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Detection of flammable refrigerants
Under no circumstances shall potential sources of ignition be used in the searching for or detection of
refrigerant leaks. A halide torch (or any other detector using a naked flame) shall not be used.
Leak detection methods
The following leak detection methods are deemed acceptable for systems containing flammable
refrigerants.
Electronic leak detectors shall be used to detect flammable refrigerants, but the sensitivity may not
be adequate, or may need re-calibration. (Detection equipment shall be calibrated in a refrigerant-
free area.). Ensure that the detector is not a potential source of ignition and is suitable for the
refrigerant used. Leak detection equipment shall be calibrated to the refrigerant employed and the
appropriate percentage of gas (25 % maximum) is confirmed.
Leak detection fluids are suitable for use with most refrigerants but the use of detergents containing
chlorine shall be avoided as the chlorine may react with the refrigerant and corrode the copper pipe-
work.
If a leak is suspected, all naked flames shall be removed/ extinguished.
If a leakage of refrigerant is found which requires brazing, all of the refrigerant shall be recovered
from the system, or isolated (by means of shut off valves) in a part of the system remote from the
leak. Oxygen free nitrogen (OFN) shall then be purged through the system both before and during
the brazing process.
Removal and evacuation
When breaking into the refrigerant circuit to make repairs or for any other purpose. Conventional
procedures shall be used. However, it is important that best practice is followed since flammability is a
consideration. The following procedure shall be adhered to:
. Remove refrigerant
. Purge the circuit with inert gas
. Evacuate
. Purge again with inert gas
. Open the circuit by cutting or brazing.
The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders. The system shall be
"flushed" with OFN to render the unit safe. This process may need to be repeated several times.
Compressed air or oxygen shall not be used for this task.
Flushing shall be achieved by breaking the vacuum in the system with OFN and continuing to fill until
the working pressure is achieved, then venting to atmosphere, and finally pulling down to a vacuum.
This process shall be repeated until no refrigerant is within the system.
When the final OFN charge is used, the system shall be vented down to atmospheric pressure to enable
work to take place. This operation is absolutely vital if brazing operations on the pipe-work are to take
place.
Ensure that the outlet for the vacuum pump is not close to any ignition sources and there is ventilation
available working on them.
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Automated Environmental Systems Ltd., Unit 1, 1 Wimbledon Avenue, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 0NZ
01842 819130 | [email protected]
