The purity of the anhydrous ammonia is vital to the properties that make it a good refrigerant. Any business operating a chiller with ammonia is … Concerns, Cautions and Considerations. The odor threshold reported in literature varies. Refrigerant grade anhydrous ammonia is a clear, colorless gas or liquid and about 99.95% pure. There are certain risks resulting from ammonia for refrigeration systems. While ammonia’s benefits are numerous, its dangers cannot be trivialized. Last month, a 5000 pound ammonia leak occurred at a Boston-area seafood warehouse that killed one worker and forced a shelter-in-place order from Boston Police. Exposure to 300 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. Ammonia refrigeration is commonly found in cold storage, food processing and industrial applications, but the use of ammonia does extend into other markets as well, especially overseas. These units can vary in complexity and effectiveness, but generally are capable of operating continuously. in the workplace. Region III has conducted more than 135 chemical safety audits from 1995 to the present of both large and small facilities using ammonia for refrigeration. The ammonia refrigeration process has seen little change since the early 20th century. It is used to create a cool environment that helps keep products fresh and prevent bacterial growth. As a refrigerant, ammonia has four major advantages over CFCs and HCFCs: Household ammonia, by comparison, is only about 10% ammonia by weight mixed with water. The true danger from ammonia occurs when a person is unable to leave a gaseous ammonia environment, and when the liquid comes in contact with the body, particularly the eyes. Typically use hot discharge gas or warm condensed liquid to provide an inexpensive heat source for boiling the cold contaminated liquid ammonia. The Dangers of Ammonia. In addition, over the past 2 years, Region III has Problematic procedures may be to blame. ammonia refrigeration systems to gather information on safety practices and technologies and to share its knowledge with these facilities. Ammonia, frequently used commercially in large freezing and refrigeration plants is also called “anhydrous ammonia” because it contains almost no water (it is 99.98% pure). Refrigerant grade anhydrous ammonia is a clear colorless gas or liquid and is considered an irritant. With ammonia, because fewer pounds of refrigerant are required to do the same amount of work, generally speaking, the lower a facility’s temperature requirements, the more cost-effective ammonia becomes. The odor of ammonia is widely recognized. Ammonia is considered a high health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Sometimes called ammonia regenerators, can be integrated directly into the refrigeration system. 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