RETA Breeze Jul-Aug 2025

RETA BREEZE

REFRIGERATING ENGINEERS & TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION JULY/ AUGUST 2025

2025 RETA NATIONAL CONFERENCE UPDATES PAGE 8

RETA HQ 844-801-3711 info@reta.org RSES HQ 800-297-5660 general@rses.org Jim Barron Executive Director, RETA/RSES

jim@reta.org Lori Schiavo Senior Director of Operations, RETA/RSES lschiavo@rses.org Chantell Schaumburg HR Manager/Controller, RETA/RSES chantell@reta.org Kayla Branson Admin/Membership Assistant, RETA kayla@reta.org Larry Copeland Customer Service Rep, RSES lcopeland@rses.org Stephanie Date Events Manager, RETA/RSES stephanie@reta.org Dan Denton Chapter Relations Liaison, RETA ddenton@reta.org Allie Dulabaum Assistant Editor, RETA/RSES adulabaum@rses.org Kali Grigorica Marketing Coordinator, RETA/RSES kali@rses.org Halie Hugenberg Training/Testing Coordinator, RSES hhugenberg@rses.org Samantha Ibarra Certification Coordinator, RETA samantha@reta.org Cadie Johnson Administrative & Conference Assistant, RETA Cadance@reta.org Jason Kenny Production Specialist, RETA/RSES jkenny@rses.org Lupe Lopez Admin/Certification Assistant, RETA lupe@reta.org Eileen Lundin AP/AR Specialist, RSES elundin@rses.org Brenden Lurie Member/Chapter Relations Rep, RSES

Air Balancing in Food Processing Plant page 22

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Message from the President .............4 From the Desk of the Executive Director ...............................................6 Conference Corner 2025 RETA National Conference ......8 Insulation Outlook ..........................18 Education Corner ............................20 RETA News ......................................21 Plant Air Balancing in Food Processing ..........................22

Machinery Room Ventilation ........26 Introducing RINAA ........................29 Growing Up “Compliant” Vol. 3a ................................................30 Membership Corner........................33 Shade Tree Mechanic Vol. LVII ............................................34 RETA Testing Corner No. 49 .........35 Certification Corner........................37 Certification Honor Roll.................38

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

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.

blurie@rses.org Terry McIver Editor, RETA/RSES tmciver@rses.org Scott Melton Education Coordinator, RETA/RSES scott@reta.org Mitzy Osgood Admin/Membership Assistant, RETA mitzy@reta.org Kim Turner AP/AR Specialist, RETA kim@reta.org

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 © 2025 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association.

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2024-25 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Michael Hawkins, CARO Midatlantic Refrigeration, LLC

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

NATIONAL PRESIDENT David Gulcynski, CRES, CIRO Dot Foods, Inc EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Bill Lape, CARO, CIRO, CRST SCS Tracer Environmental

above and beyond or have dedicated a great deal of time to RETA and the industrial refrigeration industry. A few of these activities include the business meeting, the RETA Rumble, the awards banquet and the 30 Under 30 recognition program. There are also events and meetings for specific groups like the WiNR Reception, Chapter Leaders Reception, First Timers Reception and new this year, will be the RETA Inclusion Network for African Americans (RINAA) meeting. All these group meetings are designed to get the leaders and future leaders in our organization together to meet each other and discuss how we can make RETA better. For more information on each, feel free to check the website for details. Stephanie Date at RETA HQ can always provide more information as well. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at conference this year and am excited about meeting new folks from both RETA and RSES. Thank you for reading and take care!

Hello all and I hope everyone is well! Here we are in the heat of summer and everyone within the industries of HVACR and industrial refrigeration are busy! Home and business air conditioners are being serviced, repaired or replaced; and food processing and cold storage warehouses are plugging away, keeping the masses fed. We all have our work cut out for us. It doesn’t matter if you are selling, repairing or installing equipment, building a new cold box for a restaurant or school, or maintain ing a cold storage plant, we all have our hands full. And now, in the heat of August, many of the food processing plants across the US will be working harder than ever. With that said, we also have a lot to look forward to as well. It will be fall before we know it and the RETA National Conference will be in full swing in Spokane, WA. I am especially looking forward to this confer ence as it is on my side of the country and being on the West Coast is always special for me. I am sure you are getting blasted with emails and social media posts reminding you about the conference. I am going to give it another plug. There will be a lot going on at this year’s conference. As usual there will be plenty of educational experi ences, committee meetings, networking opportunities and the exhibit hall will give you the opportunity to meet with manufac turers, contractors and vendors. For those of you who have never been to a national conference, it’s a great experience to meet folks in your industry who can identify with the challenges you have in your career. Some of the other activities that take place during the conference will give you the experience of being part of an organization that promotes recognizing companies and individuals within our industry who go

TREASURER Ray Urban, Jr, CARO Lineage Logistics SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Jeremy Murfin AC & R Specialists

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeremiah Armstrong

Brakebush Brothers Melissa Cassell General Refrigeration Dale Clinton, CIRO, CRST Stellar Brynn Cooksey, CMS Air Doctor Heating and Cooling Mike Davis Republic Refrigeration Ron Fetterley, CARO, CIRO, CRST Applied Process Cooling Corporate Jayson Goff, CMS CoolSys Brandon Jones, CARO Tyson Foods Eric Kaiser TruTech Tools, Ltd Jim Kovarik Gamma Graphics Service Joe Marchese, CMS Koldcraft Refrigeration Services Casey McConnaughy Johnson Controls Technical Services

Dave Gulcynski, CRES, CIRO RETA-RSES International President

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Mike Missall, CARO Summit Refrigeration Group Jodie Rukamp SCS Tracer Environmental Gary Struhar, CMS Retired Harrison Travis, CM Sanden Vendo America, Inc

FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Certification: Lee Pyle, CARO SCS Engineers National Conference: Jim Kovarik Gamma Graphics Services Education: Don Tragethon, CIRO, CRST, RAI Retired Publications: Vern Sanderson, CIRO, CRST, RAI Schwan’s Company Marketing: Jodie Rukamp SCS Engineers Membership: Jason Daniell, CIRO APSM As a non-profit association, RETA is governed by a board elected by its members. RETA was pleased to announce the 2024/2025 Officers and Board of Directors at the Annual Business Meeting, held at the National Conference in Grapevine, Texas. RETA board members serve a 3-year term and volunteer their time and energy to directly impact our community and association. The 16-member board and 5-member executive committee aim for both diversity of perspective and depth of expertise. There is a strength with our staggered terms and the Board is always changing. RETA Executive Director, Jim Barron congratulates and welcomes all new members to the board. We thank our outgoing members and welcome new members, as well as extend a heartfelt thanks to Directors past, present, and future for their contributions and dedication to RETA’s mission.

holders. RETA/RSES certification and membership affirm each individual’s

RETA-RSES Code of Conduct Running a Chapter is a commitment of time, energy, patience, determination and perseverance; all traits that make our Chapters strong. Still, it’s not without its pitfalls. One such pitfall, which happens in all walks of life, is inappropriate behavior. I recently wrote a letter to an individual who violated the RETA-RSES Code of Conduct, and while it was unfortunate, it reminded me that I should refresh our Members on what our code of conduct is. The RETA-RSES Code of Conduct can be found at www.reta.org under the Gover nance tab. WHY IS THE CODE OF CONDUCT IMPORTANT? The Code of Conduct sets guidelines and expectations for Members or those associated with RETA-RSES. This isn’t about the person who talks too loudly, or is disruptive by always being late, or even the one who always has a better idea but no desire to volunteer his time. This is specific to the guidelines established by the RETA/RSES Code of Conduct which: “... sets the professional standards required of all RETA/RSES members and certificate

agreement to abide by these standards to advance the integrity, honor and prestige of all persons and organizations in the refrigeration industry.” ADHERING TO THE RETA/RSES CODE OF CONDUCT The RETA-RSES Code of Conduct is intended to maintain the confidence and respect of industry employers and their employees. HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO CHAPTER MEETINGS? One of the goals of a Chapter meeting is to provide informational and educational opportunities to all in our industry: RETA-RSES Members, nonmembers, operators, end users, contractors, manufacturers, salespeople, regulatory officials, students—you get the idea. None of the business of the industry should be brought to the meeting; that should be left at the door so the focus can be on training, safety and learning. One of the most important tenets of the Code of Conduct is: “I will promote training and education of those refrigeration personnel with whom I

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come in contact to assure that they are qualified to maintain and improve the safety and energy-efficient operation of refrigera tion facilities for which they have any responsibility.” To ensure that this can happen, the meeting environment must be conducive to learning and free of self-promotion, before, during or after. Speakers must be generic in their presentation, without product sales pitches. Our meeting environment is not a place for business networking. For that very reason, we do not share any of our Members’ contact information with anyone. The meeting must be a safe place for all in the industry to come and share problems and issues relevant to refrigeration and identify solutions. If one person feels uncomfortable, then we have not lived up to our own Code of Conduct or our

mission statement. I encourage all Members, Chapters and Chapter-leaders to review and familiarize yourself with the RETA-RSES Code of Conduct. “The RETA-RSES Code of Conduct” and “Adhering to the RETA-RSES Code of Conduct” is located within Section 1800 – Membership. There, you will find guidelines on the following: • health and safety standards; • training and education; • member professional development; • compliance with facility safety standards; • always acting with integrity; • providing accurate information related to RETA-RSES membership; • personal conduct and practices

• cooperation with investigations into a member’s violation of the RETA-RSES Code of Conduct; and Chapter support and communication regarding changes that restrict member’s capacity to perform with a member's competence, safety and effectiveness. With that being said, thank you to all who are committed to RETA-RSES and repre senting our Associations with such care. I hope to see you all soon at the 2025 RETA Conference later this year. •

James (Jim) Barron Executive Director RETA-RSES

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CONFERENCE CORNER

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE RETA 2025 NATIONALCONFERENCE

OCT. 20–24, 2025 SPOKANE CONVENTION CENTER SPOKANE, WA

C onferences can be overwhelming and daunting with the sheer number of people and the complexities of maneuver ing the venue and schedule. But, don't worry. Our conference tips listed below will help anyone tackle them confidently and efficiently. PREPARE FOR THE CONFERENCE By preparing yourself beforehand, you will most certainly get the most out of what the RETA 2025 National Conference, taking place from October 20-24, 2025, offers: • What do I want to learn? • Who do I want to meet?

• What sessions & workshops do I want to attend? What social & networking opportuni ties do I want to attend? What products or services do I want to see? Be specific and clear when answering these questions, as this will better prepare you for the event. ORGANIZE YOUR SCHEDULE Review the conference agenda in advance and create a personalized schedule that includes sessions, workshops and network- • •

By Stephanie Date, RETA Events Manager

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you will receive a conference bag filled with many useful items, like a padfolio notepad and pen for taking notes. Here are other items you may consider: • Tablet or laptop; • Battery pack and charging cord for your phone; • Charger for your laptop or tablet; • Reusable water bottle and some snacks; and • Breath mints or mouth sprays can go a long way, as coffee breath can linger for hours! PLAN YOUR OUTFITS The RETA National Conference is NOT a stuffy environment. In fact, we are all family! We want you to be comfortable, but also professional. Keep in mind you’ll potentially be rubbing shoulders and shaking hands with industry leaders. Make a lasting impression by dressing appropriately in smart casual attire with layers. Comfortable shoes are always a safe and appropriate choice. RESEARCH THE VENUE BEFOREHAND If you are local, will you be driving there, or catching an Uber? Or will you be staying onsite at The Davenport Grand, Autograph Collection or Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Spokane City Center near the Spokane Convention Center? Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to arrive on time, especially if you are from out of town. The last thing you want is to show up feeling flustered and stressed because you didn't anticipate the traffic. By researching where the venue is, you’ll also be able to see what’s available at the venue and in the area. Additionally, you will have several options to suggest if someone wants to prolong a conversation over drinks or a meal. Let’s recap! Preparing yourself for RETA 2025 will provide you with the confidence needed to navigate the venue and schedule like a pro!

• Are there any specific resources, tools, or methodologies you would recommend for someone interested in this area? Are there any upcoming trends or innovations you think we should be aware of? What are some key insights you have gained from your experience in this area? Remember to listen actively and engage in conversation with the speaker or presenter. Additionally, don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions based on their responses to delve deeper into the topic. • • networking may be frightening. However, networking is one of the most important things you can do as a professional. Whether you’re there to represent your company or yourself, prepare yourself beforehand so you can network like a pro. Here are some quick tips: • Introduce yourself clearly and concise ly. First impressions really do count! Plan conversation topics ahead of time. By doing this, you will avoid awkward silences and off-topic discussions. Hype yourself up before the event. This one may sound silly, but positive self-talk has a huge impact on self confidence! Before heading out, look in the mirror and tell yourself how confident you are. The more you repeat it, the more confident you’ll feel. RETA 2025 not only has the schedule online, but will also offer a conference app with a schedule you can access before attending and onsite during the Conference. Make sure to download it in advance so you can plan your day more efficiently and become familiar with the program. • • DOWNLOAD ANY APPS, MAPS, OR SCHEDULES PREPARE FOR NETWORKING If you’re a shy person, the thought of

Spokane Convention Center

ing opportunities that align with your objectives. You can find the RETA 2025 National Conference Schedule at https://reta.com/ page/2025-conference-schedule RESEARCH SPEAKERS AND TOPICS Familiarize yourself with the speakers and their expertise. Prioritize attending sessions led by experts in your field, or on topics of particular interest to you. Write down questions you want to ask the speakers. Here are example questions you might want to ask: • How do you see this field/industry evolving in the future?

PACK AND PLAN FOR THE DAY As a RETA 2025 full-conference attendee,

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SPOUSE & GUEST PROGRAM Whether you stay in style at the elegant Davenport Grand Hotel, where luxury meets comfort with breathtaking views of the city, or at the welcoming DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane, known for its warm hospitality and convenient location to the Spokane Convention Center, you will be at the heart of RETA 2025. Both hotels offer a perfect base to explore the city's boutique shops, cozy cafés, and art galleries. The RETA National Conference is a fabulous opportunity to work and play. If your spouse or companion can join you in Spokane, Washington, you may want to consider this very special program for them. *A spouse or companion may only attend the program as a partner of a registered attendee. During the registration process, you will be presented with the procedure for adding your spouse or companion as part of your registration. Our guest program includes an exclusive RETA Spice schedule of events with an array of activities and off-site adventures.

Spouse/Guest Package: $395 • Exclusive RETA Spice Gift Bag • Pacific Northwest Wonderland Monday Night Out • Daily Continental Breakfast & Buffet Lunch • Spice Trivia Game • Exhibit Hall Opening Reception

• RETA After Hours Lounge • Mix n Mingle Reception • Awards Night • Day Trip to into Spokane ($55 fee) • Continental Breakfast

• Short walk to/from Davenport Grand Spice Lounge homebase • Lunch – Twigs Bistro • River Park Square Mall Shopping • Polka Dot Pottery • Skyride At Riverfront Spokane • Creativity & Crafting Activities • Games & Prizes • Comradery & friendship For more information or to register for the Spouse/Guest Program, please visit https://reta.com/page/2025-conference-guest-program.

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• Ammonia Inventory Calculations and

2025 EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS Saturday-Monday Train the Trainer, CARO, CIRO, CRST, CRES Review Courses (24 hrs) 8 am-5 pm (Preregistration Required) Sunday-Monday IIAR 9 Certificate Course (16 hrs) 8 am-5 pm (Preregistration Required) Monday Workshops (Preregistration Required) • Management of Change (6 hrs) 8 am-4 pm • Oil Minion - Oil Draining (3 hrs) 8 am-12 pm • ASTI Ammonia Release Event: Non Response is NOT an Option 8 am-5 pm Hands-On Sessions Additional educational sessions such as Hands-On will be available to attend. These sessions present a unique opportunity to physically work on systems to gain hands-on knowledge and perspective. • Compressor Inspection: Part 1 Recip Part 2 Screw (2 hrs) • Oil Draining (1 hr) • Liquid Line Break & Control Valve Operation (2 hrs) • Relief Valve (1 hr) Operations • A Panel Discussion: Contact Lenses in Industrial Refrigeration. Harmful or Helpful? • ARC Flash Safety Update—10 Things to Know That Might Kill You • Don't Get Superheated: A Subcooled Look at Operator Frustrations with Density and Specific Volume Tables • Epic Fails • High Humidity Hot-Gas Defrost Cycle • The Operators Challenge (2 hrs) Compliance • Addressing Common PSM Challenges using Industry Standards

Real-World Case Study • Effortless Process Hazard Analyses: A Guide to Make it Easier • EPA Region 10: What's Happening, Does it Affect Me, What to Do • Low GWP Refrigerants • Mastering PSM: A Strategic Guide to Elevating Your Program (2 hrs) • Notification Exercises for RMP-Regulat ed Facilities • Operators: The Key to a Process Hazard Analysis • OSHA & EPA Inspection Questions & Answers • Qualifying Ammonia Refrigeration Contractors • Summary of Natural Refrigerants Codes & Standards Engineering • A Breakthrough in Low-Charge Ammonia Systems for Enhanced Energy Efficiency • A Comparative Analysis of the Use of Modbus and 4-20 mA Control Signal Standards in Ammonia Leak Detection (presented in English & Spanish) • CO 2 Systems Add-Ons: Calculations and Field Measurements • Corrosion Allowance of Pressure Vessels and Piping in Ammonia Refrigeration Services • Enhancing Thermal Performance in Ammonia Refrigeration: An Experimen tal Study on Diffuser-Optimized Cooling in Meat Storage within the Food Industry • Refrigeration Boosting of Freezers and Chillers That Are Struggling to Maintain Temperature • Refrigeration System Energy Efficiency • The Right Evaporator for the Right Application (presented in English & Spanish) Emergency • The Jose Mata Story

Management • Amm onia Mitigation—The 2025 Perspective • Building Talent Pipelines in the Industrial Refrigeration Industry through Strategic Partnerships and Education • Energy Efficiency—It Takes an Army • From Shortage to Solution: Navigating the Skills Crisis in Industrial Refrigera tion • Trouble Shooting with Variable Analysis • Using Tools at Hand for Operator Training RSES Sessions • Evac uation Preparedness—Are You Ready? • Preventing Repeat Compressor Failures • Radiant Snow Melting Training & Development • Cha pter Leaders Round Table • History of Refrigeration Volume 2 • The Audience is in Their Underwear: The Art of Public Speaking • The Transition from School to Work: Expectations for All Professionals • WiNR Workshop (2 hrs) Each one-hour educational session equals 1 PDH credit. You will gain invaluable information and knowledge from a trained professional instructing the class. Each session will be held 2-3 times during the conference, allowing you the opportunity to attend as many educational sessions as possible.

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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! RETA National conference provides a unique gathering of networking, learning, and fun into a single platform. Go to https://reta.com/page/2025-conference register to register today!

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Spokane City Center 322 N Spokane Falls Ct. Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 455-9600 (mention RETA) $159.00 per night (does not include taxes and fees)

The Davenport Grand, Autograph Collection 333 W Spokane Falls Blvd. Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 458-3330 (mention RETA) $169.00 per night (does not include taxes and fees)

CERTIFICATION TESTING RETA certification exams are accredited by ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board), established to maintain and ensure the highest industry standards are set and met on a continuous and ongoing basis. ANAB is recognized and highly regarded by regulatory agencies such as EPA and OSHA in the establishment and maintenance of the highest industrial and safety bench marks. Certification testing is offered during the RETA National conference during seven time periods and must be reserved in advance. Tuesday-Thursday 8:30 am – 11:30 am & 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Friday 8:30 am – 11:30 am only available) Please contact Samantha Ibarra at samantha@reta.org or by calling 541-497 2955.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The cut-off date for the group rate is Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. Reservations received after this date will be on a space and best rate available basis. Attendees who need to book a room may contact the two contracted hotels directly using the phone numbers above for the best available room rate during the dates of Conference.

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BEWARE OF HOTEL POACHERS The 2025 RETA National Conference is set for the Spokane Conven tion Center from October 20-24, 2025. Please be aware that RETA does not use any third-party companies to offer discounted hotel rates. Our official contracted hotels are The Davenport Grand, Autograph Collection and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Spokane City Center. These hotels will never contact you directly to offer lower room rates. Hotel poachers (also known as hotel pirates) are unauthorized third-party companies acting like travel agencies. They might claim our hotel blocks are sold out or offer fake discounted rates. They may even pretend to represent RETA or use our logo in their emails—this is not true. These poachers often don't have actual room blocks. Instead, they try to resell rooms from wholesalers like Expedia or Priceline, often demanding upfront payment. DON'T BE MISLED! No third-party housing companies are authorized to represent RETA or the Spokane Convention Center for hotel bookings. Always book directly with our official hotels.

RETA 2025 AIRLINE PARTNERS | BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS AND SAVE! RETA is thrilled to announce exciting new travel partnerships with Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines for the 2025 RETA National Conference! Whether you’re coming from across the country or just a few states away, our airline partners are making it easier—and more affordable—than ever to get to the industry’s most anticipated event of the year.

Are you REAL ID ready? A REAL ID is a state-issued driver's license, permit, or identification card that meets federal security standards set by the REAL ID Act of 2005. REAL IDs are required for boarding domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. Visit www.tsa.gov/ real-id for more information.

Alaska Airlines is proud to support the RETA National Conference with discounted fares. Alaska Fare Discounts: 7% - Most Published Fares Available Travel Dates: Oct. 15, 2025 to Oct. 29, 2025 ___________________________________ Departure Cities: Any Alaska Airlines/ Horizon Air/Hawaiian Airlines US, Cana dian, or Mexico City Meeting City: Spokane, WA Please refer to Baggage policies | Alaska Airlines, before traveling Visit www.AlaskaAir.com or call the Alaska Airlines Group Desk at 1-800-445-4435 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 am – 6:30 pm EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code: ECMO376. A $15 service fee applies when booking via the Alaska Airlines Group Desk. To use your Discount Code, input the Discount Code when searching for flights. The discount will be applied to any applicable flights.

Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer exclusive discounts to RETA attendees! Delta Branded Fare Discounts: 8% - Delta One / First Class 5% - Delta Premium Select /Comfort + 3% - Main Cabin N/A - Basic Economy Available Travel Dates: Oct. 10, 2025 to Oct. 29, 2025 ___________________________________ Meeting City: Spokane, Washington (Alternate Airport: Pasco, WA) Please refer to Baggage policies | Delta Air Lines, before traveling. Visit www.Delta.com or call Conferences and Events® at 800-328-1111 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 am – 6:30 pm EST) refer to Meeting Event Code: NM4NT. No service fee applies when booking via the Delta reservation phone number.

Fly with Southwest and take advantage of special RETA National Conference rates! Southwest Discounted Fare: 5% - Most Published Fares Available Travel Dates: Oct. 12, 2025 to Oct. 27, 2025 ___________________________________ Meeting City: Spokane, WA Please refer to Baggage policies | South west Airlines, before traveling Visit SWABIZ® www.swabiz.com to book Southwest Airlines. To use your Discount Code, input the Discount Code when searching for flights. The discount will be applied to any applicable flights.

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WHY SPONSOR & EXHIBIT RETA 2025? Ready to elevate your brand and connect with leaders in the industrial refrigeration industry? The RETA 2025 National Conference offers unparalleled opportunities to maximize your impact! When you partner with RETA, you'll gain the chance to: • Maximize Exposure: Get your brand in front of hundreds of key decision-makers, engineers, technicians, and facility owners in the ammonia and natural refrigerants sector. • Build Strategic Relationships: Develop and reinforce vital alliances within the refrigeration industry through dedicated networking events. • Generate Quality Connections: Engage directly with industry colleagues and decision-makers, fostering relationships that drive future success. • Enhance Brand Awareness: Reinforce your organization's brand and build strong recognition among your precise target audience in a focused environment. • Showcase Innovations: Exhibit your latest products, services and cutting-edge solutions face-to-face. • Drive Business Growth: Generate valuable leads and secure new opportunities within a highly relevant professional setting. Don't miss this opportunity to make a significant impact at the industry's leading educational and safety event. Ready to Secure Your Spot? Contact Stephanie Date at stephanie@reta.org or by calling 541-497-2955 to learn more about our sponsorship and exhibitor opportuni ties, and reserve your space today!

Exhibitor Name

Booth Number(s)

AC&R Specialists

216

Airfoil Impellers, Corp.

619

Airgas Specialty Products

901

Amalina Technologies

519

American Refrigeration, LLC

1018

Ammonia Safety & Training Institute - ASTI

818

Anchor Products

524

Applied Process Cooling Corp. - APCCO

611

APR Plastic Fabricating

815

APSM

210

Argus Contracting LP

620

Baltimore Aircoil Company

224

Bassett Mechanical

314

Benshaw

1209

C&L Refrigeration

521

CCA Technologies

822

CAMCO Lubricants

312

Carlyle Compressor

1406

Certified Industrial Partners

113

Chem-Aqua, Inc.

1006

Climate by Design International, Inc. - CDI

213

Cold Core Group

1205

Colmac Coil Manufacturing, Inc.

601 - Island

Cool Air, Inc.

800

Cool Air Mechanical, Inc.

1307

Cornell Pump Company

1300

CrossnoKaye, Inc.

618

CTI Gas Detection Specialists

821

Cyrus Shank

600

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Exhibitor Name

Booth Number(s)

Damotech

609

Danfoss

1409

Delta Tee International

129

Dorin USA

917

DuBois Chemicals

521

Egan Company

1408

EVPCO, Inc.

807

Farley's SRP Inc.

512

Fisher Refrigeration, Inc.

806

Frascold USA

311 - Island

FRICK

205 - Island

G&L Corp

520

Gamma Graphics Services - GGS

324

Garratt-Callahan Water Treatment

507

Gartner Refrigeration

914

GEA Heating and Refrigeration

319 - Island

General Refrigeration Company

906

Genemco

127

H.A. Phillips & Co.

221

Hansen Technologies

1309

HCG Associates

714

Hermetic Pumps, Inc.

320

Hill Brothers Chemicals

622

Hillphoenix

703

Howden Compressors, Inc.

1000

Ice Cold Consulting

518

ICEqube, Inc. / SMARTqube, Inc.

721

Icesta - USA

1304

IHG Mechanical Holdings, LLC

511 - Island

Industrial Consultants, LLC

701

Industrial Refrigeration Technical College - IRTC

802

Innovative Equipment Solutions

820

Integrated Circuit Systems, Inc.

705

InterCool USA, LLC

1004

International Institute of All Natural Refrigerant - IIAR

908

IR Pros

1306

ISG

322

Isotherm, Inc.

111

Jamison Door Company

225

JS Compliance, LLC

615

Keep Supply

229 - Island

Kelvin Group

813

Kemper Northwest

1102

Kolbi Pipe Marker Co.

1401

Lanier Technical College

616

LEWA America-Business Unit of Industrial Flow North America

217

Logic Technologies, Inc.

607

M&M Carnot

205 - Island

Macha PSM, LLC

1016

MAGNA Industrial Refrigeration by Heatcraft Refrigeration Products, LLC

1301 - Island

Marking Services, Inc.

316

RETA.com 15

Exhibitor Name

Booth Number(s)

Mayekawa

105 - Island

McNeil Industrial

716

McCown Crafted Inc.

1004

Mechanic Refrigeration Company, Inc.

1405

MIRO Industries, Inc.

606

Mole Master Services

1414

MRBraz & Associates, PLLC

623

MSA Safety

1002

New England Ammonia Safety, Inc.

910

Nexus Refrigeration, LLC

1005

NH3 Training Center of Texas

617

North Texas Screw Compressors, LLC

1203

Northwest Technical Institute

1403

Old World Industries

517

Owens Corning

817

Parker Hannifin Corporation - RS Division

905

Phoenix Air Systems

1410

Polyguard Products, Inc.

706

Pro Refrigeration

921

PROtect LLC

718

QuickFreeze

916

Refrigeration Systems Construction and Service Inc.

1407

RefPlus

1313

Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association - RETA

711

Refrigeration Service Engineers Society - RSES

711

Republic Refrigeration, Inc.

505

Risk Management Professionals Inc.

816

SAMON AB

1100

SCS Tracer Environmental

212

SGS Refrigeration brand of SPX Cooling Tech

708

Shaler Inc.

912

Shambaugh & Son, L.P.

125

Sinteco Americana, Inc.

719

Stellar

1001

Summit Lubrication

604

Synergy Refrigeration, Inc.

1106

Teikoku USA, Inc.

501

VaCom Technologies

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Vapor Armour, Inc.

1201

Vilter by Copeland

119 - Island

Viper Refrigeration

516

Vitalis

911 - Island

Wagner-Meinert, LLC

717

Warrender LTD

228

WEG Electric Corp.

801 - Island

Westermeyer Industries

804

Zero Zone, Inc.

525

Zwick Valves N.A. LLC

1417

16 RETA.com

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POWER OF INSULATION

INSULATION OUTLOOK

By Ron King

T he National Insulation Association (NIA) has enthusiastically embraced its partnership with RETA and has enjoyed the opportunity to provide RETA Members with information on mechanical insulation systems through a series of articles in the RETA Breeze. The “Power of Insulation” series initially began with the January/February 2009 issue of the RETA Breeze, and we appreci ate the opportunity to, once again, provide information on mechanical insulation systems. We have discussed many subjects, but nothing is more important than increasing your knowledge of mechanical insulation systems. The column’s ultimate purpose is to educate facility owners, operators, service technicians, engineering firms and contractors in all fields, government agencies, code officials and more on the value of mechanical insulation. This is a technology that should not simply be taken for granted. The discussion as to the value of having clear, concise and complete mechanical insulation specifications; inspecting initial installations; having industry-endorsed application and repair/replacement standards; and maintaining insulation in a timely and proper manner is not new. But the importance of those discussions are more important now than ever before. Education at all levels of facility design and

and include your name and mailing address information. It’s that easy.

management is essential to address the deficit understanding of mechanical insulation systems, especially in below ambient applications. For years, a deficient understanding of mechanical insulation systems and how they can or should be utilized and maintained has been a barrier for the increased use and maintenance of mechanical insulation. RETA has led the way in addressing the need for basic and continuing education on the many aspects of mechanical insulation systems, includ ing how the proper design, installation and maintenance can benefit the refrigeration industry. We extend our appreciation for those efforts and look forward to continu ing our support of the RETA organization. The National Insulation Association (NIA) – www.insulation.org – is the voice of the mechanical insulation industry, and as such we encourage you to continue to stay up to date on news and trends in the mechan ical insulation industry. Your best resource for doing so is Insulation Outlook maga zine. To request your free subscription please email circulation@insulation.org

To the RETA organization nationally, and to the many chapters that have invited us in the past to participate in your meetings, thank you for your leadership, hospitality and friendship. The Insulation Outlook subscription offer is one small way of extending our appreciation. Take advan tage of it and we remain available as your mechanical insulation resource. Thank you! National Insulation Association Ron King passed away in July of 2024, after many years of servant leadership to the National Insulation Association and the insulation industry at-large. He was most recently serving as a Past President/ Consultant for NIA. This article is provided by the NIA as a RETA Member service. Please visit www.insulation.org for more informa tion related to all aspects of mechanical insulation. NIA has provided significant input to the insulation portion of RETA’s Industrial Refrigeration book.

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EDUCATION CORNER

fact, most don’t have any idea how important what we do is, but we do it anyway; and we do it every day because of our love for our industry. At any given hour of the day, one of our brothers and sisters are climbing onto a roof in the heat or cold to fix a problem, entering a noisy engine room to make sure everything is running as it should, meeting with customers or bosses who aren’t really happy to receive the news we must give them. We scratch our heads trying to find the answers, all for that one moment when we know we fixed something others couldn’t. We know that satis faction is short lived because there are maintenance tasks, work orders and more issues to solve. We go to work knowing we could be at work for hours past the normal work schedule, while others are at home. We miss events that we dearly want to be at. We spend hours on our knees, on roofs, in basements, in backyards, no matter the freezing cold, blazing hot, screaming winds, or pouring rain. We

do this all so others can eat fresh food, take the medicine they need to stay alive, be comfortable and even have a cold beverage. How could I, or any of us, not be humbled by being part of such a group? So, I say to all of you, never forget that learning never ends and none of us have all the answers. That’s why we have RETA-RSES, “our house,” where we can grow our knowledge, meet with each other to share ideas and most of all, not be alone as we go to war each day. Blessings to you all and never ever forget we are here for you, and because of you this is “your house,” your safe place.

To all Members from the Education Coordinator: As I started to write this article, I found myself reflecting on my first year as RETA’s Education Coordinator and how I am still very humbled to be able to do this work. It has been a year of learning so much more about RETA and RSES than I ever knew, a year of meeting new lifelong friends, and deepening friendships with those I already knew. Then, I reflected on why RETA and RSES are so dear to my heart. And the only answer that comes close to explaining it is, all of you, the mem bers of RETA-RSES. You are truly my brothers and sisters in arms, protecting the global food chain, the pharmaceutical industry and manufacturing. Keeping people warm when it is cold, and cool when it is hot—actually saving lives and so much more. You are an unsung army doing your jobs every day, without fanfare. In

Scott Melton scott@reta.org 1-509-833-5258

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RETA NEWS

ments. Come along as we take a tour of the meter dial! Louise will uncover the meaning behind every symbol, explore what they look like, where to use them and why they matter. Get ready to master the meter like never before! Sept. 24, 2025: Louise Keller will join RSES again for the presentation “CO Awareness and How to Perform Combustion Analysis.”This session will dive deep into the dangers of CO, the risks it poses to health and safety. Keller will also guide attendees through the essential steps of combustion analysis— how to use a combustion analyzer, generally accepted results and more. Oct. 22, 2025: “Advanced Combustion Analysis,” will be presented by Tyler Nelson, Instrumentation & Business Development Manager, Americas with Sauermann NA. For this presentation, Tyler will briefly go over combustion concepts before diving into advanced diagnostics for various run stages and what cues mean, how to sell based off diagnostic results; and navigating changing industry pathways, focusing on profitability, safety and career longevity. Nov. 19, 2025: “Part 2: Building Better Homes: A Guide to Energy Efficiency and Electrification,” will be presented by Bill Spohn, CEO and Owner of TruTech Tools Ltd. During this session, Spohn will continue his road traveled to design and live in a net-zero home. He has worked with top experts and contractors to advance energy-efficient homes and will offer practical insights into electrifi cation, energy use, and how contractors and homeowners can responsibly plan for a healthier, more efficient future. Part 1 of this webinar aired in February 2025 and is available in the RSES Webinar Archives. RETA-RSES is still looking for presenters! If you are interested in presenting a topic, please contact Lori Schiavo, lschiavo@rses. org or 800-297-5660. Webinar sponsorship opportunities are also available. • • •

are available online starting from 1999 through to 2019, and soon an interesting discussion on an interesting setup for liquid make-up brought to us by Past RETA President Todd Metzger. Keep an eye on your inboxes for its release. It will additionally be added to the archives for your convenience upon publishing. Want to contribute? Contact Vern Sanderson at Vern.Sanderson@Schwans.com RETA-RSES Pipeline for Chapter Officers Now Available Are you a Chapter Officer seeking some support from other Officers? Look no further than the re-established RETA-RSES Pipeline. This is a monthly eNewsletter created specifically for Chapter Officers. In addition to tips and tricks for Chapter meeting development and management from HQ, the newsletter offers a peek at how other Chapter Officers are putting together their monthly programs. For more information, contact Dan Denton at dan@reta.org or Brenden Lurie at blurie@rses.org. Upcoming RSES Technical Webinars Did you know RETA Members can earn PDHs for attending the live RSES Technical Webinars? Launched in 2013, these webinars provide a monthly PDH-earning event that is available to RETA and RSES Members. Attendees of the live session will earn a certificate of completion good for one (1) continuing education hour, which equates to one (1) professional development hour (PDH). Webinars are typically scheduled the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, unless there is a holiday. For the latest updates on sessions, visit rses.org, navigate to News & Events and then the Industry Calendar. RETA HQ also will send invitations to you. Following is a list of upcoming sessions with more scheduling in the works: • August 27, 2025: “What Do the Symbols on Your Meter Mean?” will be presented by Louise Kellar, National Training Manager for UEi Test Instru

RETA-RSES Welcomes New Staff RETA HQ welcomes two additional staff members to its office, Kayla Branson and Cadie Johnson. Branson has joined RETA HQ as an Adminis trative Support Specialist. Branson brings a dynamic blend of entrepreneurial spirit and professional expertise, having successfully owned and operated two small businesses. With a strong background in management, human resources, organization, customer relations, marketing and strategic planning, she offers a well-rounded approach to supporting both member experience and operational excellence. Kayla is excited to contribute to RETA's mission and is enthusi astic about building strong relationships and systems that help our organization thrive. Johnson is RETA HQ’s new Administrative and Conference Assistant. Johnson has seven years of administrative experience and three years of publishing experience. In her role, she will help both the administrative and conference teams to streamline processes where needed. Johnson is excited to continue to develop her expertise in her new role and learn new skills while helping plan the annual RETA Conference. In her spare time, Johnson loves to cook, walk her dog, Lilly, and work out. As RETA and RSES continue to develop, announcements will be made to the members, the industry and the press. Kayla Branson can be reached at kayla@reta.org. Cadie Johnson can be reached at cadance@ reta.org. For more information, visit www. rses.org or www.reta.org. RETA Tech Reports Making a Comeback The RETA-RSES Publishing Committee has been busy obtaining and writing content that is important for its membership, and we are happy to report that more content is on the way…in the form of a Tech Report! The RETA Tech Report is a revered series originally developed for distribution to RETA Members four times a year. Frequency of publication has diminished as the world got busier, but we are working to re-establish more consistency with their release. Archives

21 RETA.com

UNDERSTANDING PLANT AIR BALANCE BASICS AND BASELINE PSYCHROMETRICS IN FOOD PROCESSING

T his feature provides generalized balance and psychrometrics in food processing plants, using a poultry plant as an example. It does not cover every scenario, possibility, or type of manufac turing plant that exists. The contents are generalized for the industry and both the materials and opinions in this paper are my own and do not in any way depict the operation or opinion of any of my previous, current, or future employers. Plant air balance and psychrometrics in food processing are two of the most misunderstood concepts by refrigeration operators and leadership, alike, extending beyond the basic refrigeration operation principles. Mastering both can improve plant air quality, quality control, reduce the potential for condensation and, in some cases, improve safety. If you have ever walked into a hospital or health clinic, it is very likely that as the doors opened you were met with a blast of cool air—indicating the building is positively pressurized (a higher pressure than outdoor air pressure). This is very different than air that is produced by an air explanations to help understand the baseline fundamentals of air

curtain positioned above a door. One of the biggest reasons for the positive pressure is to help keep bugs and bacteria from being able to freely enter the building. This also plays a big role in food processing to minimize the potential of contaminating food with anything the wind could pull into the building. As you move through the building or facility, you’ll probably notice that there are areas of varying pressures and airflow patterns. Some of this is by design. Like many other fluids, air will naturally move from one area of the plant to another by moving from a higher pressure to a lower pressure potential. The quantity of between the different areas of the plant. As the pressure difference rises, so does the rate of airflow. This feature will not discuss the mathematics behind the principle as we are focused on the basics. Mechanical ventilation helps us create the pressure difference necessary to establish desired ranges of pressure. In food plants, make up air comes from either a series of makeup air units (MAU) that have some form of heat (usually natural air that moves to the lower pressure depends on the pressure difference

By Victor Dearman CIRO, CRST

22 RETA.com