Industrial refrigeration is critical to facilities that produce, process, store, and distribute temperature-sensitive products. From food processing and cold storage to manufacturing, reliable refrigeration systems help protect products, maintain compliance, and keep operations running efficiently. Two of the most common refrigerants used in these systems are ammonia and CO₂, each offering unique advantages depending on the application.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are generally a mixture of chemicals commonly used as refrigerants. They are also used as propellants in aerosol sprays. CFCs generally contain different substances, including fluorine, carbon, chlorine, and hydrogen.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are colorless and odorless, making them more challenging to detect. CFCs are generally quite volatile and start evaporating immediately when exposed to open air.

That is one of the main reasons why they can be inhaled so easily. Even though CFCs are considered non-toxic, exposure (commonly through inhalation) can result in respiratory issues and may even cause a person to lose consciousness.

In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of ammonia compared to CFC refrigerants and why it is gaining popularity in the industry.

Environmentally Friendly:

One of the most significant advantages of ammonia is its environmentally friendly nature. Ammonia serves as a natural refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer. In contrast, CFC refrigerants like R507 and R404 are known to have detrimental effects on the ozone layer and contribute to global warming. By opting for ammonia in refrigeration systems, industries can align themselves with sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, reducing their carbon footprint and helping to protect the environment for future generations.

Longevity:

Ammonia-based refrigeration systems boast a longer lifespan compared to CFC-based systems. This longevity contributes to cost savings and minimizes the need for frequent replacements or repairs. Industries can benefit from reduced downtime and maintenance costs, increasing operational efficiency and productivity.

Lower Costs and Electricity Usage:

Ammonia refrigeration systems offer significant cost advantages. The cost of ammonia itself is notably lower than that of CFC refrigerants. Its wide availability and ease of production contribute to these cost savings. Additionally, ammonia-based systems require less electricity to operate due to their higher coefficient of performance (COP). The higher COP ensures that less electricity is necessary to achieve the desired level of cooling, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills. By choosing ammonia, industries can enjoy both financial savings and reduced environmental impact.

Administrative Requirements:

Ammonia refrigeration systems are highly efficient, but they also come with important safety and regulatory responsibilities. Depending on the size of the system, facilities may be required to comply with OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) standard and the EPA’s Risk Management Program (RMP). These requirements help ensure ammonia systems are operated safely, minimizing risk while protecting employees, nearby communities, and the environment.

In conclusion, ammonia-based refrigeration systems offer significant advantages over CFC refrigerants. These advantages include energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, longevity, lower costs, and reduced electricity usage. Ammonia systems also have administrative requirements to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. As the world strives for sustainability and environmentally friendly solutions, ammonia-based refrigeration systems present an excellent choice for industries seeking to reduce their environmental impact, save on energy costs, and promote efficient cooling solutions. We can contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future by embracing ammonia.

For more information, check out our Industrial Refrigeration page or contact us with any questions.

In the ammonia refrigeration industry, personnel occasionally come across installations that could best be described as “interesting.” Some contractor practices are well thought out and appropriate for the application, while others raise legitimate questions about safety, code compliance, and industry best practices.

Recently, we were asked the following question: Is it proper to attach clips, brackets, or other elements to the exterior of refrigeration piping? Naturally, one might wonder if such a thing is allowed under ASME B31.5 (the refrigeration piping code). At first, it almost seems counterintuitive to think that B31.5 would permit welding support elements to the exterior of a pipe. However, this practice is actually explicitly permitted, as can be seen in the code excerpt below:

From ASME B31.5, 2006 521.3.1 (f)

Additionally, it’s worth pointing out that the 2016 version of ASME has the same exact language. The note that welding must meet the requirements of Chapter V is a nominal one. Again, there is nothing prohibitive in this language regarding the attachment of elements to piping.

Now, Section 531, which addresses heat treatment, is a little more interesting. Within this section, there appear to be two criteria for requiring preheating and postheating of welds. The first refers to the welding procedure used. It states that if the procedure requires heat treatment, then heat treatment is, unsurprisingly, required. The other criterion is Table 531.2.1, which indicates that, as a rule, ammonia refrigeration systems will fall under a category where no preheat and postheat treatment is needed. Thus, welding to the piping exterior wouldn’t be a concern under this provision.

From our point of view, welding to pipe for the connection of pipe supports is not an excellent practice. If it must be done, we would want to confirm through stress analysis that there is no risk of damaging the pipe due to expansion or other dynamic conditions. Furthermore, if a fabrication aid (like a lifting lug) has been used, insulation issues could occur if the aid is not removed. In such cases, the attachment should be removed and ground smooth before pressure testing to ensure that the piping was not compromised during the removal. And so, it is indeed acceptable to weld components to the exterior of refrigerant piping, but remember to proceed with caution!

For more information on ColonialWebb’s Industrial Refrigeration services, click here.