Chilled Water / Refrigeration Plant Rooms

Ammonia gas is a vital part of any large-scale refrigeration/chilled plant room, however escaped ammonia can create a flammable air mixture when under specific conditions, which can be ignited from various sources of ignition – making this an explosible atmosphere which requires maintenance and monitoring. 

Industrial refrigeration benefits greatly from ammonia, as it is one of the most energy-efficient applications available, ranging from high to low temperatures, making ammonia a safe and sustainable choice. It is also the most environmentally friendly refrigerant, which belongs to the group of so-called, “natural” refrigerants. The heat transfer properties of ammonia are better than most other chemical refrigerants, making plant construction cost lower. 

As with any explosive gas, ammonia gases have some dangers, inclusive of: 

- It is a corrosive gas and could be fatal if inhaled

- It can cause lung injury 

- As a liquefied gas, it can cause frost bite and corrosive injury to eyes and skin

- Ammonia gas is a severe respiratory tract irritant

- Ammonia gas is flammable at concentration and containers of ammonia may explode if exposed to severe heat

Under DSEAR Regulations, ammonia gas plant rooms, and associated areas, are normally classed as a Zone 2 Hazardous Area. 

In order to keep your workplace, staff, and visitors safe from potential explosions, the SR Electrical Services LTD can visit you to conduct ATEX Inspections, Installations and Maintenance of current or new installations. Discover more about our ATEX Inspection services here, and discover how we helped a client with their ATEX Lighting Installation here.

If you would like to find out more about how we can help increase the safety of your workplace, please contact the friendly team of experts today on 01562 750804, or email us at info@srelectrical.com. Alternatively, complete the contact form here, and one of the team will contact you as soon as possible.