The Institute of Refrigeration Ireland and Engineers Ireland are presenting a comprehensive one-day conference on the Safe Use of Natural Refrigerants.
With the traditional chemical HFC refrigerants now under increasing environmental, cost and availability pressures, attention is turning to the options for alternative natural refrigerants with a long-term future.
Natural refrigerants in current use consist of Ammonia, Carbon-dioxide (CO2), and Hydrocarbons (HCs).
Ammonia has long been used in industrial applications, and is likely to continue to do so. CO2 has in recent years come into use in both industrial and commercial systems, and HCs are now used in domestic and retail fridges and also in chillers.
(Air and water are also natural refrigerants, but have limited commercial application at present.)
Seminar Aim
The aim of the Conference is to inform attendees on the benefits and challenges of using natural refrigerants, so that they can be installed and used safely and efficiently in appropriate applications.
Programme
The programme will include presentations from specialists and experts on the following topics:
Hydrocarbons: Where can propane and other hydrocarbons be used and how much is permitted.
CO2: The benefits and challenges of CO2 in commercial and industrial systems
Ammonia:Ten things that will make an ammonia refrigeration safer and more efficient.
Training: Training and competence for installers and operators.
Retail Refrigeration: Small and medium sized CO2 condensing units for retail refrigeration.
Adiabatic cooling: Using the evaporation of water to provide useful cooling in warmer weather.
Chillers: Developments in ammonia, HC and CO2 packaged chillers
Secondary cooling: Chilled water and glycol systems, glycols, oils, brines / salts,
Electrical regulations: The electrical regulations in Ireland that apply to refrigeration systems.
Environmental Impact: Minimising the environmental impact of direct emissions from refrigeration systems.
Health and Safety: Avoiding incidents and accidents: PPE, sources of contamination, personal care.