30
RIO
PL
www.eberg.eu
The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders. The system shall be
“flushed” 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 this task. Flushing shall be achieved by breaking
the vacuum in the system with OFN and continuing to fill until the working pressure is achieved,
then venting to atmosphere, and finally pulling down to a vacuum. This process shall be repeated
until no refrigerant is within the system. When the final OFN charge is used, the system shall be
vented down to atmospheric pressure to enable work to take place. This operation is absolutely
vital if brazing operations on the pipe-work are to take place. Ensure that the outlet for the
vacuum pump is not close to any ignition sources and there is ventilation available.
8. 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 orlines shall be as short as possible to minimise the amount of refrigerant
contained in them.
• Cylinders shall be kept upright.
• Ensure that the refrigeration system is earthed prior to charging the system with refrigerant.
• Label the system when charging is complete (if not already).
• Extreme care shall be taken not to overfill 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.
9. DECOMMISSIONING
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 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. lsolate system electrically.
c. Before attempting the procedure ensure that: mechanical handling equipment is availa
ble, if required, for handling refrigerant cylinders; all personal protective equipment is availa
ble and being used correctly; the recovery process is supervised at all limes by a competent
person;recovery equipment and cylinders conform to the appropriate standards.
d. Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.
e. lf a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so thai refrigerant can be rema ved 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 instruc tions.
h. Do not overfill cylinders. (No mare than 80 % volume liquid charge).
i. Do not exceed the maximum working pres sure 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 rema ved from sile promptly and all isolation valves on the
equipment are closed off. k. Recovered refrigerant shall not be charged inio another refrigeration
system unless it has been cleaned and checked.