Prior to recharging the system it shall be pressure tested with OFN. The system shall be leak
tested on completion of charging but prior to commissioning. A follow up leak test shall be
carried out prior to leaving the site.
9. Decommissioning
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is completely familiar with
the equipment and all its detail. It is recommended good practice that all refrigerants are
recovered safely. Prior to the task being carried out, an oil and refrigerant sample shall be taken
in case analysis is required prior to re-use of reclaimed refrigerant. It is essential that electrical
power is available before the task is commenced.
1) Become familiar with the equipment and its operation.
2) Isolate system electrically.
3) Before attempting the procedure ensure that:
a) Mechanical handling equipment is available, if required, for handling refrigerant cylinders.
b) All personal protective equipment is available and being used correctly.
c) The recovery process is supervised at all times by a competent person.
d) Recovery equipment and cylinders conform to the appropriate standards.
4) Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.
5) If a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerant can be removed from various
parts of the system.
6) Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.
7) Start the recovery machine and operate in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
8) Do not overfill cylinders. (No more than 80 % volume liquid charge).
9) Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even temporarily.
10) When the cylinders have been filled correctly and the process completed, make sure that the
cylinders and the equipment are removed from site promptly and all isolation valves on the
equipment are closed off.
11) Recovered refrigerant shall not be charged into another refrigeration system unless it has been
cleaned and checked.
10. Labelling
Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been de-commissioned and emptied of
refrigerant. The label shall be dated and signed. Ensure that there are labels on the equipment
stating the equipment contains flammable refrigerant.
11. Recovery
When removing refrigerant from a system, either for servicing or decommissioning, it is
recommended good practice that all refrigerants are removed safely.
When transferring refrigerant into cylinders, ensure that only appropriate refrigerant recovery
cylinders are employed. Ensure that the correct number of cylinders for holding the total
system charge is available. All cylinders to be used are designated for the recovered refrigerant
and labelled for that refrigerant (i.e. special cylinders for the recovery of refrigerant). Cylinders
shall be complete with pressure relief valve and associated shut-off valves in good working
order. Empty recovery cylinders are evacuated and, if possible, cooled before recovery occurs.
The recovery equipment shall be in good working order with a set of instructions concerning
the equipment that is at hand and shall be suitable for the recovery of flammable refrigerants.