The Refrigeration Mentor Podcast

Get on the Supermarket Academy waitlist now! New program to supercharge your supermarket refrigeration expertise launching soon.

This conversation is part of our “CO2 Experts” series, this one featuring Nabil Cook, Technical Director for Omega Solutions, with a presentation on oil management design, specifically for transcritial CO2 refrigeration. Nabil covers oil separator sizing, oil line sizing, different types of oil used in CO2 systems, and various oil management strategies. Nabil also shares practical tips for handling and storing oil, the importance of understanding compressor oil throw rates, and provides detailed explanations on calculating required oil reservoir capacity and system oil charge. 

In this conversation, we discuss:

-Oil management design for transcritical CO2 refrigeration

-Oil management system components

-Oil regulators

-Oil separators 

-Oil reservoirs

-Oil coolers and temperature management

-Oil management system strategies

-Managing oil throw - scrolls vs. recipes

-Oil line sizing

-Comparing oil types

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 246. CO2 Experts: Startup and Commissioning with Kevin Mullis

Episode 114: Energy Consumption Breakdown of CO2 Transcritical Systems with Nabil Cook

Episode 195. Designing CO2 Supermarket Refrigeration Systems: Projecting Annual Energy Consumption with Nabil Cook of Omega Solutions (Part 5 of 5)

Learn more about Omega Solutions  

Follow Omega Solutions on LinkedIn

Connect with Nabil on LinkedIn

BOOK A CALL with Trevor to learn more about refrigeration training programs.

Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here

Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/

Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram

Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel

Get on the Supermarket Academy waitlist now! New program to supercharge your supermarket refrigeration expertise launching soon.

This conversation is about the importance of having a clear purpose behind your work. That purpose is what will drive your success and keep you focused on a goal, whether it's for family, personal development, career advancement, or starting your own business. We also talk about the potential for multiple career pathways within the refrigeration industry, and even looking at traditional retirement age as an opportunity to begin a new career.

In this conversation, we discuss:

-Finding purpose in your work

-Investing in personal growth

-Development of Refrigeration Mentor

-Changing careers multiple times

-Starting a new career in your 60’s

-How to double your income

-Setting and achieving goals

-Financial responsibility

-Workplace culture

-Taking action towards your dreams

Helpful Links & Resources:

BOOK A CALL with Trevor to learn more about refrigeration training programs.

Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here

Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/

Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram

Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel

Get on the Supermarket Academy waitlist now! New program to supercharge your supermarket refrigeration expertise launching soon.

This conversation digs into a few key supermarket refrigeration service and troubleshooting tips that will help technicians identify issues faster and more confidently. This episode covers how to better understand electrical diagrams and case controllers, and tips for diagnosing compressor issues. I also recap some of the highlights and innovations showcased at Chillventa 2024 earlier this month, and previews some of the new Refrigeration Mentor courses and training programs available for technicians this fall.  

In this conversation, we discuss:

-Understanding electrical diagrams

-Where to start electrical troubleshooting

-Checking oil levels and compressor health

-Understanding control boards and relays

-Troubleshooting tips for service calls

-CO2 refrigeration systems

-Case controllers and wiring diagrams

-Supermarket Academy and upcoming Refrigeration Mentor courses

-Recap of Chillventa 2024: highlights and new products

Helpful Links & Resources:

Chillventa

Episode 229. CO2 Gas Cooler Controllers with William Anaya of Güntner

Episode 237. Tips for New Technicians Getting Into Supermarket Refrigeration with Aidan Lucey

Episode 243. Step-By-Step Walkthrough of a CO2 Service Call with Patrick Gregory

Episode 203. Supermarket Refrigeration Service Tech Tips with Andrew Freeburg

BOOK A CALL with Trevor to learn more about refrigeration training programs.

Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here

Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/

Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram

Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel

Get on the Supermarket Academy waitlist now! New program to supercharge your supermarket refrigeration expertise launching soon.

In this conversation we’re diving into diagnosing and troubleshooting some common and uncommon refrigeration service call issues with Andrew Freeberg from Refrigeration Unlimited (RUI). From practical tips on replacing components like EPR valves, to isolating electrical problems, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons and stories from the field. Andrew shares firsthand experiences, and even a few mistakes and lessons learned for fellow refrigeration technicians looking to build confidence and gain knowledge on service calls.

In this conversation, we discuss:

-EPR replacement challenges

-Learning from mistakes

-Navigating electrical and control systems

-Tackling control problems

-Understanding the Sensor Module

-Diagnosing electrical failures

-Post-repair verifications

-Using meters accurately

-Control boards

-Condenser fan motor issues

-Learning from mistakes and experiences

Helpful Links & Resources:

Andrew Freeburg on LinkedIn

Refrigeration Unlimited (RUI)

BOOK A CALL with Trevor to learn more about refrigeration training programs.

Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here

Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/

Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram

Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel

Get on the Supermarket Academy waitlist now! New program to supercharge your supermarket refrigeration expertise launching soon.

In this conversation, we’re talking about gratitude. It something every successful person - in refrigeration or otherwise - has honed to help fuel their growth and desire to reach their goals. It reframes frustrating challenges into opportunities, mistakes into lessons, and small things into luxuries that improve our lives everyday. This short episode includes some practical tips and actions for practicing gratitude and developing the mindset to see everything through a more positive lens. Try them out and let me know how it works for you! Leave a review or send me a message here: https://refrigerationmentor.com/

In this conversation, we cover:

-Recognizing the impact of the small things

-Keeping a gratitude journal

-Practical ways to practice gratitude

-How your mindset affects your family 

-Embracing challenges and discomfort

-Taking time for yourself

Helpful Links & Resources:

BOOK A CALL with Trevor to learn more about refrigeration training programs.

Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here

Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/

Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram

Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel

Get on the Supermarket Academy waitlist now! New program to supercharge your supermarket refrigeration expertise launching soon.

In this conversation, we’re talking with Johan Gouws, Director of North American Sales & Marketing with Tecumseh, about how contractors and manufacturers are keeping up with rapidly changing regulations across the refrigeration industry.  As the regulatory landscape shifts to low-GWP refrigerants, including flammables like propane and A2Ls, we’re diving into the critical need for education and training to help industry professionals adapt, particularly when it comes to safety measures, such as spark-proof tools, strict adherence to OEM guidelines, and proper leak mitigation techniques. We also discuss new refrigeration technologies, updated codes, and the impact of regulatory changes on contractors and manufacturers. 

In this conversation, we cover:

-Changing regulations and industry challenges in refrigeration

-Propane and A2L refrigerants

-Safety considerations when working with flammable refrigerants

-Cost and efficiency benefits of propane

-Propane vs. traditional refrigerants

-New charge limits

-Leak mitigation and safety

-Training on A2L’s 

Helpful Links & Resources:

https://www.tecumseh.com/ 

BOOK A CALL with Trevor to learn more about refrigeration training programs.

Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here

Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/

Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram

Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel

Get on the Supermarket Academy waitlist now! New program to supercharge your supermarket refrigeration expertise launching soon.

In this conversation, Supermarket Refrigeration Technician Patrick Gregory is here for a deep dive on oil management for both conventional and CO2 refrigeration systems. Patrick covers various aspects of oil management, including the roles of oil differential check valves and oil pressure regulating valves, and the differences to look for between conventional and CO2 systems. This episode is full of troubleshooting tips and practical advice for refrigeration technicians to better understand oil management.

In this conversation, we discuss:

-Understanding oil management in refrigeration

-Oil differential check valves

-High pressure vs low pressure oil systems

-Electronic oil level controls

-Testing and maintenance of oil systems

-Components and sensors in CO2 oil systems

-Troubleshooting CO2 oil management

-Recovering oil in refrigeration systems

Helpful Links & Resources:

Follow Partick on LinkedIn

BOOK A CALL with Trevor to learn more about refrigeration training programs.

Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here

Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/

Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram

Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel

Get on the Supermarket Academy waitlist now! New program to supercharge your supermarket refrigeration expertise launching soon.

In this conversation, we’re talking with Kevin Mullis, Technical Manager at Integral UK Ltd., about startup and commissioning a transcritical CO2 refrigeration system. Kevin has a wealth of experience with CO2 systems and shares some common troubleshooting issues and breaks down how to perform thorough checks and techniques for ensuring your system is properly functioning at startup. This episode is a comprehensive guide for refrigeration technicians just getting familiar with CO2, and also covers the importance of preparation, planning and collaboration in learning and getting more confident with these systems.

In this conversation, we cover:

-Overcoming initial overwhelm of CO2 systems

-Importance of planning and coordination

-Issues caused by starting a system too quickly

-Common checks before starting a transcritical CO2 refrigeration system  

-Building a network of specialists

-Asking questions on job sites

-Evacuating a CO2 rack

-Importance of reading trend graphs

-Building relationships with manufacturers

-Importance of reporting component failures

-Proper valve operation

-Glycol defrost systems

-Dealing with faulty sensors and valves

-Tips for new technicians on CO2 startups

Helpful Links & Resources:

Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn

Episode 227. Getting to Know Transcritical CO2 Supermarket Refrigeration Systems with Kevin Mullis

BOOK A CALL with Trevor to learn more about refrigeration training programs.

Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here

Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/

Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram

Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel

Get on the Supermarket Academy waitlist now! New program to supercharge your supermarket refrigeration expertise launching soon.

In this conversation, we’re previewing Chillventa 2024 (Oct 8-10) with Enrico Fraccari, Director of Residential Comfort at Copeland, where they’ll be showcasing new quieter heat pump technologies and advancements in sound reduction. We dive into the evolution of heat pumps over the decades, as well as the growing importance of propane as a refrigerant, and the refrigeration industry's shift towards decarbonization and electrification. 

In this conversation, we discuss:

-The evolution of heat pumps

-Innovations in quieter heat pump technology

-Growing popularity of heat pumps

-Enivronmental innovations in refrigeration

-How new refrigerant regulations are affecting heat pumps

-Evolution of propane as a refrigerant

-Decarbonizarion efforts in the refrigeration industry

-CO2 solutions for cold chain application

Helpful Links & Resources:

BOOK A CALL with Trevor to learn more about refrigeration training programs.

Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here

Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/

Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram

Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel

Get on the Supermarket Academy waitlist now! New program to supercharge your supermarket refrigeration expertise launching soon.

In this conversation, we’re talking with with Lalit Chordia and Todd Palcic of Thar Process (Thar Energy) to discuss their long partnership and profound contributions to CO2 refrigeration. Lalit talks about his early work in supercritical fluids in the 1980’s, including the innovation of CO2 ground source heat pumps. We also take a look at new revolutionary CO2-based heating and cooling systems and their incredible environmental benefits and cost efficiencies for both commercial and residential settings, and forecast future trends and the transition to CO2 refrigeration around the world.

In this conversation, we discuss:

-Innovation of supercritical fluids in refrigeration

-Ground source CO2 heat pump development

-Advancements in CO2 heat pump technology

-Simultaneous heating and cooling systems

-Air source heat pumps

-The Empire Technology Prize and steam heating with CO2

-Opportunities in New York's steam heating transition

-Thermal energy storage and microgrids

-Transition to CO2 refrigeration

-CO2 potential in developing countries

Helpful Links & Resources:

Thar Process

Thar Energy

Thar Heat Pumps

Lalit Chordia on LinkedIn

Todd Palcic on LinkedIn

BOOK A CALL with Trevor to learn more about refrigeration training programs.

Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here

Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/

Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram

Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel