Before attempting the procedure ensure that :mechanical handling equipment is available, if required, for
3.
handling refrigerant cylinders; all personal protective equipment is available and being used correctly; the
recovery process is supervised at all times by a competent person; recovery equipment and cylinders
conform to the appropriate standards.
Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.
4.
If a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerant can be removed from various parts of the
5.
system.
6.
Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.
Start the recovery machine and operate in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
7.
Do not overfill cylinders. (No more than 80 % volume liquid charge).
8.
Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even temporarily.
9.
10. When the cylinders have been filled correctly and the process completed, make sure 11. that the cylinders
and the equipment are removed from site promptly and all isolation
12. valves on the equipment are closed off.
13. Recovered refrigerant shall not be charged into another refrigeration system
14. 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. In addition, a set of calibrated weighing
scales shall be available and in good working order. Hoses shall be complete with leak-free disconnect couplings
and in good condition. Before using the recovery machine, check that it is in satisfactory working order, has been
properly maintained and that any associated electrical components are sealed to prevent ignition in the event of a
refrigerant release. Consult manufacturer if in doubt.
The recovered refrigerant shall be returned to the refrigerant supplier in the correct recovery cylinder, and the
relevant Waste Transfer Note arranged. Do not mix refrigerants in recovery units and especially not in cylinders.
If compressors or compressor oils are to be removed, ensure that they have been evacuated to an acceptable level
to make certain that flammable refrigerant does not remain within the lubricant. The evacuation process shall be
carried out prior to returning the compressor to the suppliers. Only electric heating to the compressor body shall be
employed to accelerate this process. When oil is drained from a system, it shall be carried out safely.
Competence of service personnel
General
Special training additional to usual refrigerating equipment repair procedures is required when equipment with
flammable refrigerants is affected.
In many countries, this training is carried out by national training organizations that are accredited to teach the
relevant national competency standards that may be set in legislation. The achieved competence should be
documented by a certificate.
Training
The training should include the substance of the following:
Information about the explosion potential of flammable refrigerants to show that flammables may be dangerous
when handled without care.
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