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This conversation is a detailed walkthrough of supermarket refrigeration installation. We cover phases from pre-construction drawings, bidding, ordering, kickoff meetings, and coordination with other trades, through layout before concrete, trench and overhead piping, hangers, brazing with nitrogen purge, section-by-section pressure testing and documentation, and deep/triple evacuation. We'll also discuss commissioning and startup basics, including verifying sensors/controls, charging strategy, oil system checks, staged circuit startup, and final turnover items.

In this episode, we cover:

(02:48) Why Installation Is Important for Refrigeration Techs to Know

(05:01) Preconstruction Drawings and Planning

(07:34) Ordering Gear and Timelines

(09:16) Kickoff Meetings and Trade Coordination

(10:47) Pipe Routes, Trenches and Hangers

(15:34) Equipment Placement and Roof Curbs

(16:46) Brazing Specs and Rough-In Checks

(24:49) Pressure Testing

(26:49) Drains, Walk-In Boxes and Coil Layout

(30:56) Hanging Evaporator Coils

(32:22) Roof Flashing Tips

(34:34) Pressure Test Evac

(38:32) Controls Wiring Layout

(43:00) Leak Proof Brazing

(46:03) Charging

(47:50) Oil System Startup

(52:57) Final Commission Turnover

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 373. Installation Prep for a CO2 Refrigeration System

Episode 160. Things to Know When Installing and Servicing CO2 Refrigeration Systems

Episode 81. Challenges Faced When Installing CO2 Systems

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

In this conversation, we're discussing how refrigeration techs can make the transition from technician to manager, with Todd Ernest, Executive Chairman of Climate Pros. Todd has some great insights on management skills, including technical excellence versus leadership excellence, emotional intelligence and coaching ability. We also dive into honing communication skils, listening, avoiding favorites, delegating instead of doing, and accountability - the softer skills that are critical for technicians who want to make the career jump into management.

In this episode, we cover:

(05:56) Tech vs Manager Mindset

(08:59) Traits of Successful Leaders

(09:53) Communication Skills

(17:59) New Manager Mistakes

(23:58) Delegation in the Field

(26:04) Accountability Shift

(29:03) Management Reality Checks

(29:53) Crucial Conversations Manager Need to Have

(31:34) Communication That Lands

(33:03) Offering Praise and Listening

(37:22) Coaching and Establishing Control

(39:23) Learning on the Road

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 262. Transitioning from Technician to Management

Episode 286. Leadership Training for Technicians with Jim Pape of The Arcticom Group

BOOK: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

BOOK: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

Follow Todd on LinkedIn

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

In this second part of a two-part episode, we're diving deep into oil management for CO2 refrigeration systems with Alessandro Silva, Senior Application Engineer at Bitzer. Here, Alessandro covers oil reservoir sizing, common failures and what to look for during maintenance checks and root-cause troubleshooting to help refrigeration techs perform more efficient service calls and be feel more confident in the field. You can also follow along this webinar on our Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel here.

In this episode, we discuss:

(00:58) Flash Gas Bypass Basics

(01:47) Oil Reservoir Sizing

(03:22) Differential Pressure Range

(05:25) Load Changes and Oil Flow

(06:28) Parallel Compression Setup

(10:44) Ejectors and Subcooling Options

(17:41) Low Temp Stage Recovery

(23:05) Compressor Data Benchmarks

(24:15) Compressor Software Diagnostics

(25:45) Low Superheat Fixes

(27:05) Stepper Vs Pulse Valves

(30:50) Oil Separator Maintenance

(33:26) Strainers And Trend Graphs

(35:30) Pipe Sizing For Oil Return

(37:57) CO2 Refrigeration Market Shift

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 390. CO2 Oil Management (Part 1): Lubrication Basics, Oil Selection, Testing, and Troubleshooting with Alessandro Silva of Bitzer

Bitzer Fender

Follow Alessandro on LinkedIn