On 25 October, OTTC (Open Trade Training Centre) hosted a graduation for students who pass its Ammonia Specialist course. Cold Link Africa was there for the event and spoke to Kurt Johannsen, the OTTC lecturer who delivered the last two weeks of the five-week course.
Johannsen has dedicated his life to the field of refrigeration, particularly ammonia refrigeration. At 84 years of age, Johannsen continues to impart his extensive knowledge and experience to the next generation of technicians.
Johannsen’s journey began in Denmark, where he started his career before being sent to South Africa in 1973 by a Danish company. His initial work was with NDE (National Dairy Equipment ) where he worked for 17 years. In 1990, he took a significant step by founding his own company, Freezetech. After 12 years running his own business he joined Multistage Cooling ( MSC ) and worked there until Energy Partners purchased MSC.
Since 2003 Johannsen’s passion for education was ignited when Isolde of OTTC approached him to teach. Recognising a significant gap in refrigeration education in South Africa, Johannsen accepted the challenge. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of his teaching career, which has now spanned two decades.
The training programme focuses on ammonia refrigeration, which he champions as a sustainable and environmentally friendly refrigerant. He emphasises the importance of ammonia not only for its efficiency but also for not contributing to global warming potential (GWP) nor depletion of the Ozone layer (ODP) compared to synthetic refrigerants that contribute significantly to GWP and ODP. The courses combine theoretical education with practical experience, offering a unique learning experience that he says is unparalleled in the ammonia field in South Africa.
When he started at OTTC a five-week course was available which was updated with the development in the industry and a two-week designer course was added aimed at professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge in ammonia refrigeration. This curriculum is rooted in his vast experience of over 50 years in the field, starting from his apprenticeship to his role as a mechanical engineer. Johannsen continuously updates the course content to reflect current industry standards and practices.
Johannsen’s passion for teaching stems from witnessing the transformation of his students. He finds immense satisfaction in seeing them grow in their understanding and skills. “I love teaching,” he says, “because you can see how happy they are when they learn something new.”
As he continues to work in the field (with Energy Partners), Johannsen remains an influential figure in the refrigeration industry. His ongoing involvement ensures he stays current with industry developments, allowing him to keep the curricula updated. “As soon as new, safer, and more energy-efficient methods emerge, we incorporate them into the course,” he explains.
He explains that while the world produces approximately 150 million tons of ammonia annually, a staggering 88% is utilised for fertilizer. The remainder is employed in cleaning agents and explosives, but Johannsen emphasises that ammonia is fundamentally a natural substance. Only 2% of the ammonia found in nature is used in the refrigeration field.
“Every mammal produces ammonia,” he explains, highlighting its vital role in life processes. “Your body generates about 20 grams of ammonia daily, which is essential for survival, much like oxygen and water.” This connection to human biology underscores the importance of ammonia, not only in refrigeration but also in sustaining life.
Johannsen’s teaching extends beyond just theoretical knowledge; he shares anecdotes of past students who have successfully transitioned into careers in ammonia refrigeration. One notable example involves a former petrol attendant who, after being educated at OTTC, improved his life significantly, eventually purchasing a car and a house. This transformative impact on students’ lives is a source of pride for Johannsen.
Students often return for refresher courses, driven by the legal requirements to maintain their licenses. Johannsen points out that many are motivated not only by financial gain but also by a genuine passion for the field. “When they discover ammonia refrigeration, they become hooked and eager to advance their careers,” he says. The industry is facing a significant shortage of skilled technicians, which further fuels demand for education in this area. He remains committed to training future generations, stating, “I intend to continue teaching as long as I can.”
Johannsen’s dedication to ammonia refrigeration education not only enriches the lives of his students but also addresses the growing demand for skilled technicians in the industry.
Kurt and his son Kristian founded Ammonia Education (Pty) Ltd which among others offers special courses over weekends for people who cannot attend during working hours.