ASHRAE Position Document on

Ammonia as a Refrigerant

Approved by ASHRAE Board of Directors

July 2, 2014

Expires
July 2, 2017

ASHRAE
1791 Tullie Circle, NE • Atlanta, Georgia 30329-2305
404-636-8400 • fax: 404-321-5478 • www.ashrae.org
 © 2014 ASHRAE (www.ashrae.org). For personal use only. Additional reproduction, distribution,
or transmission in either print or digital form is not permitted without ASHRAE’s prior written permission.

COMMITTEE ROSTER
The ASHRAE Position Document on “Ammonia as a Refrigerant” was developed by the Society’s
Refrigeration Committee. Position Document Committee formed on July 24, 2012 with Eric M.
Smith as its chair.

Eric M. Smith, Chairman Richard Royal

International Institute of Ammonia Walmart
Refrigeration Bentonville, Arkansas, USA
Alexandria, Virginia, USA

Donald A. Siller Martin Timm

Electro Motion Refrigeration Inc. Praxair, Inc.
Chesterfield, Missouri, USA Tonawanda, New York, USA

Todd Jekel Ron Vallort

Industrial Refrigeration Consortium, Ron Vallort and Associates, LTD.
Madison, Wisconsin, USA Ponte Verde Beach, Florida, USA

Cesar Lim
San Miguel Corporation
Paranaque, Philippines

Former members and contributors and their affiliation at the time

Kent Anderson
President International Institute of Ammonia
Refrigeration
Washington, D.C., USA

James J. Shepherd John R. Topliss

Toromont Process Systems Refrigeration Components Canada, Ltd.
North Salt Lake, Utah, USA Delta, British Columbia, Canada

Ronald P. Strong, P.E. Donald A. Siller

R.H. Strong & Associates Inc. Electro Motion Refrigeration Inc.
Delta, British Columbia, Canada Chesterfield, Missouri, USA

Ron Vallort
Carter Burgess
Warrenville, Illinois, USA
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HISTORY

of

REVISION / REAFFIRMATION / WITHDRAWAL DATES

The following summarizes the revision, reaffirmation or withdrawal dates:

1/28/1993 – Board of Directors approves Position Document titled Ammonia as a

Refrigerant

1/17/2002 – Board of Directors approves revised Position Document titled Ammonia as

a Refrigerant

1/26/2006 – Board of Directors approves reaffirmation of Position Document titled

Ammonia as a Refrigerant

1/30/2010 – Technology Council approves reaffirmation of Position Document titled

Ammonia as a Refrigerant

6/30/2013 – Technology Council approves reaffirmation of Position Document titled

Ammonia as a Refrigerant

7/2/2014 – Board of Directors approves revised Position Document titled Ammonia as a

Refrigerant

ASHRAE’s Technology Council and the cognizant committee recommend revision,

reaffirmation, or withdrawal every 30 months.

Note: ASHRAE position documents are approved by the Board of Directors and express the views of the Society on a
specific issue. The purpose of these documents is to provide objective, authoritative background information to persons
interested in issues within ASHRAE’s expertise, particularly in areas where such information will be helpful in drafting
sound public policy. A related purpose is also to serve as an educational tool clarifying ASHRAE’s position for its
members and professionals, in general, advancing the arts and sciences of HVAC&R.
 © 2014 ASHRAE (www.ashrae.org). For personal use only. Additional reproduction, distribution,
or transmission in either print or digital form is not permitted without ASHRAE’s prior written permission.

CONTENTS
ASHRAE Position Document on

“Ammonia as a Refrigerant”

SECTION PAGE

Abstract ...............................................................................................................1

Executive Summary .............................................................................................2

1.0 Background/History of Use.............................................................................3

2.0 Current Uses of Ammonia...............................................................................3

3.0 Refrigeration Uses of Ammonia......................................................................4

4.0 Health and Safety…………….............................................................................4

5.0 Environmental Aspects...................................................................................5

6.0 Considerations of Ammonia as a Refrigerant..................................................6

7.0 ASHRAE Activities...........................................................................................7

8.0 References ....................................................................................................10

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ABSTRACT

Ammonia has been continuously used as a refrigerant since the initial practical use of the
vapor-compression refrigeration cycle was developed. It has remained the main refrigerant
used in industrial refrigeration systems because of its superior thermodynamic properties
and low cost. Restrictions on CFC, HCFC and many HFC refrigerants have re-focused
attention on ammonia to emerge as one of the widely used refrigerants that, when released
to the atmosphere, does not contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. ASHRAE
considers that the continued use of ammonia is necessary for food preservation and air
conditioning. ASHRAE promotes a variety of programs such as a dedicated chapter in the
Refrigeration Handbook and several current and former research projects to preserve the
economic benefits of ammonia refrigeration while providing for the management of risks.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Globally, there is a growing interest in ammonia as a refrigerant, both by itself, and in
cascade refrigeration systems with carbon dioxide. Restrictions on CFC, HCFC and many HFC
containing refrigerants have focused attention on ammonia to emerge as one of the widely
used refrigerants that, when released to the atmosphere, does not contribute to ozone
depletion and global warming.

Ammonia is an efficient refrigerant used in food processing and preservation, as well as in

many other refrigeration and air-conditioning processes. Ammonia is environmentally
friendly having zero GWP and zero ODP. It is hazardous when released in large quantities.
Because of its irritating odor, persons will not voluntarily stay near concentrations that are
health-threatening. Although ammonia will burn in a narrow range of high concentrations, it
is difficult to ignite and will not support combustion after the ignition source is withdrawn.
Ammonia has an ASHRAE flammability class of 2L and is classified as non-flammable by the
US Department of Transportation 49 CFR.

ASHRAE considers that the continued use of ammonia is necessary for food preservation
and air conditioning. ASHRAE promotes a variety of programs to preserve the economic
benefits of ammonia refrigeration while providing for the management of risks.

ASHRAE will:
• Promote authoritative information on ammonia by seminars and publications.
• Continue research on ammonia topics such as handling, application, operation, control of
emissions and new technology.
• Maintain and develop standards and guidelines for practical and safe application of
ammonia in refrigeration systems.
• Provide programs and publication of innovative designs and application of ammonia
refrigeration.
• Advise governments and code officials with information regarding ammonia.

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1.0 BACKGROUND/HISTORY OF USE

Ammonia (chemical symbol NH3, United Nations Chemical I.D. #1005) is produced both
naturally and as a byproduct of numerous man-made reactive processes. Large amounts of
naturally occurring ammonia gas come from livestock animals, soil surfaces and even the
human body. Manmade processes that emit ammonia to the atmosphere include fuel
combustion processes and sewage treatment plants.

The nitrogen component of ammonia was first recognized as an important fertilizer around
1840, and ammonia was first used as a refrigerant around 1850. Ammonia was first
commercially produced in the United States about 1880 as a distillation by-product of coal
processing to produce coke and coal gas.

The first direct-synthesis commercial process was developed in Germany by Fritz Haber and
Carl Bosch in 1913. The wide variety of ammonia uses throughout agriculture and industry,
combined with varied and highly efficient manufacturing processes, has kept the costs of
commercially manufacturing ammonia low. Natural gas is one of the feedstocks used for
large scale ammonia production. The rapid increase in the availability of natural gas in the
U.S. and elsewhere due to new drilling technologies has kept the cost of this feedstock
down, helping to keep down the cost of the ammonia product.

2.0 CURRENT USES OF AMMONIA

Ammonia is an alkaline, colorless chemical compound that is well recognized as the basis for
household cleaning products. It also has many agricultural, industrial and commercial uses.
It is available in five generally recognized grades—fertilizer, refrigerant, federal,
metallurgical, and semiconductor—depending on its level of purity.

Refrigeration grade ammonia is 99.98 percent pure and is relatively free of water and other
impurities (maximum: 150 ppm water, 3 ppm oil, 0.2 ml/g non-condensibles). It is readily
available, inexpensive, operates at pressures comparable with other refrigerants and is
capable of absorbing large amounts of heat when it evaporates.

Of the estimated 131 million metric tons of ammonia produced commercially throughout
the world each year (8 million metric tons in the United States), over 80 percent is used for
agricultural purposes1. Some of the agricultural uses of commercial ammonia include:
• Direct injection into soil as a fertilizer (amount can be as much as 150 pounds annually per
acre).
• Production of urea (colorless crystalline material that is a highly concentrated form of
nitrogen fertilizer and a source of protein in livestock feeds).
• Pre-harvest cotton defoliant.
• Anti-fungal agent on certain fruits.

The remaining 20 percent of commercially manufactured ammonia is used for numerous

industrial applications, such as:
• Direct injection in selective catalytic reduction control of nitrogen oxides for stack

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emissions.
• Direct injection of ammonium hydroxide for stack emissions to neutralize sulfur oxides
from sulfur-containing fuels.
• Nitrogen component for the manufacture of explosives such as TNT and nitroglycerin.
• Closed-loop refrigerant in many industrial refrigeration systems.
• Neutralizing agent for acid constituents in sewage treatment plants.

Less than 2 percent of all the ammonia commercially produced in the world is used as a
refrigerant.

3.0 REFRIGERATION USES OF AMMONIA

With increased regulation being placed upon the use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC),
hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) based refrigerants, and the
ongoing phase-out of CFCs and HCFCs, alternative refrigerants for use in existing
refrigeration systems are actively being investigated. These alternative refrigerants must
have thermodynamic characteristics similar to those of Halocarbons and be safe for humans
and the environment.

Ammonia is one alternative refrigerant for new and existing refrigerating and air-
conditioning systems. Ammonia has a low boiling point (-28°F @ 0 psig), an ozone depletion
potential (ODP) of 0.00 when released to atmosphere and a high latent heat of vaporization
(eight (8.17 at -28°F) times greater than R-12 and six (6.18 at -28°F) times greater than R-
134a). In addition, ammonia in the atmosphere does not directly contribute to global
warming. These characteristics result in a highly energy-efficient vapor-compression cycle
with ammonia as the refrigerant with minimal environmental problems.

From a purely economic analysis, without unnecessary regulatory burdens, ammonia should
find broader applications as a refrigerant than it currently enjoys.

Ammonia’s use in the HVAC&R industry should be expanded as regulatory and code officials
become informed of its relative safety. Applications for ammonia-based refrigeration
systems include thermal storage systems, HVAC chillers, process cooling and air
conditioning, district cooling systems, supermarkets, convenience stores, air conditioning
for the International Space Station and Biosphere II and increasing output efficiencies for
power generation facilities.

Ammonia is increasingly used in cascade refrigeration systems with carbon dioxide. In these
systems, ammonia is used in the high stage to reject heat to the environment. Carbon
dioxide is used in the low stage to absorb heat from the load to be cooled, and to reject the
heat to the ammonia high stage. Such systems allow the use of ammonia in a wider range
of applications, because the less hazardous carbon dioxide can be used in more locations,
while the highly efficient ammonia can be kept in a central mechanical room or rooftop
compartment.

4.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY

Ammonia is hazardous at high concentration levels. The National Institute for Occupational

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Safety and Health (NIOSH), in its 2007 Pocket Guide2, has set the immediately dangerous to
life and health (IDLH) level, the level at which an individual could be exposed for 30 minutes
without a respirator and not experience any lasting health effects, at 300 parts per million.
Ammonia’s sharp, irritating, pungent odor actually helps reduce exposure to potentially
dangerous concentrations. The average odor threshold is 5 ppm3, well below concentrations
that may cause harmful effects to the human anatomy.

The chart below, which is based on data from ATSDR 20044, shows the effects of various

Body Part Concentration Effect

Eyes 500 ppm and below No permanent eye damage to even chronic
exposure (see Ref 5)
Eyes 100-200 ppm
Eyes irritated (see Ref 5)
Skin 5000 ppm and above Full body chemical suit required (see Ref 3)
(vapor)
Pure liquid Second degree burns with blisters (see Ref 3)
Lungs 400 ppm Immediate throat irritation (see Ref 3)
1700 ppm Cough (see Ref 3)
2400 ppm Threat to life after 30 minutes (see Ref 3)

concentrations of ammonia.

The self-alarming property of ammonia is recognized by virtually all engineers, designers,

technicians and mechanics that deal with and work on ammonia systems regularly. Thus,
small leaks are repaired quickly and not neglected or dismissed as insignificant.

The threshold limit value (TLV) consists of two components—the time-weighted average
(TWA) concentration and the short-term exposure limit (STEL). The TWA is the time-
weighted average concentration for a normal eight-hour work day and a 40-hour work
week. The STEL is a 15-minute time weighted average exposure that should not be
exceeded at any time during the work day, even if the eight-hour TWA is within the TLV. The
TWA of ammonia is 25 ppm. The STEL for ammonia is 35 ppm. OSHA’s personal exposure
limit (PEL) is 50 ppm5.

Modern ammonia systems are fully contained closed-loop systems with fully integrated
controls, which regulate pressures throughout the system. Also, every refrigeration system
is required by codes, which are effective, mature and constantly updated and revised, to
have safety relief valves to protect the system and its pressure vessels from over-
pressurization and possible failure. The most common and preferred method of release is by
venting of the vapor from the relief valves to the atmosphere at a safe location. Ammonia is
lighter than air (molecular weight of ammonia is 17, molecular weight of air is 28).

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

Ammonia is not a contributor to ozone depletion, greenhouse effect or global warming.6
Thus, it is an environmentally friendly refrigerant. Ammonia has no cumulative effects on

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the environment and a very limited (a few days7) atmospheric lifetime. Because of the short
lifetime of ammonia in the atmosphere, it is considered to be biodegradable. It is even used
to reduce harmful stack gas emissions by injection into boiler and gas turbine exhaust
streams3. In such systems, only part of the ammonia is consumed in the emission control
process, and a small fraction “slips” into the environment.

Ammonia may be released to the atmosphere by sources such as decaying organic matter,
animal excreta, fertilization of soil, burning of coal, wood, etc., and by volcanic eruptions.
Ammonia may be released into water as effluent from sewage treatment and/or industrial
processes and as run-off from fertilized fields or areas of livestock concentrations. Ammonia
may be released into soils from natural or synthetic fertilizer applications, livestock
excrement, the decay of organic material from dead plants and animals or from the natural
fixation of atmospheric nitrogen.

6.0 CONSIDERATIONS OF AMMONIA AS A REFRIGERANT

While the benefits of ammonia as a refrigerant are well known (high energy efficiency, zero
ODP, zero GWP, low TEWI, self-alarming pungent odor), barriers to expanding its use into
HVAC&R applications must be addressed. These barriers, both real and perceived, generally
relate to human health and environmental safety, and to ammonia refrigeration system
installation cost. Ammonia reacts with to copper in the presence of common contaminants
such as air and water. Therefore, with the exception of some copper containing bronze
alloys used in compressor and pump bearings, ammonia systems are constructed using
aluminum, carbon steel, and stainless steel components. Joints are most often welded,
rather than brazed. A lack of technicians trained to understand and handle ammonia
refrigeration systems also presents a barrier to its implementation.

In properly constructed and commissioned refrigeration systems, ammonia contributes to a

high theoretical COP compared to many refrigerants that are currently in use8. The high
efficiency of ammonia systems also benefits the environment by requiring less energy for a
given refrigeration load, and thus less carbon dioxide generation associated with the
production of electricity.

6.1 Human Health and Environmental Safety

Anhydrous ammonia (Chemical Abstracts Service, CAS #7664-41-7) is currently classified by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an extremely hazardous substance
(EPCRA, Sec. 302, 303). It is included on the following Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) lists9:

• Reportable Quantity List (Section 304) -Chemicals on this EPCRA list require notification to
EPA and state and local agencies of releases in excess of the reportable quantity (currently
100 pounds).
• Extremely Hazardous Substance List (Section 302) -Chemicals on this EPCRA list, at
facilities with quantities in excess of the Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ), are subject to
EPCRA requirements, which mandates numerous reporting and planning provisions. The
TPQ of ammonia is 10,000 pounds.
• Section 313 - Chemicals on this EPCRA list are subject to the annual toxic release inventory

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reporting (Form R).

While the EPA addresses ammonia from the environmental perspective, the U.S.
Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) addresses ammonia from the
perspective of worker safety. OSHA defines ammonia as a hazardous material and,
depending on its use, imposes certain regulations on its use, storage, handling and
occupational exposure.
EPA and OSHA classify all CFCs and HCFCs as hazardous substances, and thus the use of
these refrigerants requires specific reporting and management practices comparable to
ammonia.

6.2 Risk Assessment

All refrigerating systems require risk assessment; ammonia systems are not exceptions.
OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM), 29CFR1910.119, provides guidelines for a
comprehensive program developed by employees and management at facilities to ensure
that proper safety, maintenance and operating procedures are followed, and thereby
minimize potential hazards. This PSM incorporates ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15, Safety
Standard for Refrigeration Systems as well as other standards for design, installation,
10

maintenance and operation. Although it only affects plants with large refrigerant charges,
its requirement for what-if or hazop analyses are directed towards reducing risks and
promoting plant safety, so PSM could be a good program for smaller plants also. The
International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) has developed a similar process
safety management plan, tailored for smaller facilities.11

Facilities affected by OSHA’s PSM are also affected by EPA’s Risk Management Program
(RMP), which is intended to prevent, detect and respond to accidental releases of hazardous
chemicals and to inform local communities of the risks.

With an appropriate application of PSM and RMP programs to ammonia refrigeration

systems, safety to individuals, communities and the environment is enhanced. However, the
application of PSM and RMP programs must be refined and tailored to avoid imposing
unreasonable and overly burdensome barriers on new and existing ammonia refrigeration
systems.

7.0 ASHRAE ACTIVITIES

ASHRAE has a long history of involvement with the use of ammonia as a refrigerant, dating
back to the earliest applications for refrigeration. ASHRAE has a significant role to play in
encouraging the proper and safe use of ammonia in the following areas: policy; research,
standards, codes and guidelines and technology exchange and education.

7.1 Policy
ASHRAE’s Ammonia as a Refrigerant Position Document emphasizes the important role that
ammonia can play as an alternative to CFC, HCFC, HFO and HFC refrigerants. It also identifies
ASHRAE’s concerns about the use of ammonia and establishes what the Society will do to
encourage and support its proper and safe use as a refrigerant.

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Ammonia has been identified by the EPA12as a viable alternative to currently used
refrigerants because it does not deplete the ozone layer or contribute to global warming.

The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) has identified ammonia as an excellent
refrigerant for replacement of many current CFC and HCFC applications [2010 Technical
Options Report] as part of the reassessment of the Montreal Protocol. Other countries,
notably Germany, have established policies to encourage and promote the use of ammonia,
including the replacement of such HCFC refrigerants as R-22 for applications such as water
chillers and commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets.
Other international organizations have issued positions or statements of support for the use
of ammonia as a refrigerant. These include the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air-
Conditioning and Heating13, the International Institute of Refrigeration14, the German
Institute of Refrigeration15, etc.

7.2 Research
ASHRAE is unique among technical engineering societies because it sponsors an extensive
member-supported research program. In 2013-2014, the ASHRAE Board of Directors has
approved funding for ASHRAE research projects and grant and aid payments of nearly $3
million. A significant portion of current projects relate to alternative refrigerants, including
ammonia. In past years, ASHRAE has promoted several research projects related to various
aspects of ammonia refrigeration. The most recent ASHRAE research plan includes a goal to
facilitate the use of natural and low global warming potential (GWP) synthetic refrigerants
and seek methods to reduce their charge. ASHRAE has had recent and/or current research
projects that involve ammonia, including:

• Condensation-Induced Hydraulic Shock Laboratory Study, $81,800 project managed by TC

10.3 at Georgia Institute of Technology (970-RP).
• Evaporation of Ammonia Outside Smooth and Enhanced Tubes with Miscible and
Immiscible Oils, $115,675 project managed by TC 1.3 at Texas Tech University (977-RP).
• In-Tube Condensation of Ammonia in Smooth and Enhanced Tubes With and Without
Miscible Oil, $147,000 project managed by TC 1.3 at University of Illinois (1207-RP).
• Flow Regime and Pressure Drop Determination for Two-Phase Ammonia Upward Flow in
Various Riser Sizes, $215,240 project managed by TC 1.3 at Danish Technical Institute (1327-
RP).
• Evaporation in Flooded Corrugated Plate Heat Exchangers with Ammonia and
Ammonia/Miscible Oil, $97,585 project managed by TC 10.3 at Ghulan Ishaq Kahn Institute
(1353 RP).

ASHRAE actively encourages the submission of proposals for new research projects related
to refrigeration and other applications that relate to ammonia. Several future ammonia
projects are included in the most recent research plan.

A number of other refrigeration-related organizations are interested in use of ammonia as a

refrigerant. A general list of ammonia-related potential research projects has been
developed.

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7.3 Standards, Codes and Guidelines

ASHRAE plays a major role in development of voluntary standards and guidelines governing
the application and use of refrigerants, including ammonia. In addition, other organizations
adopt the technical requirements developed by ASHRAE into various codes and regulations.

The most important ASHRAE standards dealing with ammonia are ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
34-2013, Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants16, and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
15- 2013, Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems. Standard 34 classifies ammonia as a
Group B2L refrigerant, because of toxicity and flammability concerns. Standard 15
establishes the requirements for safely applying ammonia in refrigerating systems. In
general, ammonia can be used in unlimited quantities in direct systems for industrial
occupancies. However it must be used in indirect (secondary) systems for commercial and
public occupancies, while its general use in small absorption equipment is unrestricted.

The ASHRAE Refrigeration Handbook states that there is renewed interest in ammonia for
HVAC systems because of the scheduled phaseout and increasing costs of CFC and HFC
refrigeration. While ammonia is inappropriate for direct systems, the use of secondary
systems that use ammonia to chill water or another secondary refrigerant are a viable
alternative to halocarbon systems for HVAC applications.17

Other technical organizations have issued standards/ guidelines addressing the proper
application of ammonia as a refrigerant. These standards/guidelines cover the design,
installation and operation of ammonia refrigeration systems [ANSI/ IIAR 2-2008, ANSI / IIAR
5-2013, ANSI / IIAR 7-2013].18-20 International standards also address safety and application of
ammonia [ISO 5149, Refrigeration Safety21; ISO 1662, Refrigerating Plants - Safety
Requirements22; CEN EN 378, Refrigerating Systems Safety and Environmental
Requirements23].

The proper application of ammonia as a refrigerant is governed by state and local building,
mechanical and electrical codes. In the U.S., these codes are issued by various model code
organizations such as International Code Council (ICC) and National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA). Because of its classification as a hazardous chemical, ammonia is often
specifically covered by various requirements in fire codes. The Code Interaction
Subcommittee of ASHRAE’s Standards Committee will review proposed fire and mechanical
codes that could affect refrigeration applications. ASHRAE has established a policy to
encourage adoption of ASHRAE standards in model codes.

Electrical codes, especially the National Electric Code24, are relevant to ammonia because
ammonia in high concentrations can form flammable mixtures with air. Standard 15 and
ANSI / IIAR 2-2008 establishes design procedures for applying ammonia, including proper
ventilation levels, which are referenced in electrical codes to assure the safe application in
buildings.

In some cases, very stringent local toxic gas ordinances have been applied to ammonia, even
though they were intended to apply to highly toxic chemicals. These types of ordinances can
be very restrictive.

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7.4 Technology Transfer and Education

ASHRAE plays a very important role in providing technical information on the proper
application of ammonia as a refrigerant. In this role, ASHRAE assists in transfer of
technology and in education of the technical community. These important activities are
carried out through a number of vehicles: ASHRAE Handbook, ASHRAE Journal and ASHRAE
Transactions; special publications; and through a number of educational forums.

A major source of technical information on ammonia is the ASHRAE Handbook. The 2013
Fundamentals volume contains general information on Thermodynamics and Refrigeration
25

Cycles. (Chapter F2) and on Refrigerants (Chapter F29), including the thermodynamic
properties of ammonia. Another major resource for information on ammonia is the 2010
ASHRAE Handbook—Refrigeration volume , covering Liquid Overfeed Systems (Chapter R4),
17

Ammonia Refrigeration Systems. (Chapter R2) and Refrigeration System Chemistry (Chapter
R6). An additional resource is the ASHRAE publication Thermophysical Properties of
Refrigerants [2013]. 26

ASHRAE has published a number of technical papers, articles and special reports addressing
the use of ammonia. These include notices and articles regarding ammonia refrigeration in
ASHRAE Journal. Technical papers presented at ASHRAE meetings are published in ASHRAE
Transactions, and in various special publications. A summary of more than 30 technical
articles and references can be found on ASHRAE Online.
Key parts of ASHRAE’s technology exchange and education functions are fulfilled by the
Annual and Winter Conference technical programs, including seminars, forums, symposia
and technical sessions. In addition, the Society offers a self-directed learning course on the
Fundamentals of Refrigeration. Local ASHRAE chapters also sponsor refrigeration-related
programs and speakers, which have recently shown a strong interest in ammonia.

Technical activities focusing on ammonia are addressed within ASHRAE by the Refrigeration
Committee, which is now a standing committee. In addition to the Refrigeration Committee,
the Chapter Technology Transfer Committee (CTTC) encourages grass roots regional and
chapter activities, which focus on refrigeration. The Refrigeration Committee maintains a
speakers list of speakers/topics that includes ammonia. Various technical committees (TCs
10.1, 10.3, 10.5, 1.3, 8.5 etc.) also focus on ammonia-related issues.

8.0 REFERENCES

1. US Geological Survey, Mineral Commodities Summaries, January 2011

2. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health, September 2007, Publication No. 2005-149
3. IIAR Ammonia Data Book, December 1992 (Rev. May 2008), International Institute of
Ammonia Refrigeration, Alexandria, VA, p. 4-11.
4. Toxicological Profile for Ammonia, 2004, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry, U.S. Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services,
Washington D.C.
5. IIAR Ammonia Data Book, December 1992 (Rev. May 2008), International Institute of

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or transmission in either print or digital form is not permitted without ASHRAE’s prior written permission.

Ammonia Refrigeration, Alexandria, VA, p. 4-10.

6. IIAR Ammonia Data Book, December 1992 (Rev. May 2008), International Institute of
Ammonia Refrigeration, Alexandria, VA, p. 3-1.
7. IIAR Ammonia Data Book, December 1992 (Rev. May 2008), International Institute of
Ammonia Refrigeration, Alexandria, VA, p. 3-3.
8. ASHRAE 2013 Handbook – Fundamentals, Chapter 29, Table 8, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga.
9. EPA Community Right-to-Know Act (also known as SARA Title III), 42 US Code, 2011
10. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15-2013, Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems. ASHRAE,
Atlanta, Ga.
11. IIAR Ammonia Refrigeration Management Program (ARM), 2005, International Institute
of Ammonia Refrigeration, Alexandria, VA.
12. EPA Final Rule for the Significant New Alternatives Program (SNAP), March 18, 1994, 59
CFR 13044.
13. AIRAH Position Statement: Refrigerant -717 (Ammonia), Australian Institute of
Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating, Issue No. 1, Jan. 6, 1992.
14. IIR 6th Informatory Note on CFC’s and Refrigeration, The International Institute of
Refrigeration, November 1990.
15. DKV Status bericht Nr. 5.Sicherheit und Umweltshutz bei Ammoniak-Kalteanlagen, The
German Institute of Refrigeration, November 1998.
16. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2013, Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants,
ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga.
ASHRAE 2014 Handbook—Refrigeration, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga.
18. Equipment, Design, and Installation of Ammonia Mechanical Refrigeration Systems,
ANSI/IIAR 2-2008. International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration, Alexandria, VA
19. Start-up and Commissioning of Closed-Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems, ANSI/IIAR
5-2013, International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration, Alexandria, VA
20. Developing Operating Procedures for Closed-Circuit Ammonia Mechanical Refrigerating
Systems, ANSI/IIAR 7-2013, International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration,
Alexandria, VA
21. Mechanical refrigerating systems used for cooling and heating - Safety Requirements,
ISO 5149-1993, American National Standards Institute, New York, NY.
22. Refrigerating Plants -Safety Requirements, ISO 1662-1971 (Withdrawn).
23. Refrigerating Systems and Heat Pumps - Safety and Environmental Requirements, CEN
EN 378:2008, CEN-Comite Europeen de Normalisation, Bruxelles, Belgium.
24. National Electrical Code, NFPA 70-2014, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy,
Mass.
25. ASHRAE 2013 Handbook—Fundamentals, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga.
26. ASHRAE 2014 Handbook—Refrigeration, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga.
27. Thermophysical Properties of Refrigerants, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga. 2013

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