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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 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.