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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.
18. 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.
19. 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 are 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.
