Driven by increasing regulatory burdens and an ongoing commitment to improve efficiency and safety in refrigeration technology, low charge systems and their role in the future of the ammonia refrigeration industry are the focus of a workshop at the 2015 IIAR Conference and Exposition in San Diego.

The workshop — led by Derek Hamilton, business development manager for Azane — focuses on a general overview of low charge refrigeration technology. Hamilton also will discuss design considerations and present brief case studies of recent installations.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s mandate to phase out the production of R22 by 2020 and an increased focus on ammonia charge reduction at cooling facilities have prompted a surge in interest in low charge ammonia systems.

There is also increasing pressure on the United States to follow Europe’s lead in phasing down HFCs, including the allocation of quotas for production and supply of high GWP refrigerants which will increase cost and reduce availability of synthetic refrigerants.

Hamilton explains, “While low charge systems have been installed in Europe for decades, the market for this technology is still in its infancy in the US. I therefore want to give attendees a good overall introduction to the exciting world of low charge technology.”

In addition, Azane is demonstrating its low charge ammonia refrigeration system from its booth at the annual meeting of the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration.