AIRAH builds bridge for natural refrigerants

The special interest group, to be formed at a first get-together organised by AIRAH on 30 October, will provide up to date technical information on developments in the area of natural refrigerants in Australia and overseas. Moreover, it will provide future industry training via a formal training qualification and seminar information session about ammonia and CO₂, and facilitate industry networking as well as the exchange of information. Another main target will be to strengthen communication channels worldwide and encourage a technical information exchange with the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR).

AIRAH hopes that the first meeting will already result in the formation of the special interest group to serve as a committee developing further action plans in the field of natural refrigerants under AIRAH’s national programme.

Communicating the success of natural refrigerants

The meeting will also discuss the use of AIRAH’s communication and publication magazines as effective tools to inform the special interest group members of future events. The organisation plans a series of seminars and conferences to facilitate information exchange across all industry sectors.

Already in 2007, AIRAH published case studies on natural refrigerants, highlighting ammonia as the refrigerant of choice in large industrial refrigeration applications, such as process cooling, cold storage and mining. As an example the study cites the CRF Colac Otway meat processing plant where a cascade CO₂/ammonia freezing system is capable of freezing more than 3000 bulk packed export meat cartons with a 24 hour turn around. Following the successful application of NH₃ in industrial refrigeration, Australia is now looking at chillers for building air conditioning as a potential future application for ammonia.

About AIRAH

The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating is a specialist organisation for air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilation professionals. Formed in 1920, AIRAH is recognised by government and industry bodies for its expertise across a wide range of issues in the area of engineering services for the built environment. It represents over 10,000 professionals across Australia.