9.3
Recovery equipment
When removing refrigerant from a system, either for servicing or
decommissioning, it is recommended good practice that all refrigerants are
removed safely.
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 all appropriate refrigerants including, when applicable,
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 cylinders used for transferring the refrigerant must meet the following
requirements:
Ensure the correct number of cylinders for holding the total system
charge is available
Only use appropriate refrigerant recovery cylinders
Ensure 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)
The cylinders are 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 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.
9.4
Labelling
Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been de-commissioned and
emptied of refrigerant. The label shall be dated and signed.
9 Disposal
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