The Refrigeration Mentor Podcast

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This episode of our CO2 Experts Live series features Kevin Mullis, Technical Manager at Integral UK, talking about case controllers for CO2 refrigeration systems. Kevin has a ton of experience helping technicians solve CO2 system problems and here covers troubleshooting steps, how to identify common issues and how to verify the functionality of components like transducers and stepper valves. Kevin shares a ton of great tips to help refrigeration technicians diagnose case controller problems faster and more efficiently. 

In this conversation, we cover:

-CO2 case controllers

-Understanding the Danfoss AK 550A & Carel MPXPRO controllers

-Key roubleshooting tips for controllers

-Electrical wiring and probes

-Voltage and relay checks

-Transducer testing and network fault finding

-Adaptive superheat 

-Stepper valves

-Importance of fault codes in troubleshooting

-Floating suction and system efficiency

Helpful Links & Resources:

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

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

Danfoss KoolCode app

Kevin Mullis on LinkedIn

Website: Integral UK Ltd.

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

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

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

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

This conversation is all about helping new refrigeration technicians overcome initial intimidation of working in the field. This chort episode is packed with tips not just for technicians, but employers too who want to accelerate the learning curve and confidence building of their new techs, in order to strengthen their team. We dive into the importance of repeated practice and how to better understand the massive array of complex refrigeration equipment out there. We also cover strategies for apprentices seeking employment and opportunities for career development.

In this conversation, we discuss:

-The importance of repetition in learning

-Overcoming initial fears and intimidation

-Investing in training and development

-How to communicate to your employer about training

-Opportunities for free training

-Career planning and goal setting

-Tips for apprentices looking for permanent work

-Reaching out to prospective employers

Helpful Links & Resources:

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

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

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 Linktree

Refrigeration Mentor on LinkedIn

Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram

Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel

This conversation is from a recent webinar I did on compressor troubleshooting, focusing on demand cooling and refrigerant injection. The goal is to help refrigeration technicians be more resourceful and quicker when it comes to servicing compressors. We run some scenarios, share some troubleshooting tips for compressors and also discuss the importance of understanding electrical diagrams and reading manufacturer manuals. Links shared in the webinar are listed below for you to explore and follow along. 

In this conversation, we cover:

-Demand cooling and refrigerant injection

-Compressor operation and troubleshooting

-Using Bitzer Software for compressor selection

-Understanding compressor limits

-Exploring technical data

-Accessories and additional components

-Refrigerant injection module

-Compressor operation and troubleshooting

-Manufacturer manuals

Helpful Links & Resources:

Bitzer Software 

Copeland Online Product Information (OPI) 

CARWIN Compressor Selection Software

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 Linktree

Refrigeration Mentor on LinkedIn

Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram

Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel

This conversation is all about how to avoid the unhealthy habits that a lot of service technicians fall into working busy, long days. From quick, unhealthy meals on the go, to trying to perform physical work that your body just can’t handle, it’s important for refrigeration technicians to take action on your health if you want to enjoy a thriving work-life balance. This episode features some of my best tips for incorporating healthier habits into your day, and debunks a lot of the misconceptions tradespeople make about what’s perhaps causing more harm than good on the job. 

In this conversation, we discuss:

-Unhealthy eating habits on the job

-Meal planning

-Hydration and avoiding sugar

-Choosing healthier snacks (especially working at supermarkets)

-Smaller, more frequent meals

-The difference between activity and exercise

-Easy ways to start building healthy habits

Helpful Links & Resources:

Book: Limitless by Jim Kwik

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 Linktree

Refrigeration Mentor on LinkedIn

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 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