18/19
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is completely
familiar with the equipment and all its detail. It is recommended good practice that all
refrigerants are recovered safely. Prior to the task being carried out, an oil and
refrigerant sample shall be taken in case analysis is required prior to re-use of
recovered refrigerant. It is essential that electrical power is available before the task is
commenced.
a) Become familiar with the equipment and its operation.
b) Isolate system electrically.
c) Before attempting the procedure, ensure that:
•
mechanical handling equipment is available, if required, for 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.
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 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
refrigerating system
unless it has been cleaned and checked.
17. LABELLING
Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been de-commissioned and emptied of
refrigerant. The label shall be dated and signed. For appliances containing
flammable
refrigerants
, ensure that there are labels on the equipment stating the equipment
contains
flammable refrigerant
.
18. 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 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.
