39138 Road 56

Dinuba, CA 93618

 

Tel. (559) 591-8874

Fax. (559) 591-8896

 

CLN 481142

 

 

 		  

 

Industrial Systems Design

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Serving Fresno, Visalia, Bakersfield, and the entire San Joaquin Valley since 1984

MECHANICAL INTEGRITY

 

The increased pressures that governing agencies (EPA, OSHA, DHS) are placing on ammonia refrigeration facilities has resulted in the need to address the age old issue of equipment maintenance.  Although not commonly known, maintenance on ammonia equipment is NOT an option, it is the law.  Maintenance must be performed and deficiencies must be corrected.

 

According to the CalARP Regulations §2760.5, “Mechanical Integrity means the process of ensuring that process equipment is fabricated from the proper materials of construction and is properly installed, maintained, and replace to prevent failures and accidental releases”.  Adopting a solid mechanical integrity program will yield lower operating costs, reduce reactive maintenance, and increase equipment lifespan.

 

Mechanical integrity applies to all piping, equipment, safeties, and controls.  According to the law, mechanical integrity must be performed in accordance with good engineering practice.  For the ammonia refrigeration industry the following two (2) organizations are generally considered “industry standards” for refrigeration maintenance: the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) and Refrigeration Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA).  IIAR has developed Bulletin No. 110 to cover in detail their recommendations regarding maintenance and mechanical integrity.

 

The following is a summary of mechanical integrity requirements per CalARP regulations §2760.5:
 

  • Mechanical Integrity testing and inspections must be performed
  • Inspections and testing must following recognized good engineering practice
  • Employees must be trained and have written procedures for each maintenance task that they are expected to perform
  • Inspections must be documented with the name of the inspector, date of inspection, and equipment ID#
  • Deficiencies that are noticed during the inspection must be corrected

 

If you are interested in finding out more information regarding mechanical integrity or would like to get a quote for a full mechanical integrity inspection of your facility Click Here.