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Important Safety Information
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The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders. The system shall be fl ushed
with OFN to render the unit safe. This process may need to be repeated several times. Compressed air or
oxygen shall not be used for purging refrigerant systems. For appliances containing flammable refrigerants,
refrigerants purging shall be achieved by breaking the vacuum in the system with oxygen-free nitrogen
and continuing to fill until the working pressure is achieved, then venting to atmosphere, and finally pulling
down to a vacuum (optional for A2L). This process shall be repeated until no refrigerant is within the system
(optional for A2L). When the final oxygen-free nitrogen charge is used, the system shall be vented down to
atmospheric pressure to enable work to take place. Ensure that the outlet for the vacuum pump is not close
to any potential ignition sources and that ventilation is available.
12. Charging procedures
In addition to conventional charging procedures, the following requirements shall be followed:
• Ensure that contamination of different refrigerants does not occur when using charging equipment.
Hoses or lines shall be as short as possible to minimize the amount of refrigerant contained in them.
• Cylinders shall be kept in an appropriate position according to the instructions.
• Ensure that the refrigeration system is earthed prior to charging the system with refrigerant.
• Label the system when charging is complete, if not already labeled.
• Extreme care shall be taken not to overfi ll the refrigeration system.
• Prior to recharging the system it shall be pressure tested with OFN. The system shall be leak tested on
completion of charging but prior to commissioning. A follow up leak test shall be carried out prior to
leaving the site.
13. Decommissioning
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is completely familiar with the
equipment in 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 reclaimed 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 refrigeration system unless it has been cleaned
and checked.
