20
49-5000765 Rev. 1
Additional Information
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) 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.
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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.
Labelling
Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been de-commissioned and emptied of refrigerant. The label shall be
dated and signed. For appliances containing
FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANTS
, ensure that there are labels on the
equipment stating the equipment contains flammable refrigerant.
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 all appropriate
refrigerants including, when applicable,
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.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMA
T
ION
