IIAR 4-2020 Installation of Closed-Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems and IIAR 8-2020 Decommissioning of Closed-Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems have been released by the IIAR and are now available for purchase on their website. IIAR 8 didn’t change much, but this was a very significant change to the existing IIAR 4 standard.

In SHORT, here’s what you need to know as an end-user:

  1. For current/future projects that involve the installation, startup, and commissioning of new equipment, use the “IIAR 4 APP-B Checklist Tracking Log Template” to manage adherence to IIAR 4 before, during, and after the installation. Once this tracking log has been completed, you can document the final status in the PHA .ISC.APPB section of the related project PHA. (The tracking log is in \PHA\PHA Study Template\Optional Resources\)
  2. Ensure future PHA’s (including project PHA’s) comply with the requirements of IIAR 4 by using the existing equipment specific .ISC section and the new .ISC.C checklist section.

 

The long version follows…

To facilitate compliance with this updated standard, the following changes have been made to the overall PSM templates:

  1. The Definitions file has been updated to reflect two new definitions from IIAR 4
  2. The RAGAGEP letters in the PSI directory have been updated to reflect the new IIAR 4
  3. The PHA template has been updated to reflect the new IIAR 4 requirements and numbering. This affects the existing equipment .ISC (Installation, Startup and Commissioning) subsections and the existing “quick” .ISC section. In addition:
    1. A new ISC (Installation, Startup and Commissioning) section ISC.C has been created with 100 checklist questions for IIAR 4/5 compliance. This section provides an optional “deep dive” to the IIAR 4/5 requirements.
    2. A new ISC section (ISC.APPB) has been created with 41 checklist questions for IIAR 4 Appendix B compliance. This section provides an optional “deep dive” to the IIAR 4 compliance scheme outlined in IIAR 4 Appendix B.
  4. A project worksheet has been created for end-users to monitor and document their progress in meeting the requirements of IIAR 4 during Installation, Startup and Commissioning. This worksheet is based on the scheme outlined in Appendix B. The file “IIAR 4 APP-B Checklist Tracking Log Template” has been placed in the \MOC/PSSR \Optional Resources\ directory
  5. The PHA template DC section concerning Decommissioning was updated to reflect the new numbering scheme in IIAR 8.

To give you an idea of how much effort all this involved, here’s just ONE IIAR 4  section of the project notes for updating the system…

  • The entire standard is renumbered so old citations are incorrect. This required changes to the PHA worksheets .ISC equipment subsections and the ISC section on new installations.
  • Section 4.1 now explicitly requires that systems be installed in accordance with IIAR 4 and IIAR 2. Change: Added a new PHA .ISC question for this requirement
  • Section 4.2 (old section 5.1) now explicitly requires that contractors provide documentation that their employees (and subcontractors) have the necessary skills to:
    • Receive, transport, and install refrigeration equipment, piping, and components.
    • Assemble a refrigeration system.
    • Not harm themselves, others, or damage the structure in which the equipment is to be installed.

It is likely existing Contractor’s Qualification documentation will suffice for this requirement, but it is worth noting that this places the burden ON THE CONTRACTOR. Change: Added a new PHA .ISC question for this requirement

  • Section 4.3 (old section 5.2) explicitly requires installation employees to be trained in, and abide by, facility safety rules / safe work practices. Change: Modified the existing PHA .ISC question for this requirement
  • Section 4.4 explicitly requires that contractors meet the applicable requirements for PSM/RMP, General Duty, or other local regulations. Change: Added a new PHA .ISC question for this requirement
  • Section 4.5 has explicit requirements concerning BPVC, ASME B31.5, NDE, and low hydrogen welding electrodes. Change: Added new PHA .ISC questions for these requirements:
    • Piping and pressure vessel welding per ASME, B&PVC, Section IX
    • Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) documentation
    • Piping weld joint acceptance criteria and Visual inspection of weld joints per ASME B31.5
    • NDE inspection where specified
    • Pressure testing, leak checking, and evacuation per IIAR 5
    • Welding of pressure vessels per ASME B&PVC, Section VIII
    • Connections and attachments to pressure vessels only at locations designed for them
    • Care of low hydrogen welding electrodes
  • Section 4.6 has explicit requirements concerning welding of structural supports. Change: Added new PHA .ISC questions for these American Welding Society AWS D1.1, AWS D1.6, and AWS D1.8 requirements including:
    • Welding Process Specification (WS)
    • Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)
    • Welder and Welding Operator Performance Qualification Record (WPQR)
    • Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ)
  • Section 4.7 has explicit requirements concerning materials. Change: Added new PHA .ISC questions for these requirements:
    • Material suitability
    • Branch connections installed in accordance with the requirements of ASME B31.5.
    • Fabricated pipe fittings in accordance with the requirements of ASME B31.5.
    • Zinc, copper, and copper alloys not to be used to contain or be in contact with ammonia.
    • Copper-containing anti-seize, lubricating compounds, or both not to be used in contact with ammonia piping.
  • Section 4.8 has explicit requirements concerning component locations. Change: Added new PHA .ISC questions for these requirements:
    • Clearances required by the design are provided for accessibility and service requirements
    • Protected from physical and environmental damage in accordance with IIAR 2
    • Insulation or un-insulated refrigeration piping or components, whose surface temperature is expected to be at or below the dew point temperature at any time, not to be located over electrical equipment
    • Rigging inspections
    • Rigger / Rigging machine operator trained, qualified, and certified
    • Components and piping to be insulated shall be spaced to allow for the insulation installation and to not restrict access for required periodic inspections or maintenance service
    • Equipment located outdoors shall be installed in a restricted location and have a means of preventing unauthorized access.
    • Refrigerant piping crossing an open space that affords passageway shall be verified to not be less than 7.25 ft (2.2 m) above the floor
    • Passages shall not be obstructed by refrigerant piping. Refrigerant piping shall not be placed in any elevator, dumbwaiter, or other shaft containing a moving object, or to in any way hinder means of egress.
    • Refrigerant piping shall not be installed in an unrestricted stairway, stair landing, or means of egress, such as in designated areas for public visitors, guests, or vendors
    • Underground piping to be protected against corrosion.
  • Section 4.9 has explicit requirements concerning component support. Change: Added new PHA .ISC questions for these requirements:
    • Threaded anchors and threaded supports shall allow for complete engagement of the fastener(s) after final hardware attachment.
    • Mechanically expanded concrete anchor bodies shall not be adjusted, such as axially spun, after being set.
  • Section 4.10 has explicit requirements concerning installation documentation. Change: Added new PHA .ISC questions for these requirements:
    • The owner or owner’s designated representative shall specify the documentation to be provided before, during, and after installation.

 

12/10/20 update: I sent this when the new standards became available on the IIAR store. They just sent a tweet announcing it. Didn’t mean to steal their thunder, lol.