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d) Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.
e) If a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerant can be removed from various parts of the system.
f) Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.
g) Start the recovery machine and operate in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
h) Do not overfill cylinders. (No more than 80 % volume liquid charge).
i) Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even temporarily.
j) 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.
k) Recovered refrigerant shall not be charged into another refrigeration system unless it has been cleaned and checked.
15. 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.
16. 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.
