The beginning of a new Chapter By Gerhard Koch , Ammonia Training Solutions International

I have been privileged to serve the refrigeration industry of South Africa as a facilitator for almost ten years . It has been my passion to share knowledge , develop skills and add value to learners that wish to pursue a career in industrial refrigeration .

As a South African based company , we provide sitespecific training on ammonia refrigeration systems all over the country . This training is in line with the South African National Standards , ( SANS 10147 ) to enable learners to be registered with SARACCA and SAQCC Gas .

A few years ago , we embarked on a new journey , taking our training outside the borders of South Africa . We soon realised that there was a great need for proper training in the industrial refrigeration sector . In most African countries there are no operational standards to guide plant operators in the safe operation of their ammonia refrigeration systems . Ammonia Training Solutions International ( ATSI ) was established in 2021 to deal with the training needs and the development of skills in these countries .

In 2023 we were privileged to attend the IIAR ( International Institute of All-Natural Refrigerants ) conference in Long Beach California , where we made contact with the Refrigeration Engineers and Technicians Association ( RETA ).

RETA , founded in 1910 , is an international society of individuals and companies involved in the design , operation and service of industrial refrigeration systems . Their purpose is to provide education and

training , as well as networking benefits , to both experienced operators and those who have recently entered this rapidly expanding field .

As a proud RETA member , we want to extend this service to the rest of Africa and other countries . ATSI will be starting the first RETA Chapter for sub- Saharan Africa which will allow industry professionals to have access to a broad spectrum of knowledge .

Our vision is to create a global platform or repository where industry professionals , researchers , manufacturers and educators can collaborate , share and access the most up-to-date and comprehensive information .

We want to create a digital hub that consolidates resources like technical papers , industry standards , safety protocols and case studies from leading refrigeration experts and organisations around the world .

The Chapter will be a forum or online community where professionals in industrial refrigeration can share insights , discuss challenges and brainstorm innovative solutions for common issues . This platform would also be a resource for best practices , troubleshooting guides , maintenance schedules and

A wide variety of refrigeration industry related exhibits were available for the gathering of valuable information .

Gerhard Koch , Ammonia Training Solutions International efficiency improvement strategies that are proven in real-world applications , updated regularly by contributors from different regions all over the world .

Now you may ask yourself , what would be the advantages of joining a RETA Chapter ?

A RETA Chapter offers numerous advantages for professionals in the industrial refrigeration sector :

• Educational opportunities : RETA Chapters provide access to seminars , speaker presentations , plant tours and demonstration videos , keeping members informed about the latest developments in equipment , operating procedures and safety protocols .

• Networking : Chapters foster connections among industry professionals , facilitating the exchange of experiences and ideas . This networking can lead to valuable collaborations and mentorship opportunities .

• Professional development : Through RETA ' s certification programmes , members can enhance their credentials , improving employment prospects and potential for career advancement . Certifications such as the Certified Assistant

Refrigeration Operator ( CARO ) and Certified Industrial

Cold Link Africa March April 2025 | Page 25

I have been privileged to serve the refrigeration industry of South Africa as a facilitator for almost ten years . It has been my passion to share knowledge , develop skills and add value to learners that wish to pursue a career in industrial refrigeration .

The beginning of a new Chapter By Gerhard Koch , Ammonia Training Solutions International

I have been privileged to serve the refrigeration industry of South Africa as a facilitator for almost ten years . It has been my passion to share knowledge , develop skills and add value to learners that wish to pursue a career in industrial refrigeration .

As a South African based company , we provide sitespecific training on ammonia refrigeration systems all over the country . This training is in line with the South African National Standards , ( SANS 10147 ) to enable learners to be registered with SARACCA and SAQCC Gas .

COLD LINK AFRICA • March / April 2025 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 25