ELIO
EN
36
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11. 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 recoveryunits 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.
COMPETENCE OF SERVICE PERSONNEL
General
Special training additional to usual refrigerating equipment repair procedures is required when equipment
with flammable refrigerants is affected.
In many countries, this training is carried out by national training organisations that are accredited to
teach the relevant national competency standards that may be set in legislation.
The achieved competence should be documented by a certificate.
Training
The training should include the substance of the following:
•
Information about the explosion potential of flammable refrigerants to show that flammables may
be dangerous when handled without care.
•
Information about potential ignition sources, especially those that are not obvious, such as lighters,
light switches, vacuum cleaners, electric heaters.
•
Information about the different safety concepts:
- Unventilated. Safety of the appliance does not depend on ventilation of the housing. Switching off the
appliance or opening of the housing has no significant effect on the safety. Nevertheless, it is possible
that leaking refrigerant may accumulate inside the enclosure and flammable atmosphere will be released
when the enclosure is opened.
- Ventilated enclosure. Safety of the appliance depends on ventilation of the housing. Switching off the
appliance or opening of the enclosure has a significant effect on the safety. Care should be taken to ensure
a sufficient ventilation before.
- Ventilated room. Safety of the appliance depends on the ventilation of the room. Switching off the
appliance or opening of the housing has no significant effect on the safety. The ventilation of the room
shall not be switched off during repair procedures.
