RETA Breeze May-June 2022

RETA BREEZE

REFRIGERATING ENGINEERS & TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION MAY / JUNE 2022

RETA 2022 NATIONAL

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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 sara@reta.com Stephanie Date Marketing & Events Manager stephanie@reta.com Dan Denton Chapter Relations Liaison ddenton@reta.com Vince Grindel Education Coordinator vince@reta.com 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 © 2022 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association.

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RETA 2022 National Conference

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

40 Years Ago in RETA History

Message FromThe President........... 4 Call For Nominations Annual Awards ..................................... 6 Trade School Grows Thanks to Manufacturers and Organizations ................................ 9 RETA 2022 National Conference November 8th-11th, 2022 — Peppermill Resort Spa Casino located in Reno, Nevada . ..................................... 16 Epic Fails: Get Out The Hot Dogs And The Burgers Combustibles in the machinery room ..... 20

The 1982 National Conference ............ 22

Education Corner. .......................... 24 The Shade Tree Mechanic volume XLXI ....................................... 25 RETA Members How you can help ................................. 26 RETA Testing Corner No. 30 RETA’s position as the Gold Standard .................................... 28

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

RETA.com 3

2021-22 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Aer Teale, CARO, CRST Lineage Logistics PRESIDENT Keith Harper, CARO Tyson Foods Inc

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Bengie Branham, CIRO, RAI SCS Engineers TREASURER Michael Hawkins, CARO Midatlantic Refrigeration, LLC SECOND VICE PRESIDENT David Gulcynski, CIRO Dot Foods Inc. DIRECTORS Alan Gervais, CARO, CIRO Western Precooling Systems Andrew Palomar, CARO APCCO Bill Lape, CARO, CIRO, CRST SCS Engineers Debbie Koske Calibration Technologies, Inc. Edward Johnson, CARO

CLEAN, COLD AND CORRECT

I came to the industrial refrigeration industry as a second career. When I started work in the industry for a major meat packer, I was introduced to the “Three C’s” concept. Our goal as a company was to ship our products “Clean, Cold and Correct”—the Three C’s. Although I don’t know how other companies communicate that concept to their employees, I do know that has to be the core goal of every company that processes and sells perishable products like food. Clean is a basic expectation for our food products. Food product contamination with a foreign material is unacceptable, even if that foreign material is microscop- ically small. Actually, contamination is unacceptable especially if it’s microscopi- cally small, because it can make custom- ers sick. That can lead to product recalls, lawsuits, and a whole host of bad things. “Correct”when it comes to order fulfillment, is another basic expectation. There is nothing more disappointing than picking up takeout only to get home, unpack it and discover that something is missing from your order. When we order something, we want our order to be processed correctly. Food producers deal with those same expectations on a grander scale. Companies spend large amounts of

Schwans Global Supply Chain, Inc. Gordon Rascoe, Jr, CIRO, CRST, RAI ConAgra Brands Jeff Lublin Kolbi Pipe Marker Co. JeremyMurfin AC & R Specialists Jim Kovarik Ricky Jimenez, CIRO Mericle Mechanical Inc 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: Michael Hawkins, CARO Midatlantic Refrigeration, LLC National Conference: Jim Kovarik Gamma Graphics Services Publications: Ed Johnson, CARO Gamma Graphics Services Raymond Urban, CARO Lineage Logistics

Keith Harper, RETA National President

money on research and development of products. They develop specifications for production that they rightly expect to be followed in every detail. However, if perishable foods that depend on refrigeration are not kept cold, nothing else about them really matters. If frozen food does not remain frozen, or refrigerated food does not remain refrigerated, all efforts to make them clean and correct are wasted. If they are not kept properly cold, they are not correct, and will not long remain clean. So, what is cold? We understand cold intuitively. However, with a more sophisticated understanding, we know that cold is only a relative term. Hot and cold are opposites, but cold is really defined by a lack of heat. In the Glossary for RETA’s Industrial Refrigeration Book 2, you will find a definition for heat: “A form of energy, measured in BTUs or Calories,

Schwans Global Supply Chain Executive Director: Jim Barron

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that causes the molecules and atoms within a substance to vibrate or move. The amount of heat present is shown by changes in temperature and state.” You won’t find in your RETA books a corresponding definition for cold. I attended a class a couple years ago where Douglas Reindl, professor at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and associated with the Industrial Refrigeration Consor- tium observed that “cold” should be considered an ingredient in much of our food. He had some clever graphics that showed an ingredient list on a product

Cold temperatures are used to slow down deterioration and spoilage.” The work that we do in our industry is best defined by the definition of refrigeration: we remove heat from where it is unwanted and reject it to a place where it does no harm. Would you like to be able to do that more safely, efficiently and effectively? We at RETA can help with that.

wrapper, and one of the listed ingredients was “Cold”. His point was that the huge importance of “cold” to the food industry is all too often ignored by those who should know better. I totally agree. I liked Doug’s concept of “latent cold” the secret ingredient that you won’t see listed on the wrapper. Like I said, the RETA books don’t supply a succinct definition for “cold” in their Glossary. However, you will find a definition for Cold Storage: “The storage, for extended periods, of food products at lowered, but above freezing, temperatures.

Keith Harper RETA National President

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Kim Snowden Award Honors an individual, company, or organization who promotes the furthering of women within the refrigeration industry. This could include, but is not limited to: • Individuals who have promoted women in the refrigeration industry throughout their career; • Individual women, who, by standing out and taking on leadership roles have indirectly inspired other women to pursue careers within this field; or • Companies that have encouraged and provided opportunities for women within their organization

The following awards will be given out at the annual Conference in Reno, Nevada this November. They are named in honor of past RETA members who exemplified a specific strength that benefitted the RETA membership and our industry either through teaching or leadership or service. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS ANNUAL AWARDS Identify who that special RETA person is and jot down some reasons you think they should be honored. Send this nomination and the supporting documentation to the Executive Director Jim Barron by email to jim@reta. com or submit it online at reta.com/nominations. Nominations must be received by August 31st, 2022 in order to give the awards committee adequate time to consider the nominations.

Venneman Award Recognizes an outstanding RETA member for a career marked by leadership and service to the profession and the organization.

Elliott R. Hallowell Award Honors the member whose record of service to RETA for the current year merits special recognition and reward.

Guy R. King Memorial Award Recognizes outstanding job performances in education and training of members nationally and locally.

Felix Anderson Award Recognizes two individuals who have worked behind the scenes at the Chapter level and who are not on the national Board.

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TRADE SCHOOL GROWS THANKS TO MANUFACTURERS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is located in Lancaster, PA. Workforce needs drive program development at the college, and with a 97 percent overall job placement rate for its graduates, Thaddeus Stevens College continues to play a critical role in preparing students for the job sectors offering the greatest opportunity. One of those sectors is HVAC and refrigeration (HVAC/R).

This photo: The Burnham Holdings Center for HVAC Technology at Thaddeus Steven College of Technology was built to increase the college’s space and capacity for its HVAC/R technology programs.

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To increase its capacity and access to three in-demand manufacturing majors, the College built the Greiner Advanced Manufac- turing Center. The Advanced Manufacturing Center was developed to increase space and capacity for the Computer Integrated Machining (CIM) technology, metals fabrication and welding technology, and HVAC/R technology programs. The center provides greatly expanded classroom space, and includes dedicated computer laboratories and flex space for training and industry-based conferences, including the Burnham Holdings Center for HVAC Technology. “We believe that education is a pathway to prosperity,” said Pedro Rivera, President, Thaddeus Steven College of Technology. “Our college is an instrument of change, in the lives of our students, graduates, our community, and especially our business and industry partners.” “Due to our partnerships with business and industry in HVAC and refrigeration, we are able to provide a state-of-the-art learning environment and curriculum,” continued Rivera. “I want to learn all the new technologies in order to make my job easier and keep up with the evolving times,” said Jonathan Klein, first-year HVAC/R student. “Thaddeus Stevens allows me to do this, and I love the balance between lecture and hands-on work in the shop. My professor, Matthew Bixler, really walks us through what entering the industry will be like.” Industry support A variety of manufacturers either donated equipment or provided deep discounts. This list included Burnham Holdings, Danfoss, EVAPCO, GEA, Independent Refrigeration Service, Manitowoc, Thermal Solutions and U.S. Boiler Company. Use of the HVAC/R lab began immediately, even before it was fully complete. Setting up the commercial and industrial equipment has taken more time, especially considering that some of the equipment needed to be customized for the College’s purposes. As heating and cooling equipment gets more sophisticated, the technicians - and the

Left: Student Derek Dunmeyer threads pipe. Above: Joshuah Clark practices sweating pipe. Below: Trent Maus cuts pipe as part of the HVAC/R course.

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training they receive - must follow suit. The support received by the college is an indication that the industry agrees. One trade organization, the Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA) and its membership, comprised of manufac- turers, contracting firms and engineers, take the commitment to support the school seriously, and has been heavily involved with funding and curriculum development. Due to RETA’s support and that of their chapters and members, Thaddeus Stevens College is able to provide an education that’s unique in the Mid-Atlantic region. For example, RETA’s chapter and GEA donated an ammonia chiller to the school. “Initially, when the chiller was donated, our plan was to use it to cool this facility while also using it for training purposes,” said Timothy Strunk, HVAC/R Instructor. “We later learned that we couldn’t use an ammonia chiller due to our proximity to an elementary school. So GEA turned it into a cut-away.” “Despite being inoperable as part of the cooling system, the chiller controls are fully functional as a dry training unit,” he contin- ued. “The indicator lights are functional, and it’s piped and wired to a pair of evaporator coils donated by EVAPCO. We can perform most functions, like running it through a defrost cycle. Students can see the coil fans shut off. Many times, when students go through HVAC/R training programs, there are no chillers to train on, especially ammonia chillers. This is one way we can teach commercial/industrial cooling in a hands-on manner.” Heat rejection EVAPCO, a RETA member, also aided the college on the heating side of the program. With more than 30 live-fire training boilers, heat must go somewhere. The training boilers are used to heat the facility during the heating season. Through the rest of the year, when there’s no call for space heat, BTUs must be rejected – the questions was: to where? All the boilers,and several other pieces of refrigeration equipment, are piped to a main heat reclamation loop. Once the reclamation loop is 100 percent complete, all waste heat will be rejected through a 600 MBH, closed- circuit EVAPCO eco-Air dry cooler with adiabatic pre-cooling. EVAPCO provided this air-cooled fluid cooler to support the HVAC system loads of their expanding HVAC/R labs, while also providing

Left: (L-R) Timothy Strunk, HVAC/R Instructor, Steve Flick, RETA treasurer and business developer for Lancaster-based Triangle Refrigeration HVAC, and Barry Walters, HVAC/R Instructor. Above: Steve Flick, RETA treasurer and business developer for Lancaster-based Triangle Refrigeration HVAC

a hands-on learning experience. As dry and adiabatic coolers gain traction in the industrial and HVAC markets, it only made sense to educate students on the latest, most efficient products. “In addition to the learning opportunities, this particular unit was selected due to the installation location and capacity required,” said Alex Smith, EVAPCO regional sales manager. “The school is adjacent to a residential area where minimizing sound levels is a priority. To keep noise levels very low, the cooler is equipped with EC fan assemblies in lieu of NEMA assemblies.” The adiabatic system specified for the college maximizes the cooling capacity allows flexibility in capacity control when the HVAC system loads fluctuates. Including these components provides students

hands-on experience with technologies not typically found on conventional commercial and industrial systems. The benefit of the eco-Air type of system is that when outdoor ambient temperatures become too high to achieve the desired leaving fluid temperature set-point in dry mode, the adiabatic pre-cooling system is actuated to cool the entering air to maintain set-point. This offers maintenance benefits and saves water, while increasing the cooling capacity available within the footprint allotted for a fluid cooler. The heat reclamation system was partially funded by grants from Tyson Foods, in add- ition to financial support from RETA and equipment donations from EVAPCO and Danfoss.

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An allied organization Program leadership at Thaddeus Stevens College is quick to shower RETA’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter with praise, and for good reason. For decades, the organization has helped immensely to promote and support the school. The relationship is mutually beneficial. “Now more than ever, RETA members, like my employer, need a larger pool of talent to hire from,” said Steve Flick, RETA treasurer and business developer for Lancaster-based Triangle Refrigera- tion HVAC, a CoolSys company, which has donated time and material to the school and also routinely hires from its graduating classes. “Increasing the size of the student body and improving the education at Thaddeus Stevens is the most effective way bolster the workforce in our area.” In fact, RETA’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter holds a large trade expo and job fair at the college each year, in the Multipurpose Activity Center. Now in its 16th year, it’s an important event for all involved. RETA members come expecting to collect resumes, while outgoing students have numerous prospects and job offers by the end of the event. Aside from the expo, RETA often helps place students with employers throughout the year. “Even as a first-year student, I already have job offers from mechanical contractors, both commer- cial and residential,” said Klein, “I’m sure I’ll be getting more in my second year. It’s exciting!” “RETA’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter even uses the expo as a fundraising event for the college,” said Strunk. “A portion of the funds raised at the event are earmarked for the college. If we have a project that needs financial assistance, like the heat reclamation loop for example, we approach RETA’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter for funding. The organization has even covered things like student transportation to and from trade shows. Many RETA members – such as EVAPCO and Triangle Refrigeration HVAC - support the school individually, as well.” The RETA Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter’s goal in supporting Thaddeus Stevens College is to create more industrial-specific refrigeration training programs, and to increase the number of potential hires that have some industrial refrigeration background. “The combination of a motivated RETA regional chapter and an exceptionally-well led technical trade college has created a unique opportunity for the HVAC and refrigeration trades here,” said Flick. “RETA National has taken notice of our chapter’s relationship with Thaddeus Stevens, and is hoping to create similar partnerships in other parts of the country. It’s great for the companies in this area, it’s

Top: A pair of evaporator coils, donated by EVAPCO, are part of a ful- ly-functional dry training ammonia cooling system. Bottom: Heat rejec- tion for the live-fire boiler loop is provided by a 600 MBH, closed-circuit EVAPCO eco-Air dry cooler with adiabatic pre-cooling. Opposite page: A portion of the HVAC/R laboratory space.

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great for the students, and ultimately it benefits the customer.” The college’s graduating class is growing every year. Before the Center of HVAC technology was constructed, physical building constrains and lack of high-tech equipment was the limiting factor for the number of students the program could turn out. That’s no longer a concern, thanks to the school’s leadership and to the HVAC/R industry. Thaddeus Stevens College averages an overall 97 percent job placement rate for its graduates (class of 2020). Locally, there’s strong pull from the industrial and commer- cial refrigeration side of the industry. This is primarily due to the presence of large food corporations, such as Tyson, Beyond Meat, Hershey Foods, Annie’s Pretzels, Turkey Hill, among others. “I already feel well incredibly prepared for any job I may get,” said Klein. “Of course, there will always some things that one can only learn in the field, but having access to great professors and hands-on equipment

training has made me feel like I’m already a step ahead. I want a job where I can work with both my head and my heads, and where I won’t be doing the same thing every day. I feel HVAC can give me that. I would tell graduating high school students that there are more options than just a four year college, with good pay and great job security.” “Thaddeus Stevens College demonstrates every day, with every graduating class, that college is within reach for all,” said Rivera. “With support of industry partners like RETA, EVAPCO, and Triangle Refrigeration HVAC, we’re able to expand access to education and training opportunities, providing increased opportunities for students to become skilled and informed members of our community, earning a family-sustaining wage, while continuing to drive workforce and economic growth for business and industry.”

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CONFERENCE CORNER

RETA 2022 NATIONAL CONFERENCE November 8th-11th, 2022 — Peppermill Resort Spa Casino located in

By Stephanie Date, RETA Marketing & Events Manager

The Conference Committee has been working hard to provide our membership with RETA’s 2022 National Conference filled with hands-on training, workshops, technical presentations, networking events, and an expansive exhibit hall. We have over 120 diverse exhibitors eager to speak and partner with attendees, offering solutions to support a multitude of organization roles in refrigerants.

Our conference has an all-encompassing, educational program helping you, at any level of experience and position, to grow within the industrial refrigeration industry. We have several educational topics for everyone ranging from student to expert in the industry. Experts within the refrigeration industry had the opportunity to submit an abstract in the fields of manufacturing, engineering, compliance, and operations. Now, with the review process behind us, the Technical Committee is pleased to announce the sessions offered in Reno.

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RETA 2021 National Conference – Exhibit Hall

2022 TECHNICAL TOPIC SESSIONS:

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! RETA National conference provides a unique gathering of networking, learning, and fun into a single platform. Please remember to plan to come early for pre-conference education: Saturday-Monday, November 5-7, 2022 8:00am - 5:00pm Train the Trainer, CARO, CIRO, CRST Review Courses Sunday-Monday, November 6-7, 2022 8:00am - 5:00pm CRES Review Course Management of Change Workshop (no additional fee but preregistration is required) Tuesday, November 8 - Thursday, November 10, 2022 8am - 11am & 1pm - 4pm Certification Testing Tuesday, November 8 – Friday, November 11, 2022 8:30am – 5:00pm Technical, Hands-On, Manufacturing Sessions, Workshops Monday, November 7, 2022 8:30am - 4:30pm

Compliance : • Optimizing Your Remote PHA Experience • ER Ventilation, Proving Compliance the Right Way • Compliance Audits in a Post-Pandemic World (Recent Changes in IIAR Standards) Management: • Decoding Your Utility Bill & Understanding Electric Tariffs • How is the Best Way to Train My Operators? • Evaporative Condensers ITM and Monitoring Best Practices Operations: • Manual Purging of Excess Non- condensable Gasses • HowWell Do You Know Your Contractors? • Predicting the Impact of an Ammonia Release in Real Time Using ALOHA • Demystify CUI - How to Predict and Pinpoint Threat to Your Piping Engineering: • Ammonia Relief System Design - A Guide to the ANSI/IIAR 2-2021 Relief System Requirements • Summary of Ammonia Refrigeration Codes and Standards • De-mystifying Vacuum Cooling

RETA 2021 National Conference – Technical Session

RETA After Hours Karaoke

Also at the conference, we will have several workshops, hands-on and manufacturing sessions to choose from. There will be something for everyone. These sessions will not only be worth 1-2 PDH credits, but you will gain invaluable information and knowledge from a trained professional instructing the class. Each session will be held twice during the conference.

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NETWORKING & SOCIAL EVENTS Plan to work hard and play hard. RETA offers additional networking and social events scheduled throughout the conference. You won’t want to miss the fun line up we have planned! Monday, November 7th Grand Sierra Bowling: 12pm-3pm. ($75 fee, transportation provided, includes networking, lunch and beverages) National Automobile MuseumWelcome Event: 6pm-9pm (No additional fee but preregistration is required; transportation provided. Come check out unique, antique and collector cars, and enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages) Tuesday, November 8th Exhibit Hall Welcome Reception: 4:30pm-7:30pm WiNR (Women in Natural Refrigeration) Networking Event: 7:30pm-9pm. (Preregistration required; All persons welcome) RETA After Hours: 8pm-11pm Wednesday, November 9th RETA Rumble and Breakfast: 7am-9am Past President’s Dinner: 7pm-9pm RETA After Hours: 8pm-11pm Thursday, November 10th WiNR (Women in Natural Refrigeration) Breakfast &Workshop: 8am-10:30am. ($35 fee; All persons welcome, includes breakfast and mimosas) Chapter Leaders Reception: 3:00pm-4:30pm Sip n Dip: 6pm-7pm Awards Night: 7pm-9pm Awards After Party: 9pm-11pm Friday, November 11th Big Ticket Items Drawing in Exhibit Hall: 12pm & 5pm. (Must be present to win!)

EXHIBITOR BOOTHS & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: There is still room for you at the 2022 RETA National Conference! Our sponsors and exhibitors are what makes the RETA National Conference a success! We hope that you will continue to be a part of our conference this year either as a sponsor, exhibitor, or both. Exposure is everything!

• Gift Cards • Big Ticket Items • Networking & Special Events

• Media & A/V Advertisement Options • Hot Point & Visibility Options • Custom Opportunities

Can’t attend RETA 2022? No problem! You can continue your sponsorship. RETA will ensure your company name is represented during the conference, even if you are not physically there. Visit https://reta.com/page/2022-conference- become-exhibitor-sponsor to view Exhibition and Sponsorship Opportunities.

EXHIBITOR HALL HOURS Saturday, November 5, 2022 Advanced Freight In: All Day Sunday, November 6, 2022 Exhibitor Move-In: 8am-6pm Monday, November 7, 2022 Exhibitor Move-In: 8am-6pm

Thursday, November 10, 2022 Exhibit Hall Lunch Buffet: 12pm-3pm Pre-Banquet Sip N Dip: 6pm-7pm (Attendance requested) Awards Night: 7pm-9pm (Attendance requested) Awards After Party: 9pm-11pm (Attendance requeste d) Friday, November 11, 2022 Exhibit Hall Lunch Buffet: 11am-2pm Big Ticket Drawing - Part 1: 12:30pm-1:30pm Exhibit Hall Closes: 2pm

Tuesday, November 8, 2022 Exhibit Hall Welcome Reception: 4:30pm-7:30pm Wednesday, November 9, 2022 Exhibit Hall Lunch Buffet: 12pm-2pm Exhibit Hall Reception: 5pm-7pm Exhibitor Open Time: 7:30pm (Designated time for offsite/client networking)

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SPOUSE & GUEST PROGRAM: The Peppermill Resort Spa Casino is Reno’s premier destination where you will be treated to the most luxurious accommodations offered in Reno, including 10 restaurants, 2 outdoor pools, 15 bars/lounges, health club, spa, and a casino. The RETA National Conference is a fabulous opportunity to work and play. If your spouse or companion can join you in Reno (which is magical at the Peppermill Resort), you may well want to consider this very special program. Our guest program includes an exclusive schedule of events with an array of activities and off-site adventures. Schedule of guest program events can be located by visiting www.RETA.com and selecting 2022 Conference. *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.

Spouse/Guest Package: $325 • Grand Sierra Bowling ($75 fee) • National Automobile Museum Night Out • Welcome Reception • RETA After Hours Lounge • Sip n Dip Reception

• Awards Night • Day Trip Virginia City • Wine Pairing • Networking & Games • Painting Event

• Spouse/Guest Program Big Ticket Drawing (Must be present to Win!)

RETA 2021 National Conference – Guest/Spouse Program

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS & MODERATORS:

• Registration Booth • Photographer / Photobooth • Decorations / Signage • Session Moderator • Cornhole Tournament

No experience necessary. All training will be provided onsite at the conference. Please contact Stephanie at stephanie@reta.com or 541-497-2955 for more information.

Join our fabulous team of volunteers at the RETA 2022 National Conference. We have several volunteer opportunities with flexible schedules for any level of participation. RETA volunteers directly impact the success of the conference with opportunities such as:

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EPIC FAILS

GET OUT THE HOT DOGS AND THE BURGERS COMBUSTIBLES IN THE MACHINERY ROOM

By Bill Lape, SCS Engineers

IIAR2 has long prohibited the storage of combustibles in the machinery room outside of fire rated containers. IIAR2-2021, Section 6.4 states “Combustible materials or flammable liquids shall not be stored in machinery rooms outside of approved fire-rated storage containers.” It goes on to list an exception that states, “This provision shall not apply to spare parts, tools, incidental materials, and the containers for such items, necessary for the operation and maintenance of the refrigeration system.” The informative appendix adds some clarification by stating that “Combustible materials are any materials that can ignite and burn. Typical combustible solids in refrigerated manufacturing or storage facilities can include spare pallets and packaging. Flammable liquids are those that have a flash point lower than 100 deg F (37.8 deg C), which generate sufficient flammable vapors for ignition under most ambient conditions. Combustible liquids are those that have a flash point of 100 deg F (37.8 deg C) or greater, meaning that additional heat input would be needed under most ambient conditions to generate sufficient vapors for ignition and sustained flame. Most refrigeration oils meet these requirements, but this should be checked on a case by case basis.” So, let’s look at some of the things that have been found in our machinery rooms. The picture to the right represents multiple problems. Not only are flammables being stored in the machinery room, but they are not properly secured (despite adhering to the signage requiring that the cylinders be chained). In addition, there is no segregation of flammables and oxidizers, as evidenced by the cylinder labels. In the picture to the bottom right, the cylinders are better secured, but the inescapable fact is that flammables are still being stored within the machinery room.

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IIAR6-2019, Section 5.6.3.2, states that “Portable maintenance tools with open flames are permitted to be used to assist the migration of liquid refrigerant within the closed-circuit system to facilitate isolation of equipment and ancillary piping for maintenance.” Section 5.6.3.2.1 goes on to state that “The portable maintenance tool’s open flame shall not have characteristics that can cut or reduce the mechanical integrity of the surfaces where the heat is applied.”

Diesel fuel tanks are also a no-no.

While an ammonia refrigeration operator is likely to work up an appetite while operating and maintaining a system, a propane grill is not a tool that falls under the IIAR exception for necessary tools.

While the weed burner in the photo above is often used in our industry, and it is allowable under IIAR6, the propane in the tank is still a flammable being stored in the machinery room.

Here we see a group of ubiquitous oil drums. Every refrigeration operator keeps at least two, typically one with new oil and one with waste oil. However, in order to keep them in the machinery room, they must be stored in a fire rated cabinet.

At the end of the day, we want to make sure that our facilities don’t end up like the one below.

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.

Lockers and uniform storage are not considered spare parts or tools that are necessary for the operation of the refrigeration system despite the fact that no one wants to see a naked refrigeration operator in the machinery room. Remember, FR means flame resistant, not non-combustible.

Even buckets of oil must be stored in a fire rated cabinet except when they are in use.

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40 YEARS AGO IN RETA HISTORY THE 1982 NATIONAL CONFERENCE

The 1982 National conference was a four-day event full of comradery and education. Many industry legends were not only present but were presenting papers and teaching the next generation of refrigerating engineers. The conference was still small enough that everyone knew each other on a first name basis. 1st time attendees were immediately identified, introduced to everyone, and drafted into the old timer’s club. Conference events began on Wednesday November 3rd, with a Board of Directors meeting, followed by a chapter Officer’s training Session. This training was directed toward developing leaders at the chapter level. This was an annual session which was very well attended. The evening’s festivities were a poolside party. While the party was in full swing, the Directors and national officers left for the annual Director’s dinner. Thursday (November 4th) began with Beverly McCann’s opening address. Beverly was the convention chairman. The welcoming address was presented by George Paulick. George spoke on the theme of the conference, “Engine Rooms of the 80s”. George had been a president of the Salinas, California Chapter. Then Jim Marella lead the business session. This is where the business of the organization was conducted, much as it is today. Then the first technical session began. Technical sessions were conducted differently than they are today. Technical

sessions were attended by all. There were no parallel presentations. The technical sessions often contained multiple topics. The opening technical session for the conference was monitored by the national Education Chairman Stuart Smith. Then Ray Kliewer of industrial Cooling Equipment, spoke on the theme of the convention. The famous Glenn Smith of Grasso presented on “Innovations in Liquid Level Control and Compressor Operations”. The final speech of the session was presented by Baltimore Air Coil’s James Marquette. The discussion was on “Energy Management Opportunities Using Ice Storage”. While attendees were eating lunch, the ladies attended a lunch at the Rogue Restaurant and then toured cannery Row, 17 Mile Drive, Pacific Grove, and Carmel. After Lunch the attendees attended the second technical session. It began with moderation by Roger Mulholland, the siting national Second Vice-President. Frick’s National Sales Manager, C.J. Gabriel presented on “The Variable Volume Ratio Screw Compressor and It’s Control Using a Microprocessor”. Following a question and answer session and coffee break, Stahl’s Vice president of Marketing, Birger Grinneby presented a paper on “heat Recovery and Heat Pumps Applied in Industrial Refrigeration”.

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Over 200 ice and refrigerating machines were constructed under the Boyle name. Approximately 75 in David’s lifetime. After the break, the ask the experts panel discussion began. Around noon, the conference adjourned. So, what is the significance of the 1982 conference? Many exciting things were happening at the time. This marked the nd of Jim Marella’s presidency, but certainly not the end of Jim’s career. He would contribute to RETA on the national level, as an author, committee member, honored past president mentor, and educator. On a personal note Jim was responsible for appointing me to y first committee. For many attendees, this conference was an introduction to “modern” refrigeration. Almost all of the major ammonia compressor manufacturer’s presented papers at conference including Vilter, FES, Frick, and Stahl. This helped to speed the reciprocating to rotary screw transition in the industry. With education and knowledge, operators became more open to making the transition. It has been mentioned that this was RETA’s golden age. Certainly, the talent present at the conference would indicate greatness. But RETA’s best days are still to come. This age did set the stage for the RETA struggles of the 90s. The leaders of RETA in 1982 mentored those who would lead RETA out of those struggles and into the age of ANSI certified Operators. We hope you enjoyed this look at the past! The author, Vern M. Sanderson, is the Senior Manager: PSM, and part time recruiter, at SFC Global Supply Chain, Inc. Where he eats a lot of Red Baron pizza. If you have corrections to the article or memories of the conference, please email him at Vern.Sanderson@Schwans.com.

Following a brief question and answer session, attendees adjourned to a Western Bar-B-Que, and then retired for the evening. Friday, November 5th, started out with Technical Session 3, moderated by National Second Vice-President Harry Paul for the attendees. The ladies toured Monterey. The first presentation of the day was by Michael Laucks, FES Vice President of Engineering. The presentation was titled “Control of Industrial Refrigeration Equipment and Systems Utilizing Microprocessor control”. Following the break, President Marella led the second business meeting of the conference. The fourth technical session of the conference was entitled “Pumped Liquid Injection Screw Oil Cooling, Screw Oil Cooling Considerations”. It was presented by Paul Szymaszek, Vilter’s Manager of Research and Development. Following the All Industry Lunch, the attendees went on a field trip. Except for the Education and Publishing Committee who met in their absence. Dinner and dancing were provided on Fisherman’s Wharf. This was also awards night and the swearing in of new officers. The term of President Mulholland began. Following breakfast on Saturday morning, the last technical session began moderated by the Education Committee Chairman Stuart Smith. The presentation was somewhat unique for the conference. John Poulsen from Seatle Refrigeration and Manufacturing Company presented “Fish Freezing options of the 80s Onshore and Shipboard. Including Crab, Shrimp, and Shellfish.

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EDUCATION CORNER

The mission of RETA is to enhance the professional development of industrial refrigeration operating and technical engineers. RETA was organized in 1910 as the National Association of Practical Refrigerating Engineers (NAPRE) — following its first convention in 1909. The Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association (RETA) is an international society of individuals and companies involved in the design, operation, and service of industrial refrigeration systems. Its purpose is to provide education and training, as well as networking benefits, to both experienced operators and those who have recently entered this rapidly expanding field. One way that RETA accomplishes the mission is through the publication of the various RETA books and training materials including on-line website. In order to remain relevant, the books must be updated periodically. It’s a fact of life and it’s an on-going chore, finish with one and it’s on to the next. Right now, we have three in review, and they should be in the book store shortly: • BE-2 Ladder Diagrams • IR-3 Plant Maintenance and Related • PSM/RMP Compliance The Education Committee is constantly searching for volunteers to assist in the ongoing task of making the RETA training materials “the best they can be”. If you are interested in having a positive impact, contact vince@RETA.com

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SERVICE

The Shade Tree Mechanic volume XLXI

Customer Service Representatives!

cooling, we provide it. Therefore, they are our customer. We deal with customers all the time. If we don’t provide our service, the plant doesn’t run. We are a critical supplier to our company. So, we obviously provide service. We have customers (everyone in the facility that needs anything cold). We represent the maintenance department every time we leave the shop. Therefore, we are customer service representatives. So, does that mean we need to operate differently than other customer service representatives? Of course not. We need to learn to be a little more like them. A quick search of the internet gave me this definition for a customer service representative “interacts with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about products and services and to handle and resolve complaints.” Wow, that is exactly what we do in the maintenance department. We handle calls for equipment

Maybe we need to think about our role a little more. One thing that most customer service representatives do that we neglect on occasion is politely resolve situations, and calmly deal with customers. Polite and Calm, not the normal motto of the maintenance department, but it’s gonna be! The next time, the production manager is losing his mind because a piece of equipment is down, we need to: calmly interact with our customer, resolve the situation to the best of our ability, and assure the customer is satisfied with the resolution, if at all possible. Then I’m headin home and having a beer under my shade tree! 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.

Every once in awhile, the boys say something so crazy, I just bust-a-gut and walk out of the room. Most of the time, they’ just tryin to get my goat. But the other day, they was plum serious and had no idea why I was a laughin. Bobby was trying to find some information on a new oiler for a packaging machine. After spending 45 minutes on the phone. He hung up and said “Thank god, I’m not a customer service representative. I’d shoot myself”. I laughed so hard, tears were pouring from my eyes. Bobby looked over and said “What?” “Bobby, you are a customer service rep.” “Heck no, I’m a mechanic”. Well, that got me to thinking, Bobby really didn’t know. Bobby has been a customer service representative for years and doesn’t know it. That might be why he’s so bad at it. “Get off my a##, I’ll get to it when I can” is never an appropriate response to your customers. If that lady at the oiler company had said that, Bobby would have plum lost his mind. Don’t go takin me wrong Bobby is a great mechanic, if it can be fixed, he’ll fix it. But he tends to treat production as more of an annoyance than a customer. So when I stopped laughin, I began explainin. Everyone in maintenance is a customer service representative and we have a lot of customers. The freezer supervisor, dock supervisor, production supervisor, and the plant manager are all customers for the maintenance department. They need

failures. In fancy words we “respond to inquiries”. So when Jenny calls

and says “Hey why aren’t we cooling in Contherm #1?”. Jenny needs cooling therefore she is one of our customers. Jenny is

inquiring as to why there aint nothin cold comin out of Contherm #1. So when Bobby heads out to fix it, he is “responding to Jenny’s inquiry”. When Bobby fixes the Contherm, he is resolving Jenny’s complaint.

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Although RETA’s primary responsibility and focus is the education of its members, it is very important to offer the membership other activities that will foster Chapter camaraderie and involvement. RETA Chapter members work in a risk filled environment and it’s good to have a special event such as a Community Safety Day or a Regional Conference from time to time. With anhydrous ammonia (the refrigerant in use by a large portion of the membership) being an acutely hazardous material subject to regulatory control by four or more agencies at any given time, it is good to develop strong relationships with the local professional emergency responders in the community. Some Chapters have improved relations and response capabilities in their areas through jointly planned and delivered safety days. Community Safety Days have these elements as common denominators in their planning and execution: 1. The purpose of the program is to improve the knowledge of the attendees regarding the hazards of ammonia and the safe practices to use when responding to a release. 2. A related purpose is to strengthen relationships between the local refrigeration industry and those who regulate and enforce safety policy. 3. The event is accessible to all who want to attend. 4. The event is reasonably priced. There is a tradition in some areas to secure sufficient sponsorships to offer the event free of charge to all attendees. 5. The organizers who plan the event come from industry and public safety. The day is planned around the educational and awareness needs of the local community. The organizers are responsible for venue selection, negotiations and payments. 6. There is opportunity for exhibitors to rent a table top or reasonably priced booth space to display their product and meet with customers. There can

also be an opportunity to offer a combination booth space and sponsorship to exhibitors. 7. Build enough time in the program to allow folks to access the exhibitors. a. If the exhibit hall is open and the meal is in the hall and ready when the doors open for registration, exhibitors can have a full hour of interaction. b. A planned 20-25 minute break for refreshments and exhibit surfing in the morning or afternoon works well, too. c. If the hall is open during lunch, serve food that is easy to carry around. This will give the attendees more of an opportunity to visit booths while still enjoying the meal. d. If there are door prize drawings – hold the drawings in the exhibit hall during exhibit times to draw the crowd back to the exhibit hall. An important aspect of RETA membership is the occasional get together of members and their spouses at local Chapter events such as an installation of officers’ dinner, picnic, and holiday party. Some Chapters have used social activities as a fundraiser for a particular project or used the general fund money to host an activity as a means to give back to the members for a job well done. Such events can be of relationships that develop. Involving the spouses will be sure to bring about closer ties throughout the RETA membership, as well as establishing long-lasting friendships. All social activities require planning to be successful. How you can help is contact your Chapter leaders and ask what role you can take in organizing an educational event, safety day, or special event. Any and all contributions of expertise and suggestions are very helpful. As it is said, “many hands make the load lighter”. Contact RETA headquarters by email or phone today. great value in increasing meeting attendance because of the close

RETA MEMBERS

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Best regards, Dan Denton

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