5
RECHARGE
WARNING:
a. Before attempting to disassemble, be sure the extinguisher is completely depressurized.
b. Never have any part of your body over the extinguisher while removing the valve
assembly.
c. Use a protective shield between you and the pressure gauge while charging an
extinguisher. Do not stand in front of the gauge if a shield is not available.
d. Use a regulated pressurizing source of dry nitrogen only with a minimum dew point of
minus 70ºF (minus 57C). Set the regulator to no more than 25 psi above the operating
pressure.
e. Check and calibrate regulator gauge at frequent intervals. The regulator gauge should
be used to determine when the intended charging pressure has been reached. Do not
use the extinguisher gauge for this purpose.
f. Never leave an extinguisher connected to a regulator of a high pressure source for an
extended period of time. A defective regulator could cause the cylinder to rupture due to
excessive pressure.
g. Do not mix types of dry chemicals in extinguishers, recharge or recovery systems.
Mixing ABC (acidic base) with Regular, Purple-K, Super-K or Monnex (alkaline base) dry
chemicals may result in a chemical reaction capable of developing a dangerous pressure
buildup.
RECHARGING PROCEDURE
1.
Perform steps 1 through 10 of the "Complete Maintenance (Six Year Teardown)" section.
2.
Thoroughly clean all parts of the disassembled valve with a soft bristle brush or soft cloth.
Blow the valve out with air or nitrogen. Inspect the collar o-ring, valve stem, spring and
downtube assembly, and replace parts if worn or damaged. Lubricate the collar o-ring and
small o-ring on the valve stem with Visilox V-711 (do not lubricate the valve stem seal).
3.
Reassemble the valve assembly, including downtube and set aside.
4.
Remove any chemical remaining in the cylinder and check the condition. Properly dispose
of any chemical that is contaminated or caked in accordance with local regulations.
5.
Inspect the cylinder interior following CGA Visual Inspection Standard C-6.
6.
Using an accurate scale, fill cylinder with the correct amount and type of dry chemical
specified on the label (nameplate). Use Amerex chemical which has been kept free of
moisture and contamination.
CAUTION:
Filling by eye alone could cause potentially dangerous overfilling
–
always use a scale.
7.
Clean cylinder collar o-ring seat and collar threads with a small brush and then wipe off
surfaces with a clean cloth to remove dust. Lightly brush the collar o-ring seat with Visilox
V-711.
8.
Carefully center the downtube and install valve assembly
hand tight
to the cylinder (the
bottom of the valve body should touch the top of the cylinder collar). Attach the nitrogen
charging adapter to the valve assembly.
9.
With the extinguisher properly secured in an upright position, connect your nitrogen
pressurizing line with a quick connect to the nitrogen charging adapter. Depress the
extinguisher operating lever and pressurize extinguisher with dry nitrogen to the proper
operating pressure. When the desired pressure has been reached, release the lever. Shut
off nitrogen supply and remove the quick connect.
