Design of Ammonia Refrigeration Systems for Peak Performance and Efficiency
Upcoming dates (2)
Fee
- $1,895
-
Fee covers morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches, and course materials.
Discounts
Industrial Refrigeration Consortium (IRC) members receive a $200 course discount. We will verify your affiliation.
ID
RA00375-D289
Credits
- CEU: 4
- PDH: 40
Schedule
- 9/8/2025 08:00am - 08:00pm
- 9/9/2025 08:00am - 08:00pm
- 9/10/2025 08:00am - 08:00pm
- 9/11/2025 08:00am - 08:00pm
- 9/12/2025 08:00am - 02:00pm
All times listed are Central Time Zone. Regular instruction ends at 5:00 pm; an optional workshop continues until 8:00 pm.
Course Notes
There will be optional workshop time from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Day 1-4.
This in-person course will have an online course site from which you will access the course materials, course evaluation, and participation certificate. Details on how to access the online course site will be sent with registration confirmation.
Instructors
Marc Claas, Todd Jekel, Douglas Reindl, Bent Wiencke
Location
Topic:
Cancellation Policy
If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.
Course Overview
As a refrigerant, ammonia has been in widespread use in the industrial sector for more than a century. With no ozone depletion potential and no global warming potential, it is environmentally friendly as well as an efficient choice for refrigeration. In this course, you will learn how to take advantage of ammonia’s desirable properties to design your refrigeration systems for peak performance. You will also learn from the experts about safety precautions and the latest research from the IRC that you can immediately apply on your next refrigeration system specification or design.
Who Should Attend?
- Design/build contractors
- Owners, plant operators, supervisors, engineers, and designers who want to better specify systems
- Project managers responsible for ammonia system design and construction
- Consulting engineers
Additional Information
This course is part of the Process Safety Management Professional Certificate. Increase your knowledge and effectiveness at managing PSM/RMP programs for your ammonia refrigerated facility, while earning a recognized credential. Course can be taken individually as well.
Attendees participating in this course will be able to earn a digital badge as evidence of the knowledge they obtained during the course. Digital badges are micro-credentials that can be earned by successfully passing a final quiz administered online after completing the course. Find more information on digital badges.
Course Outline
Day 1
Welcome and Introduction
Design Considerations for Energy Efficiency
- Review of systems: single-stage, DX, flooded, overfed, and multi-stage systems
- Energy efficiency considerations for industrial refrigeration systems
Load Calculations and Psychrometrics
- Temperature requirements
- Load types: envelope, product, internal, equipment, infiltration
- Psychrometrics review
- Sensible and latent loads
- Infiltration loads: theory vs. real-world
- Rules-of-thumb
Load Calculation Workshop Load Calculation Workshop (continues) Evaporators
- Types
- Performance characteristics
- Manufacturer's rating methods
- Selection process
- Energy efficiency considerations
- Variable speed drive fans
Assign Homework – Class Design Project
- Preliminary refrigeration system layouts
- Load calculations
- Evaporator selection/layout
Adjourn to Work on Class Project
Day 2
Homework Review Valves and Valve Selection
- Valve types and uses
- Actuating methods (direct-acting, pilot-operated)
- Installation considerations
- Typical valve groups
- Safety considerations
- Energy efficiency considerations
Condensers
- Performance characteristics
- Sizing considerations
- Selection
- Fan alternatives and methods of control
- Energy efficiency considerations
Condenser Selection Workshop
- Types: high-pressure receiver, thermosiphon, low-pressure accumulator, flash intercooler
- Configurations: horizontal or vertical
- Ratings
- Proper practices for system integration
- Knock-out velocity
- Down-comer sizing
- Refrigerant level control (floats, capacitance probes)
Vessel Sizing/Selection Workshop
Assign Homework
- Evaporator valve selection and valve train layout
Adjourn to Work on Class Project
Day 3
Homework Review Liquid Refrigerant Pumps
- Pump types and performance curves
- Net positive suction head: required and available
- Pump selection
- Energy efficiency considerations
Compressors
- Compressor ratings
- Full-load and part-load operation
- Oil cooler heat rejection methods (screw compressors)
- Volume ratio (fixed and variable)
- High stage and booster selection
- Energy efficiency considerations
Compressors (continued)
Class Design Project Assign Homework
- Select compressors
- Select condensers
Adjourn to Work on Class Design Project
Day 4
Homework Review Refrigerant Piping
- Sizing vapor lines (suction, discharge, hot gas)
- Liquid line sizing
- Wet return line sizing
- Piping practices to minimize potential for hydraulic hammer
- Riser pipe sizing practices
- Energy efficiency considerations
Refrigerant Piping Workshop Heat Recovery Opportunities
- Assessing the potential for heat recovery in ammonia systems
- Heat recovery options Design Project
Assign Homework
- Class design project
Adjourn to Work on Class Design Project
Day 5
Homework Review
Finalize Design Project
Design Project Presentations
Question/Answer Session
Testimonials
"I got a great overview and exposure to the details. I will definitely be a smarter customer for both design services and equipment supply. Also, got some energy tips I'll be looking at."
"All was excellent, from the knowledge and skills of the speakers to the facility."
"I got an extremely well-rounded education on refrigeration systems and associated engineering."
"I have a completely new perspective on design. The course really cleared up a lot of things in my systems and how they operate."
"Great course for designers, owners, consultants—anyone around the engine room or plant in general."
"Very helpful for trouble-shooting and problem solving on current systems."
Instructors
Todd Jekel
Todd Jekel, PhD, PE is the assistant director of the Industrial Refrigeration Consortium at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Jekel has been actively conducting research on refrigeration systems including vessel design practices, oil separators, and analysis of dehumidification alternatives for cold storage warehouses. He holds degrees from Calvin College and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Douglas Reindl
Douglas Reindl, PhD, PE is a professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and a Program Director at the Office of Interdisciplinary Professional Programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has extensive experience in mechanical systems – including industrial ammonia refrigeration systems. As the founding director of the Industrial Refrigeration Consortium, he works extensively to improve the safety, efficiency, reliability, and productivity of ammonia refrigeration infrastructure. Dr. Reindl received his BS in mechanical engineering technology from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, MS in mechanical engineering from UW–Madison, and PhD in mechanical engineering from UW–Madison. He is a registered professional engineer in the State of Wisconsin.
Marc Claas
Marc Claas is an Associate Researcher with the Industrial Refrigeration Consortium and has been involved in industrial refrigeration since 2009. His interests include refrigeration system maintenance requirements, criteria for safe system operation, troubleshooting systems for safe and efficient operation, regulatory compliance in refrigeration systems, and emerging cooling technologies. His teaching experience includes online operator training programs, and his field experience includes PSM related activities such as PSM audits and PHAs. He also has experience investigating energy efficiency and other operational opportunities. Claas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from UW-Platteville and Master’s of Mechanical Engineering in Thermal Science from UW-Madison. He is an active member of the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration.
Bent Wiencke
Bent Wiencke has 35 years of experience in the industrial refrigeration industry specializing in the design, optimization, operation, and installation of refrigeration systems. Throughout his international career he has worked for contractors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end-users. His broad work experience includes the food and beverage industry, marine industry, petrochemical and chemical industry using a wide range of refrigerants, such as: Ammonia, CO2, Hydro-Carbons, CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs. Bent is a longtime International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) member and has been an active participant in the work of the IIAR Research Committee. In addition, he was a two-term member of the IIAR Board of Directors from 2010 to 2016. Throughout the years he contributed to the industry with numerous papers as well as championed numerous research and safety topics. In 2008 he won the "Andy Ammonia Award" for best paper. He has a MS and BS in Mechanical Engineering.
Design of Ammonia Refrigeration Systems for Peak Performance and Efficiency
Location: Madison, WI
Course #: RA00375-D289
Fee: $1,895
Fee
- $1,895
-
Fee covers morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches, and course materials.
Discounts
Industrial Refrigeration Consortium (IRC) members receive a $200 course discount. We will verify your affiliation.
Credits
- CEU: 4
- PDH: 40
Schedule
- 9/8/2025 08:00am - 08:00pm
- 9/9/2025 08:00am - 08:00pm
- 9/10/2025 08:00am - 08:00pm
- 9/11/2025 08:00am - 08:00pm
- 9/12/2025 08:00am - 02:00pm
All times listed are Central Time Zone. Regular instruction ends at 5:00 pm; an optional workshop continues until 8:00 pm.
Course Notes
There will be optional workshop time from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Day 1-4.
This in-person course will have an online course site from which you will access the course materials, course evaluation, and participation certificate. Details on how to access the online course site will be sent with registration confirmation.
Instructors
Marc Claas, Todd Jekel, Douglas Reindl, Bent Wiencke
Location
Topic:
Cancellation Policy
If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.
Design of Ammonia Refrigeration Systems for Peak Performance and Efficiency
Location: Madison, WI
Course #: RA00375-D298
Fee: $1,895
Fee
- $1,895
-
Fee covers morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches, course materials, and in-person instruction.
Discounts
Industrial Refrigeration Consortium (IRC) members receive a $200 course discount. We will verify your affiliation.
Credits
- CEU: 4
- PDH: 40
Schedule
- 9/7/2026 08:00am - 08:00pm
- 9/8/2026 08:00am - 08:00pm
- 9/9/2026 08:00am - 08:00pm
- 9/10/2026 08:00am - 08:00pm
- 9/11/2026 08:00am - 02:00pm
All times listed are Central Time Zone
Course Notes
There will be optional workshop time from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Day 1-4.
This in-person course will have an online course site from which you will access the course materials, course evaluation, and participation certificate. Details on how to access the online course site will be sent with registration confirmation.
Instructors
Marc Claas, Todd Jekel, Douglas Reindl, Bent Wiencke
Location
Topic:
Cancellation Policy
If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.
Design of Ammonia Refrigeration Systems
Course #: RA00375Design of Ammonia Refrigeration Systems for Peak Performance and Efficiency
Date: Mon. September 16, 2024 – Fri. September 20, 2024ID: RA00375-C923
Fee:
- $1,895
-
Fee covers morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches, course materials, and face-to-face instruction.
Industrial Refrigeration Consortium (IRC) members receive a $200 course discount. We will verify your affiliation.
- CEU: 4
- PDH: 40
Design of Ammonia Refrigeration Systems for Peak Performance and Efficiency
Date: Mon. September 11, 2023 – Fri. September 15, 2023ID: RA00375-C765
Fee:
- $1,795
-
Fee covers morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches, course materials and other: in-person instruction.
Industrial Refrigeration Consortium (IRC) members receive a $200 course discount. We will verify your affiliation.
- CEU: 4
- PDH: 40