CFD Modeling of a machine room with an ammonia refrigerant leak and the evaluation of alarm level ventilation rates on leak dispersion. 

Building on research conducted for the CFD Simulation of an Ammonia Dispersion within Refrigerated Spaces project. The details of this proposal are being refined to model and analyze a gaseous and liquid leak in different size machine rooms with different ventilation rates. The study would gain insights into the effects of different air exchange rates, including 30X, on the ammonia dispersions and accumulations within a machine room. The study should also provide insight into the location of ammonia detectors within a machine room.

2018

CFD Simulation of an Ammonia Dispersion within Refrigerated Spaces 
The goal of this research is to assess and if necessary develop code language concerning ammonia detector placement in cold rooms based on numerical simulation of ammonia releases within them. 

2018
Development of a Mechanical Insulation Installation Guideline for Refrigeration Applications 
This project is intended to provide best practice details for inclusion in an installation guideline for insulation systems for refrigeration applications (pipes, tanks, and equipment). This will include a thorough treatment of vapor retarder joints, insulation joints, and insulation system terminations.  As a minimum, this guideline will address the installation of insulation systems of all of the materials currently listed in the IIAR Piping Handbook.

Optimum Pipe Sizing 
Approval Date: 9/30/2014

The objective of this research was to revisit the economic sizing methodology, originally proposed by Genereaux and subsequently transplanted into the industrial refrigeration industry by Richards, in order to update and expand the recommended pipe sizing tables included in the IIAR Piping Handbook.  A primary aim of this project is to provide a computer-based analysis tool that will allow users to explore optimum pipe sizing based on input data that includes: piping system capital cost information, system energy cost data, piping system life expectancy, and refrigeration system operating efficiency information. 

Results of the research project have been included in the 2019 IIAR Refrigeration Piping Handbook.

Analysis and Correlation of Data from ASHRAE RP-1327 (Flow in Two-Phase Ammonia Risers)Tests: Conducted with 2” and 4” pipes. 
Information collected from the Investigation of Entrance Effects on Two-Phase Flow in Vertical Suction Risers was forwarded to ASHRAE and IIAR as raw data and as charts with curves indicating the minimum pressure drop and measuring uncertainties. The purpose of this project was to analyze and correlate the data into general correlations (equations) for ammonia, valid for a range of pipe diameters and riser heights, and to develop relevant equations and charts in a usable form ready for inserting into the appropriate chapter(s) of the IIAR Piping Handbook, based on these correlations. Part of this project was the development of a computer program to aid in the selection of wet vertical suction piping.

2019 Technical Paper Presentation - Prediction of Void Fraction and Pressure Drops in Vertical Ammonia Risers - John R. Thome, DPhil, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Influence of P-Trap vs 90 degree Elbow Inlet on Two-Phase Pressure Drop in Vertical Suction Risers
Approval Date: 6/18/2013

This study was carried out on the test rig developed for ASHRAE RP-1327 at the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) in Aarhus, Denmark. The information produced by this study has furthered the understanding of two-phase pressure drop and flow in risers and should lead us to better designs with this critical part of ammonia piping systems.   

ARF funded a research project based on the conducting a Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA) for various ammonia dispersion methods (release to atmosphere, flaring, scrubbing, water diffusion tank). 
The objective of the project was to determine the effectiveness of different methods of mitigating ammonia releases through a pressure relief device in an ammonia refrigeration system.  A literature review was conducted and among the methods discovered, five were selected for further study and include: discharge into a tank containing standing water, discharge into the atmosphere, discharge into a flare, discharge into a wet scrubber, and an emergency pressure control system.    All the methods were compared applying quantitative risk analysis where failure rates of each system were combined with ammonia dispersion modeling and with the monetized health effects of a system’s failure to contain an ammonia release. It was determined that the ammonia release height had the greatest influence on the downwind cost impact relative to the other variables, including weather conditions and release from multiple sources.  While the discharge into a tank containing standing water was determined to have the lowest failure rate, the other discharge methods can be designed to have comparable failure rates and comparable release consequent cost.  The emergency pressure control system, now required by codes, used in conjunction with the other ammonia release mitigation systems, was determined to be very effective. The results of the study were presented in a workshop session at the 2013 IIAR Conference and in a technical paper at the 2014 IIAR Conference. ​

2014 IIAR Technical Paper Presentation - Comparison of Various Methods of Mitigating Over Pressure Induced Release Events Involving Ammonia Refrigeration Using Quantitative Risk Analysis  - Author: Donald Fenton and Tyler Hodges
IIAR Members can access Technical Paper information for free through the IIAR online elibrary

Comparison of Various Methods of Mitigating Over Pressure Induced Release Events Involving Ammonia Refrigeration Using Quantitative Risk Analysis
Approval Date: 6/22/2013

Chidu's paper

Development and Validation of a Bench Test Procedure for Post-Mortem Testing of Safety Relief Valves (SRV) and Development of Statistical Analysis Software Tool 
Approval Date: 7/28/2009

​In 2007, IIAR revised its recommended practice for replacing pressure relief valves on industrial ammonia refrigeration systems (Section 6.6.3 of Bulletin 110). In addition to the prescriptive five year relief valve replacement interval, the revisions to Bulletin 110 added an alternative replacement method based on an evaluation of in-service relief valve life using appropriate testing and data analysis methods. This paper describes the results of a research project that aimed to validate guidelines for the postmortem testing of relief valves. The purpose of the data collected by post-mortem testing is intended to support the alternative path to determine the service life of relief valves following their removal from the system prior to their disposal (i.e. post-mortem). The testing procedure and data gathering methods described in this paper are intended for relief valves that have not discharged during their in-service life. A test rig suitable for post-mortem testing of relief valves was designed, constructed, and proof-tested. The function of the experimental rig was established by testing a range of alternative relief valves that included high and low set pressures; high and low capacities; as well as both new and used relief valves. The draft test procedure was modified using the information gathered during the rig proof-test. The results of this project include a relief valve test rig design and corresponding test procedures suitable for data collection by post-mortem testing of relief valves. 

2011 IIAR Technical Paper Presentation - Development and Validation of a Bench Test Procedure for Post Mortem Testing of Relief Valves - Author:  T. B. Jekel, M. Claas,  D. T. Reindl
IIAR Members can access Technical Paper information for free through the IIAR online elibrary

Comparison of Various Methods of Mitigating Over Pressure Induced Release Events Involving Ammonia Refrigeration Using Quantitative Risk Analysis
Approval Date: 12/20/2007

 Joint ASME-ARF Research Project: Impact Testing Exemption Curves for Low Temperature Operation of Pressure Piping.  Extension of ASME exemption curves has been accomplished by consistent application of old and new ASME fracture mechanics concepts originally intended for pressure vessels. It is recognized that materials produced by modern means may be deserving of greater credit for toughness and reassignment to different traditional curves or even new curves may be in order. Where there is impact toughness data, the mean temperature in the transition region may be estimated and new exemption curves developed. Procedures described were used to adjust exemption curves for thickness where pipe wall is less than the normal Charpy specimen width. 

2009 IIAR Technical Paper Presentation - Impact Testing Exemption Curves for Low Temperature Operation of Pressure Piping - Author: Martin Prager
IIAR Members can access Technical Paper information for free through the IIAR online elibrary

ARF Research Project Programs

ARF Research Project Proposal Form