2023 RETA Breeze Jan-Feb

RETA BREEZE

REFRIGERATING ENGINEERS & TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023

MAINTAINING COMPLIANCE & CONDENSER UPKEEP

Economized Suction

BREEZE

The RETA Breeze is the official publication of the Refrigerating

Engineers & Technicians Association (RETA). RETA is an international not for-profit association whose mission is to enhance the professional development of industrial refrigeration operating and technical engineers. Don Chason Executive Editor 704-455-3551 Jim Barron Executive Director

jim@reta.com Sara Louber Senior Director, Office Operations

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Growing Up “Compl iant” // Volume 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Epic Fails

sara@reta.com Stephanie Date Events Manager stephanie@reta.com Harry Wilkins Certification Manager harry@reta.com Dan Denton Chapter Relations Liaison ddenton@reta.com Vince Grindel Education Coordinator vince@reta.com

Message FromThe President........... 4 Message From the Executive Director............................ 6 Lessons learned: Ammonia Incidents in Houston TX in 1976 and 1983 .............. 8 Conference Corner......................... 10 Education Corner. .......................... 12 The Shade Tree Mechanic volume XLVI . ..................................... 13 The Refrigeration Historian David Boyle ....................................... 14 In Remembrance............................. 18

Condenser Upkeep and Maintenance ... 20 Welcome our new RAI: Mike Wright ........................................ 24 RETA Testing Corner No. 34 RETA Provides the Tools to Help All Candidates Succeed . ........................... 26 Growing Up “Compliant” Volume 1 . ........................................... 28 Certification Honor Roll................ 30

The information in this publication is based on the collective experience of industry engineers and technicians. Although the information is intended to be comprehensive and thorough, it is subject to change. The Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association expressly disclaims any warranty of fitness for a particular application, as well as all claims for compensatory, consequential or other damages arising out of or related to the uses of this publication. Publication of advertisements in Breeze , or any other RETA publication, does not constitute endorsement of any products, services or advertisers by RETA and shall not be considered or represented by advertiser as such. Copyright © 2023 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association.

REFRIGERATING ENGINEERS & TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION 1725 Ferry St. SW, Albany, OR 97322 Telephone: 541.497.2955 | Fax: 541.497.2966 RETA.com

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2022-23 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Keith Harper, CARO Tyson Foods Inc PRESIDENT Bengie Branham, CIRO, RAI SCS Engineers EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hawkins, CARO Midatlantic Refrigeration, LLC TREASURER David Gulcynski, CIRO Dot Foods Inc. SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Bill Lape, CARO, CIRO, CRST SCS Engineers DIRECTORS Alan Gervais, CARO, CIRO Western Precooling Systems Andrew Palomar, CARO APCCO Barbara Kirkpatrick Mi-Docs Debbie Koske Calibration Technologies, Inc. Edward Johnson, CARO Gordon Rascoe, Jr, CIRO, CRST, RAI ConAgra Brands Jeff Lublin Kolbi Pipe Marker Co. JeremyMurfin AC & R Specialists Jim Kovarik Gamma Graphics Services Melissa Cassell General Refrigeration Company Raymond Urban, CARO Lineage Logistics Victor Dearman, Jr. Peco Foods, Inc COMMITTEE CHAIRS Certification: Lee Pyle, CARO SCS Tracer Environmental Education: Eric Girven, CIRO, CRST, RAI SCS Tracer Environmental Marketing: Dascha Whitmore Stellar Membership: Arlie Farley, CARO, CIRO, CRST Farley’s SRP, Inc National Conference: Jim Kovarik Gamma Graphics Services Publications: Ed Johnson, CARO Executive Director: Jim Barron

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Several years ago, my wife Nadia and I purchased our forever remodeling home. When we purchased the home, it seemed well built from the curb appeal aspect. After all it was a Brick home, 3 bedroom, 3 bath and has a spacious lot. However, after taking ownership we soon realized all was not what it seemed. Cracks in the drywall soon developed and were diagnosed as being related to founda tional settling and required immediate attention. Hence the phrase “forever remodel” term is appropriately applied!! You are probably wondering what does this have to do with Industrial Refrigera tion training and RETA? Actually, there are a few glaring similarities that I have learned through the process of remodel ing a home and my personal develop ment an Industrial Refrigeration operator/technician. The first similarity is that both must start with a well-designed and constructed foundation. The foundation is what supports all the building components and it anchors the home to a location that must not allow change or movement of the home or the integrity will become unstable and eventually will have to be addressed. When we as operators and technicians embark on our journey to become the best we can be in our roles as operators and service technicians, we typically look for anyway to expedite the learning

Bengie Branham, RETA National President

process. Many times, that means bypassing critical steps in our journey to accelerate this learning process. Through my travels as a RETA RAI, I get to meet extremely talented and wonderful people in our industry that have sadly bypassed those critical steps required to develop a strong foundation of basic refrigeration knowledge and have become settled in mediocrity. Many seasoned operators/technicians have decided that IR 1 is too elementary to them at the stage they are currently at in their development. These individuals have bypassed IR 1 study material and will move directly to IR2 or even IR 3 level and become frustrated because it doesn’t make sense to them. Many have convinced themselves they can pass the CIRO or CRST because of their accelerated path of learning only to fail these certification exams.

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The foundation and bedrock of our training starts with the core concepts and funda mentals that we learn in RETA IR Book 1. RETA IR Book 1 is what anchors our knowledge and understanding of the refrigeration process. Every fundamental and core concept that we are exposed to at this phase is a building block that is integral to the learning process. In RETA book 1, terms such as saturation, sub-cool, and superheat are vital to understanding the refrigerant condition and where those conditions exist in each component of the closed loop refrigeration system. Other core terms that must be understood are

theoretical discharge temperature, flash gas, why it develops, how compressors are rated, and how to interpret and utilize satu ration tables as an operator/technician are vitally important to becoming a successful system operator. In closing, there is an extremely high failure rate among candidates taking the CIRO exam. The primary reason for this is because critical foundational steps early on in development were bypassed and the cracks were exposed through a certifica tion exam. Much like the construction process of my home, it all starts with a rock-solid

foundation that will anchor and provide a platform for an upward growth trajectory! In the context of a remodel, it allows the older seasoned technicians to rejuvenate their growth. Always remember “ If you aim for the moon and miss, you will still hit the stars!!”

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FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hello RETA Membership, I wanted to revisit a topic that we’re asked about frequently, and that is the difference between a certificate and a certification. • A certificate reflects completion of a training program. • A Certification requires meeting “established criteria for proficiency or competency in a profession (ISO 17024) … (after) an assessment of an individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities.” RETA’s CARO and CIRO certifications have met ANSI/ ANAB 17024 Standards since 2008. RETA’s CRST certification has met ANSI/ANAB 17024 Standards since 2022. Currently no certificate program in indus- trial refrigeration meets any third-party criteria for quality. Most certificate programs meet no standards anywhere. Investigate any entity that claims to provide an Industrial Refrigeration certification. Identify the standards they have met. No program that issues a certificate without secure, fair and valid assessment of the knowledge and skills needed to operate indus- trial refrigeration systems safely and efficiently can ever be equivalent to the demands required to earn RETA credentials. RETA offers the only ANSI/ANAB-accredited industrial refrigeration certification programs in the world. RETA’s CARO and CIRO Certifications became ANSI-accredited credentials in 2008 and the CRST Certification joined them in 2022. RETA also devel oped the Certified Refrigeration Energy Specialist (CRES) program to meet ANSI/ANAB Standards. The CRES program will meet the criteria to be ANSI/ ANAB-accredited as soon as the required number of candidates have taken the test to document that it meets ANSI/ANAB 17024 Standards. ANSI has accredited 48 sponsors of certificates in its Certificate Accreditation Program (ANSI/ANAB-CAP).

None of these sponsors offer training in industrial refrigeration. Nearly half focus on food handlers and food safety. All other certificate programs operate with no recogn- ized criteria for evaluating program quality or the value of their training. They require no third-party evaluation or criteria for assuring that candidates have demonstrated the proficiency and knowledge required to work safely with complex operating systems or hazardous materials. RETA invites you to examine these programs carefully as you invest your training dollars. Only RETA requires candidates to demonstrate mastery of the skills and knowledge needed to operate refrigeration systems safely and efficiently in fair, valid, and secure tests. RETA credentials have been internationally recog nized since 2008. RETA is the GOLD Standard in Industrial Refrig eration Certification The RETA spring National Board meeting will be held on March 31st and April 1st in Jacksonville, Florida. The Association sends out a thank-you to all of the board members who selflessly give up their time to work on behalf of the Association. We also send out a huge thank-you to their employers who support their employees and the RETA mission statement.

God Bless, Jim Barron

Jim Barron RETA Executive Director

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ContACt uS todAy

Houston has experienced numerous major hazardous materials incidents, before and since the hazmat teamwas formed. Anhydrous ammonia has been the source of several incidents. One emergency involved an anhydrous ammonia tanker truck on May 11, 1976. The MC 331 crashed through a guard rail and released ammonia on a freeway below. Many motorists were trapped in their cars by the ammonia vapors; seven died and 150 were injured. Several firefighters were also treated for ammonia inhalation. Another ammonia incident occurred on Dec. 11, 1983, when the Borden’s Ice Cream Plant experienced an explosion from leaking anhydrous ammonia used for cooling at the plant. There were no deaths or injuries. Several events delayed firefighters from entering the building before the explosion occurred that certainly would have caused firefighter injuries if not death. One such delay occurred when firefighters outfitted the plant engineer with SCBA and provided impromptu training so he could enter with them and point out a leaking valve. The explosion occurred as they walked toward the building. Hazmat personnel had not yet arrived on scene when the explosion took place, and that may have saved them from injury and death as well. At the time, there was a great deal of surprise among firefighters that ammonia would burn or explode. Previous procedures were to enter the building with chemical protection and stop the leaks. Following the Borden plant incident, procedures were changed to ventilate the building thoroughly before entering to plug leaks

LESSONS LEARNED:

AMMONIA INCIDENTS IN HOUSTON TX IN 1976 AND 1983

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CONFERENCE CORNER

30-40 PDH Credits Miguel Bermudez Christopher Clark Chad Countryman Jordan Cruz Kyle Culberson 20-29 PDH Credits Aureliano Ahumada Jim Alves Sheldon Baptiste Kevin Bray Jeff Buxton, PE David Cain Brian Caskey William Cordray Jonathan Garibay

Happy New Year! I hope that you all had a fantastic and safe holiday season! The RETA National Conference is your one stop shop for all things refrigeration. Whether your main goal is education and earning PDH, professional networking or reconnecting with RETA Family Members, the RETA National Conference is the place for you. RETA 2022 National Conference Top PDH Credit earners! Our 2022 National Conference in Reno was a huge success offering a wide range of technical topics, review courses, workshops, and session to learn and earn Professional Development Hours (PDH) towards recertification. Congratulations to everyone who earned PDH credits at conference. RETA Headquarters is extremely proud for all your dedication to continued education. We would especially like to acknowledge the Top PDH Credit recipients of 2022!

Fernando Delgado Gonzaga

Keith Jantzen Corrine Lawrence Joshua Lee Manuel Navarro

Steven Owen Jeff Pace

Alan Gervais Jacob Girven Scott Goad Norman Hisey Joe House

Donald Trimble Paulo Vasquez BillyWilliams Aaron Zsembery

Caleb Nelson Tim Nickerson

Jonathan Grous Shane Hall Patrick Halvorson James Havel John Hendrickson Mathew Henkel

Cindy Jones Kalen Kawamoto Ronald Lacey Michael Lacher Randy Laforteza David Le Noah Mattapallil George Nealey Roger Norton Isaac Ordonez

Javier Perez Pena Ignacio Pineda Rhonda Schmidt Brian Shepherd Joe Stachowiak Jorge Valencia James Wagoner Jahquail Walton AmyWhetton MatthewWooding

Kris Hillegeer Ken Holland Ricardo Jasso Parker Jenkins

SAVE THE DATE!

RETA 2023 is November 14-17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Florida and promises to provide more opportunities to learn and earn PDH credits than ever before. Our Call for Abstracts was incredibly successful. Thank you to all who submitted abstracts. We had an incredible turnout with 43 Technical Topic submissions! The Technical Program Committee will review all abstracts and decide which ones should be expanded into papers and presented at the Conference. These Technical Papers and presentations will be given to each attendee at the 2023 Conference.

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PHOTO GALLERY Did you attend RETA 2022 in Reno, Nevada? Go to www.RETA.com to view the photo gallery of our Hands-on and Technical Sessions, RETA Rumble, Exhibit Hall, National Automobile Museum, Awards Night and much more! reta.com/gallery/ ViewAlbum.aspx?album=27045501

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EDUCATION CORNER

Education is a primary goal for RETA. It is in fact a founding motive and driving force. Education is emblazoned on the RETA logo, along with Efficiency and Development. Education is the vehicle we use to pass our collective knowledge into the next generation of operators and improve efficiency in the methods we use to operate our own systems. For over one hundred years RETA has been sharing what we know about how refrigeration works and educating those who want to look at refrigeration as a career path. Our Annual RETA National Conference, most recently in Reno Nevada, is one way we share information with our fellow operators and technicians. RETA also publishes books, videos, and

operates an online training application at RETA.com. NONE of these can exist without input from the RETA members. The RETA Education Committee has the most responsibility in the development and maintenance of the RETA education materials. To ensure the materials remain relevant and current, the goal as set by the RETA Board of Directors is to establish an Education Committee to review, audit, and revise all of the written books on a five-year rotation. A wise person once said: “many hands make light work”. Another thing that is vital: “fresh eyes” always expose/ discover more errors and weaknesses and help to improve understanding. Currently, the RETA Education

Committee is seeking members to help improve and validate RETA’s education materials. I want to urge everyone to consider how they can be a part of make RETA education materials the best available information of the topic. If you would like to earn continuing education credit hours and “do the right thing for the right reason” contact: RETA’s Education Committee Chairperson: Eric Girven, EGirven@ scsengineers.com RETA’s Education Coordinator: Vince Grindel, Vince@RETA.com

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SERVICE

The Shade Tree Mechanic volume XLVI

Emergency condensing Part 2

pump, higher inlet pressure makes it easier to get more movement. So hows we gonna git higher inlet pressure. We decided to “stuff the box”. We used to call it stuffing the pump when we used a transfer vessel to create higher inlet pressure to a transfer pump. So why not do that to our condens er. We sit big fans all around the air inlet to the condenser and we pushed as much air in as we could. Hopefully that would create a little more airflow or at least make what air flow we were getting a little easier on the fan. So back into the shop for more beer, also it was getting dark, so a fire seemed like a good idea. A few old boxes and boards in the driveway and then I hit them with the acetylene torch. Best darn lighter ever! But ya know, the best way to help the condenser was to get rid of the load. Sure, it ain’t the easiest thing to do sometimes. We talked about all the basics. Keep the doors closed. Level out the production loads. Stage processing. Instead of starting 9 lines at 6 AM, maybe we start 3 at 5 AM, 3 at 5:30 AM, and the last 3 at 6:30 AM. We move our schedules all the time for them processing boys, it was time for them to return the favor, especially if they still wanted all 9 lines runnin at noon. Minimize temperature differentials at the evaporators. This is a good idea, all the time. But when you’re struggling it’s more important than ever. Along with that is keeping evaporator coils clean. Ok, that’s all the bullets I had in my “air”gun.

have extra condensing capacity (for my buddy that was anytime he could get under 185 PSIG). If we can get the spiral down an extra 5 degrees before we start running, that’s just a few BTU’s that we would not need to take out later. Any areas that were not on the same system as the condenser should take as much of the load as possible. In my buddy’s case he had two systems on site. So, I suggested he load the other system as much as he could. A couple of degrees in the holding room saved a couple of degrees in the spiral freezer. Simple load movement stuff. So that was it, about a dozen things to try. Hopefully, that would be enough to get him by until the new condenser arrived. The whole thing got me ta thinkin though. This could have been prevented if someone had put more forethought into keep things up or getting them replaced earlier. All equipment has a life span. We can extend it, but not forever. Sometimes, it’s just over. You gotta realize it and move on. Too much depends on our refrigeration systems, we must keep them running, and running efficiently. Well now that I’m thinkin about it, I gotta an old compressor that could use a little rebuild. Time to get to workin. The shade tree grows outside of the little town of Broughton, Ohio. Where everyone is always welcome, the beer is always cold, and something is always needin fixin.

So’s when I let off my story, we waz sittin around the shade tree drinking a few, talking about my buddies condenser. His condenser is a real piece of cat snot. We were trying to find a way to keep produc tion running till his new condenser arrives. When attacking condensing, there are three areas to go after. 1. Water 2. Air 3. load We had already discussed water, so we started discuss’n air. Air is our friend. Quantity and temperature. We eliminated the idea of fan control. We would turn the fan on and drive the condensing temperature as low as we can get it. There was no way to get low enough to cause issues. There was no reason to ever allow the fan to shut down or change speeds. Given the condition of the condenser, changing fan speeds could develop vibration and make the situation worse. Now in all honesty the fans aren’t going to cycle off anyway, there is no way to get the condensing pressure low enough. But he doesn’t want the operators to change the speed of the fan. There ain’t no way I was cleanin the coil. We discussed that last time. But clean mist eliminators would help. So, the mist eliminators were scheduled for cleaning. Sincin’ we were limited on fan speed, we started looking at what air movement is. I know this ain’t “book right”, but to me, fans create air pressure differential. Kinda like a

Cheat. Run temperature lower when you

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DAVID BOYLE HISTORIAN VOLUME XXXII

Little thought is given to the contributions made to our industry by Scotsmen. I would daresay most would be hard pressed to compile a top 5 list of Scottish Refrigeration Engineers. But contribute they have. For evidence I would note the case of David Boyle. Known as a quick-witted man of Integrity with a desire to exceed, David was well liked. Professionally, in his lifetime, he advanced the art of Ice making to new heights. Born in Johnstone, Scotland on Halloween, October 31, 1837. He began his career as an apprentice Grocery Clerk and became fascinated with Ice cream. He would immigrate to Mobile, Alabama in 1859. At the end of the great war, he relocated again, this time to Demopolis, Alabama. It would be in Demopolis at the age of 27, that he would begin his refrigeration career. It is reported that he made over $8,000 that summer selling iced lemonade, produced with natural ice. A very successful lemonade stand, no doubt. But this endeavor would begin David’s longtime love of the ice machine. It began by searching for an ice machine to replace the need for natural ice. In November of 1865 David would travel to Augusta, Georgia. A rumor from the war charged that a fully functional ice machine was located there. When he arrived, he found the parties in the process of developing an Ice Machine, but they had no saleable machine at that time. While no evidence exists, I believe this to be the Emily

David Boyle.

Harvie Thomas Tubman Ice machine, she purchased to relieve the suffering of injured soldiers during the war. But I digress. David would see them again in 1866, at that time, their first saleable machine (2 Ton capacity) had just been produced and was destined for Shreveport, Louisiana. The costs of some $30,000 seemed high for his budget so David was determined to find a more affordable ice machine. For three years David searched to no avail until he heard of the Vander Weyde machine, a product of New Orleans, Louisiana. David then divested his homes, land, and business to raise capital for the machine. However, the machine did not prove out. A multitude of problems made the machine commercially unviable for David. David then relocated his family to San Francisco, California. His employment in San Francisco is unknown, but while there he studied at the technical library of the Mechanics’ Institute. Founded only 15 years before in 1854, the Mechanics’ Institute is one of first such institutions on the West Coast of the United States. They are still in operation today. One of the items David read in the library was a catalog

thing being oceeded to make periment I projected, in ollowing ner:” 14 RETA.com

from Siebe and Company. A company in London, England, known more for their diving helmets than other endeavors. David ordered a small Harrison ice machine from Siebe; however, after waiting for over a year with no machine forthcoming, David would hire legal representation and retrieve his payment. The delay proved quite beneficial for the industry as David continued to study and eventually build not one, but two experimental ice machines. In 1872 he would patent his first ice machine based upon his second design. United States Patent #128,448. “An Improvement in ice machines”. He would also be issued patents in 1875 and 1881. These machines would ultimately prove failures. In November of that year, 1872, David relocated his family to New Orleans, Louisiana. In New Orleans, he began construction of a one-ton ice machine. By June 1st of the following year, 1873, he relocated to Jefferson, Texas nearly destitute with only a partially completed ice machine. While in Jefferson he finished the construction of his ice machine. Unfortunately, the machine was also a failure, it leaked and had to be rebuilt from scratch. But David had no money to do so. His machine would have died there, had not fate intervened. David’s wife, Margaret, had saved some money in case of need. Such was her faith in David’s abilities that she gave it to David and his partner and brother, James, so they could began rebuilding the machine. David worked diligently and by October, began producing ice in a lean-to beside a local lumber company. Unfortunately, David’s health was failing, his debtors were demanding payment, and being October, ice sales were insufficient to rescue David. The winter was a hardship. They say hope springs eternal, and that spring is the time of growth and renewal.

Patent #128,448.

David prospered from both hope and renewal… and an unusually warm spring. In the spring of 1874, his machine would start again and began producing clear ice. It is important to remember that at the time most of the ice produced was cloudy. Not only due to impurities, but due to ingrained air bubbles. Clear ice was much more appealing for beverages. Clear ice was more valuable in the marketplace. David would produce ice for a few short months. We do not definitively know why David stopped producing ice but, it is thought that his machine was the machine destroyed by fire at the Louisiana Ice Manufacturing Company later this same year. A reasonable assumption, but this has not definitively been proven. By some accounts David would once again come on hard times, but by August, David’s skills were in demand. He accepted a business offer in Quincy,

Illinois with William. B. Bushnell. A business arrangement that would spell trouble in the future. Over the next year, David andWilliam would produce two machines. Both were installed at the Capitol Ice Company of Austin, Texas. This was a project for Richard King of King Ranch fame. In August of 1875 David would relocate to Chicago, building machines with the famous Crane brothers. A new design was introduced in 1876, but only one machine was produced that year. Two machines were produced in 1877. Five in 1878. 1878 also saw the first Boyle Refrigerating Machine by the Boyle Ice Machine Company. The Machine was installed at the Downer & Bemis Brewing Co. in Chicago, Illinois. Many reports falsely credit it as the Bemis and McAvoy Brewery; however, John McAvory would not become involved as

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the brewery President until 1882 and thus the name change did not occur until that time. The Boyle refrigerating machine exceeded even David’s expectations. It may be beneficial to discuss the ice machine vs. the refrigerating machine. The Ice Machine was a self-contained unit which produced ice. The refrigeration machine compressed the refrigerant and could be used in a wide range of applications, though more often than not, at this time to produce ice. But this distinction would have a profound affect early the next century when Fredrick Wolfe would create the self-contained home ice machine, while William C. Durant would be credited with the refrigerator. In 1879 a Boyle machine was erected in Atlanta, Georgia. David believed this machine to be his best design. This design would continue until after David’s death. 1884 proved a hard year, as the Boyle Ice Machine Company would merge with Empire refrigerating Company to form the Consolidated Ice Machine Company. David would leave the company but continue his own with great success. The Lawsuit Prior to the merger, Thomas J. Rankin issued papers to be granted rights to 50% of the sales of Boyle compressors in Texas. This resulted from a business relationship years earlier (probably 1874) between Rankin, William Bushnell, David, and his brother James Boyle. The suit was interesting in that it involved three very important figures from refrigeration history. As related to the courts, in 1874 Mr. Rankin of Emporia, Kansas, but well established in the Texas ice trade. The Boyles were in need of capital and Mr. Rankin was in need of ice. Mr. Bushnell and Mr. Rankin would supply capital for the construction of several machines. Interestingly, Bushnell and Rankin were to also profit from any future Boyle Patents.

Circa 1891 Consolidated Ice Machines Refrigerating Machine

thing ready, eeded to the ment I rojected, e

In exchange David was to receive a $100 per month salary and reimbursement of his expenses. There were several buyout clauses allowing Mr. Busnell and Mr. Rankin to buyout the Boyle shares for Texas, Arkansas, and Shreveport, Louisiana. This would include transfer of the Boyle Patent and improvements. By 1880 the business affair had costs Mr. Rankin and Mr. Bushnell over $15,000. They would exercise the option to purchase the Texas rights as well as the patent. Unfortunately, David Boyle did not own the rights any longer. In 1875, David had transferred the rights to Mr. Bushnell. In 1878 David Boyle dissolved his business relationship with Mr. Bushnell and incorporated the Boyle Ice Machine Company. Ultimately the suit would be settled without much hoopla. Over 200 ice and refrigerating machines were constructed under the Boyle name. Approximately 75 in David’s lifetime. David would be called before our Lord June 25, 1891. It is only fitting that David died on a business trip in Mobile Alabama, where he had recently erected a facility. He developed a case of Valvular Heart disease, a deformity of the heart valves. It is interesting to note that he died in the home of his close friend,

President A. King of the Consumers Ice Company and King Ranch fame. He left his wife (Margaret Henry Boyle), daughter (Mary Agnes Smith), and two sons (Henry James Boyle andWilliam Albert Boyle) who resided at the family residence, 521 Monroe Street in Chicago, Illinois. All four arrived and were at his bedside when he passed. But as is often the case, David’s greatness lived on. In January 1892, the Pennsylvania Iron Works Co., of Philadelphia, Pennsyl vania purchased the patents of David and began production of the Boyle Refrigera ting Machine. The first machine to be installed was in the spring of 1892 at the J. W. Russert Brewery in LaPorte, Indiana. The acquisition of the “Boyle”machine drastically changed the operation of the Pennsylvania Iron works. Mary’s Bullet In contrast to the work ethic of David and James Boyle. His family would become somewhat famous for another episode. On the night of Tuesday January 10th 1893, there would be a shooting at the family residence, 521 Monroe Street in Chicago, Illinois. David’s daughter Mary had shot David’s son Henry. Apparently, David had guaranteed Henry the right to stay at his mother’s home. But his mother, Margaret

owing ner:”

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Over 20 and refriger machin constru under t Boyle n Approxi 75 in D lifetime

would only honor the guarantee if Henry was sober, a rare occurrence. Henry was arrested many times in the months proceeding the shooting for making a disturbance and damaging the family home while intoxicated. But as some mothers do, she had refused to prosecute Henry for these charges. On the 10Th, Henry arrived at the residence in a state of inebriation and with a revolver in his pocket. After finding the door locked. Henry used the revolver to break the door pane. Fortunately, he could not release the security chain. He then proceeded to break the door down with his shoulder. Now having gained access to the breeze way, he was met with a stern warning from Mary who had taken position behind the second door. After being warned to stop, Mary fired twice through the door. Both shots missed. Henry broke through the second door. Mary retreated up the stairs, while Clarence Foster, a friend of the family, fought with Henry eventually disarming him. But were that the end of the story. Mary shouted to Mr. Foster “Give me that pistol, then you go away. I can deal with him”. Foster complied “Confound you. You’ve got the guns, but I’ve got a knife and I’ll cut your heart out when I get up there” Exclaimed Henry. Brandishing Henry’s own weapon, Mary shouted one more warning and began firing. The first 4 shots missed. But the fifth bullet would find Henry’s shoulder. Believing she had killed her brother, Mary fainted. Henry was treated at a local hospital and then escorted to the jail. When interviewed, Henry was quoted as saying “They wouldn’t let me in, and I got mad”. Apparently, genius is not hereditary. Regardless of his legal difficulties and family antics, David Boyle will forever be likened to the advent of ammonia

Circa 1895 “Boyle” Refrigerating Machine manu factured by the Pennsylvania Iron Works An announcement related to the James Boyle machine.

compression and the history of refrigeration.

pertaining to this article please forward them to the editor. The Refrigeration Historian roams, the library of Vern M. Sanderson, often dusting old tomes and lamenting the early days of refrigeration.

Information for this article included information from Ice and Refrigeration Illustrated, various newspaper articles, the United States Patent Office, Adventures in Heat and Cold: Men and Women Who Made Your Lives Better, historical notes, and articles. The information used to generate this article is believed factual. Should you have any corrections or additional information

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IN REMEMBRANCE

In December, the SEPA Chapter and RETA lost one of their own. It is with a heavy heart, that I share with you that the Vice President of the SEPA Chapter passed away unexpectedly after suffering a medical event at our December chapter meeting. Kevin passed away peacefully with his wife Gina at his side on Wednesday morning, December 14, 2022. Kevin was a true example of someone having the RETA heart, he loved RETA and being part of the RETA Family. He loved RETA and what we, as an organization, are doing for the safety and education of the operators in our industry and was proud to admit it. Kevin most recently worked for Albertsons in Denver, PA as the Facility Maintenance Supervisor and proudly sported his CIRO certification. He was always eager to lend a hand and was a critical part of the annual SEPA Expo that the chapter holds every April. In fact, we challenge anyone to present someone that could sell more raffle tickets than Kevin; we always joked that he missed his calling as a salesman.

In honor and memory of Kevin, the SEPA Chapter will be conducting CPR training at our February meeting as well as honoring him at our Expo in April. Kevin leaves a giant hole in our hearts and will be greatly missed. The RETA family mourns together, but also celebrates him for who he was, both within RETA as and a devoted family man. Kevin was RETA Proud and so are we. We offer our prayers of strength and guidance to Kevin’s family, and I know we can all smile knowing that Kevin is keeping an eye on that ‘Heavenly Engine Room’. Lastly, I’d like to leave you with one final thought as I know we are all busy and stressed. I encourage you to make sure that you take the time to let your loved ones and friends know how important they are and what they mean to you, life is short and precious and we never know when we will be called home and then it is too late. Submitted by Michael Hawkins SEPA Chapter committee member and RETA National Executive Vice President

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EPIC FAILS

With their location on a roof, or on a high platform, condensers are often overlooked during routine maintenance. Problems include dirt buildup in the drift and mist eliminators, often causing biological growth. This dirt buildup and biological growth leads to a reduction in airflow, decreased condenser efficiencies, and higher energy costs due to increased condensing pressures. If this dirt buildup is not cleaned out periodically, it can lead to corrosion and deterioration of the condenser structure, including the drain pan. In the main picture on page 26, a hole in the bottom of the drain pan is evident. As if the loss of airflow were not bad enough, this dirt buildup and biological growth can also lead to choked water distribution nozzles, which result in further efficiency losses in the short term. In the long term, it leads to scale buildup This scale buildup further impedes air and water flow through the coils. It also causes deterioration of the galvanized coating on

the coils, leading to eventual corrosion of the coils themselves. Mist eliminators are often overlooked as well, sometimes due to lack of easy access to the top of the condenser in order to inspect them. So what does IIAR6-2019 require for evaporative condenser maintenance? IIAR6, Chapter 8, calls for the following visual inspections, among others, on an annual basis. 1. Visually inspect the water spray pattern from the water nozzles for sufficient water distribution. 2. Visually inspect the mist eliminators for condition and water carryover 3. Visually inspect the condition of the condenser coils for degradation of the coating and that there is not excessive accumulation of scale or algae growth All of the conditions pictured above should have been identified during annual inspec- tions and action items created to address them.

CONDENSER UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE By Bill Lape

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What else does IIAR6 require for evaporative condenser maintenance? In addition to the above annual tasks, the following tasks are to be done on an annual basis. 1. Visually inspect the condition and alignment position of couplings and pulleys 2. Visually inspect supports are in place 3. Verify motor mounting bolts are in place 4. Clean water sump and sump strainers 5. Where applicable, verify adequate oil level in gear box The following tasks are to be done on a semi-annual (six-month) basis: 1. Verify condenser fans, shrouds, and hubs are in place and have no signs of cracking or excessive degradation, including no obstructions 2. Where applicable, verify belt tension by measurement and its condition 3. Lubricate fan shaft bearings 4. Access and verify condition of fan blade hubs 5. Where applicable, lubricate fan and/or pump electric motor bearings Note that it is no longer sufficient to test the fan tension by pressing upon it with your hand. It must now be measured and documented. On a monthly basis, the following tasks are to be completed: 1. Verify that the water treatment program is within tolerance Finally, on a weekly basis, the following tasks are to be completed: 1. Listen to rotating parts for abnormal sounds 2. Visually inspect rotating parts for excessive vibrations 3. Verify guards of moving parts are in place 4. Verify water supply is functional IIAR6-2019 was published less than a year before the world shut down due to the pandemic, and while regulatory inspections were put on hold during the pandemic, it is now considered Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practice

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(RAGAGEP) for inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of closed circuit ammonia refrigeration systems. Eventually, a lack of maintenance will lead to ammonia leaks from the coils, which puts your employees, and the public, in danger, and invites close regulatory scrutiny. In order to minimize the chances of an ammonia release due to a lack of maintenance, review your Mechanical

Integrity (MI) program, including any recurring ammonia system work orders. These work orders may be paper or electronic forms, or they may be programmed into a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Update them to align with the requirements found in IIAR6. In addition, since the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) may require tasks to be done that are not included in IIAR6, or it may require that certain tasks be conducted more

frequently than IIAR6 requires, be sure that your MI program aligns with the OEM’s recommended ITM tasks as well. If you have photos of an Epic Fail please pass them on to nh3isB2L@gmail.com. Bill Lape is Project Director for SCS Engineers. Bill is a Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator, a Certified Refrigeration Service Technician, and a member of the National Board of Directors of the Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association.

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WELCOME OUR NEW RAI: MIKE WRIGHT

Mike is the Manager of Refrigeration Training at Tyson Foods. He has 20+ years in Industrial Refrigeration, Industrial Maintenance, Mechanics & technical background and 13+ years in the Engineering & Design field. Along with being an RAI, Mike also holds a RETA CARO Certification. Mike works with a team at Tyson Foods that is responsible for developing and implementing Industrial Refrigeration training plans and curriculum for company Operators/Technicians. This team acts as Subject Matter Experts to provide hands-on refrigeration skills, SOP/PM training, PSM coordination skills, RETA Operator courses, CARO/CIRO prep courses, Team evaluations, System Energy Audits & efficient operations, Engineering support & troubleshooting, Leadership/Management skills and leverage vendors for component specific training. Mike has had an opportunity to work through multiple plant expansions and

system upgrades. He has a wide range of refrigeration experience from manually operated systems consisting of water defrost, flooded coil evaporators to fully automated systems consisting of hot gas defrost, direct expansion evaporators. He has been fortunate in his career to tour several facilities owned by multiple companies and provide training to many refrigeration operators. The Team Mike works with has developed a solid relationship with RETA and is committed to supporting the Northwest Technical Institute (NWTI) in development of their skills programs. They assist the school in instruction of Industry Short Courses, building industry partnerships, sourcing equipment and layout of their new lab facility. Mike is also a board member of the NWTI Education Foundation. This foundation handles many of the donations for the skills programs and gives guidance where needed within the programs.

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RETA TESTING CORNER NO. 34

RETA PROVIDES THE TOOLS TO HELP ALL CANDIDATES SUCCEED Dr. Ron Rodgers, RETA’s Psychometrician (testing expert) and ANSI Accreditation Manager

RETA has designed credentialing exams that are extremely challenging to meet RETA’s mission “To enhance the profes sional development of industrial refrig- eration operating and technical engi neers.” RETA has invested millions of dollars and untold thousands of hours from volunteers to create books, exams and supporting resources to help operators and technicians qualify for credentials that help them improve safety and efficiency in refrigeration facilities throughout the U.S. and as far away as India. Operators and technicians who improve safety and efficiency can advance in their careers by protecting lives and reducing costs for their employers. Attention to these details helps opera

tors and their employers in many ways. Overlooking even small details can result in serious injuries and preven table hazards on the job. Gains in efficiency also can reduce energy costs significantly. Many candidates rely on an instructor and a four-day class just before taking a RETA certification exam such as CIRO without preparing adequately before their class. This is not enough to help most candidates succeed. A short “review class” does not provide enough time to master the complex details of industrial refrigeration systems by itself. This much material is nearly impossible to be taught in any four-day class. Even if it were possible, most candidates could not retain that much new

information at a level needed to pass CIRO within a few days of seeing this content for the first time. While there is no substitute for experience in the industry, most operators also benefit tremendously from careful review of RETA books to help them more fully understand how refrigeration systems work. Every ques- tion on each RETA test is supported by one or more of these references. Even experi enced operators benefit by reviewing RETA’s IR-1, IR-2, IR-3, IR-4, BE-1 and BE-2 or equivalent sources. All except IR-3 support questions in CIRO. IR-3 and other sources support CRST. Although it’s not required, RETA recom mends taking a Level-I Refrigeration class followed by earning CARO before taking

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CIRO. CARO tests understanding of industrial refrigeration concepts and operating details. CARO also helps you learn how to navigate through CIRO, which requires additional skills to evaluate operating system screens and data showing how complex refrigeration systems work. Over 30 CIRO questions require these skills to diagnose and address problems in system operations. You can successfully pass the CIRO exam if you skip CARO, but not without proper preparation. RETA requires at least two years of machine room experience to qualify for CIRO. Studying the available materials with the benefit of at least two years of experience are complementary steps in earning CIRO. Considerable insight can be gained by combining experience with deeper understanding of how to improve the safety and efficiency of refrigeration systems when potential problems arise. After studying the material and complet ing a Refrigeration Level-I and Level-II class, you should evaluate your level of under standing by taking RETA’s CIRO Practice Test. If you do well on the practice exam and you feel confident that your knowl edge in all areas of recommended study is sufficient, you should be ready for the exam. We want to help operators, technicians and managers understand the underlying skills and logic of RETA’s credentialing system. Candidates start with CARO at the entry level, learn to manage individual systems as a CIRO operator, then advance to troubleshooting and improving plant efficiency as a service technician (CRST) or energy specialist (CRES). Operators, managers, supervisors, and executives can all benefit from understanding how these elements are connected. Other Strategies to Help You Earn Your RETA Credentials 1. The study guide for each test can be downloaded free from RETA’s website.

Each study guide provides many clues about how to prepare, including content outlines and the references that appear onscreen next to questions during that test. Each candidate needs to know what is in the references for their test before they can determine when and how to use them. These references appear in their study guide and are onscreen next to questions for the practice test and the full exam for each credential. 2. The supplemental answer key to sample Qs in CIRO and CRST Study Guides explain how to answer questions using operating system screens and ladder diagrams. The key also offers insight into the logic and process of using system screens to answer questions on RETA exams. Candidates must determine what information on the screen is relevant to the question, know what is in the PT tables and how to use them, understand when and how to use formulas that appear at the front of each Reference, and use these sources to resolve existing and potential hazards in the system. 3. The first few pages of each reference explain how to navigate these resources. Many candidates struggle during a test because they are unsure how to use these references. RETA puts these in the Study Guide for each test and makes them part of the Practice Test experience to help you prepare. The more familiar you are with the references for your test and how to use them, the more confident you will be in knowing when and how to use the information in the screens and references during your full exam. 4. RETA created practice tests to help candidates become familiar with the types of questions in each test and to learn how to manage their time during a full exam. Each candidate pays for one practice test in their application fee, but many candi dates who fail have not taken the practice test to help them prepare. Pass rates are higher among candidates who use all available resources to help them before

they take their full exam. 5. CARO, CIRO and CRST are designed to mirror the tasks and skills required to manage industrial refrigeration systems and facilities safely and efficiently on the job. Knowing when to consult the SDS, manuals or technical specifications can save time, resources, and lives on the job. Proper use of PT tables, formulas and information about system operations are essential to keeping operators, technicians and other employees safe. These skills also are part of performing well on each RETA exam. 6. Review the relevant books for your test again in the week(s) before taking the full exam. Many operators and managers fail these tests on their first attempt because they assume that they will not benefit from such a review. Some very experienced managers have failed CIRO or CRST when taking the test without a review. Most of these candidates passed on their next attempt IF they took the time to review first. RETA wants all our candidates to be successful and wish you all the best. RETA has designed books, study guides and practice tests to help every candidate earn RETA credentials that help them succeed throughout their careers. That is an essential part of our commitment to help refrigeration operators and technicians meet RETA’s mission to improve safety and efficiency throughout the industry.

HarryWilkins RETA Certification Manager

Dr. Ron Rodgers RETA Accreditation Manager and Psychometrician

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