ABOUT
From Quinhagak to Kaktovik in Alaska, and points beyond, passive thermosyphons manufactured by Arctic Foundations, Inc. (AFI) are vital to keep vertical and horizontal constructions stable over frozen soils. Established in 1972 by Erwin (Erv) Long, P.E., AFI is recognized as North America’s premier manufacturer of passive two-phase thermosyphon devices for maintaining stable permafrost beneath buildings and earth structures in the arctic and subarctic. Because of the wide variety of permafrost applications, AFI has the largest product line
of any thermosyphon manufacturer worldwide. Our products are used on schools, hospitals, public utility systems, residential structures, communications structures, air terminals, shop buildings, heavy industrial facilities, health clinics, power plants, office buildings, aircraft hangars, wind turbine towers, postal facilities, fire stations, tanks (fuel and water), warehouses, light commercial buildings, private residences, bridges, oil & gas infrastructure, recreation centers, satellite tracking stations, mineral extraction facilities, research facilities, and more!
Our mission at AFI is to support resilient and sustainable development of the arctic and subarctic through the delivery of superior manufactured products to maintain permafrost soils with a minimal carbon footprint. And, to expand our proprietary heat transfer
technologies to other markets where they can be cost competitive and safer for the environment than conventional techniques.
For 50 years, we have supplied our customers and teaming partners with rapid, well- conceived solutions to geotechnical and hydrogeological problems through the application of proprietary passive ground freezing technology. The company analyzes, designs, manufactures, installs, and operates heat transfer and ground freezing systems that enhance the engineering characteristics of soil, rock and other permeable subsurface strata. Strengthening soils, controlling water, and immobilizing water borne hazardous contaminants are typical benefits to end-users. As needed, the systems can be designed as permanent or temporary. An exceptional understanding of the
interrelationship of diverse engineering disciplines, and many years of development and operational experience allows Arctic Foundations to offer its clients superior systems with lower life-cycle costs than its competitors.
PEOPLE
Ed Yarmak, P.E. currently leads AFI as President and Chief Engineer. Ed has been with the company since 1981 and is internationally regarded as an expert with regard to the manufacture and use of two phase thermosyphons for ground freezing and passive permafrost maintenance. From 1981 to 2012, Mr. Yarmak worked as the right hand of the company founder, Erv Long, in all aspects of thermosyphon design, manufacture, and field assembly. Ed has traveled extensively to field sites across Alaska. Ed was the 2014 recipient of ASCE's Harold R. Peyton Award for significant contributions to the field of Cold Regions Engineering. In 2015, Mr. Yarmak was the ASCE Alaska Section Engineer of the Year. In 2021, Ed received ASCE's CAN-AM Civil Engineering Amity Award for design of foundations in permafrost using thermosyphon technology and for leadership in the field of thermosyphon stabilized foundations.
Austen Whitney, EIT, has been with Arctic Foundations Inc. since 2020, providing engineering support including, but not limited to, basic thermosyphon design, quality control, on-site operational inspections, and preventative maintenance for installed systems. During his tenure at AFI, Austen has worked in North Slope oilfield facilities, in nearly every transportation hub across Alaska's permafrost regions, and in numerous bush villages. Austen is also plays a key role in design coordination, project management, and client support, helping ensure each system is delivered and installed to the highest standard. He actively contributes to research projects aimed at advancing thermosyphon technology and, after visiting over 30 communities built on permafrost, remains inspired by the role these systems play in supporting critical infrastructure across Alaska.
Jack O'Ryan is AFI's System Adminstrator. Since 2018, Mr. O'Ryan has been responsible for keeping all of AFI's computers, networks and servers running smoothly and securely. He prides himself on his system's robust protections, preventative maintenance schedule and an approach to security posture that boarders obsessive. Serving also as the Network Engineer to the Aleutian School District, Jack designs, deploys and monitors networks all over Alaska and the continental United States for AFI and many others.
Leslie Patton is the office manager for AFI. Ms. Patton joined the company in 1982 and has grown to be an invaluable part of AFI. She has actively participated in field work in northern and western Alaska and has first-hand knowledge of the intricacies of working at remote sites. In addition to managing the office and keeping the books, Leslie is skilled at managing field logistics, freight, and materials orders.
Chad Brado is AFI’s manufacturing superintendent and has been with the company since 2003. Chad is a skilled welder, an EPA licensed refrigeration technician, and is capable of performing all the tasks required to build thermosyphons. He started with AFI as a helper and has worked his way up the ladder. His intimate knowledge of how to build thermosyphons allows him to be an effective superintendent managing production in the shop, assembly in the field, and training of the crews.
