional protection equipment. Level A is defined for concentrations above 5000ppm or unknown and requires a chemical resistant, fully encapsulating suit as protection.

Please find pictures of the presentation in the image galleries below and go to Flickr to download high quality presentation images

Slide show Bruce Badger presentation

Slide show Peter Jordan presentation