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 hold-
ing 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 evacu-
ated 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 pre-
vent 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 refriger-
ants 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 return-
ing 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.
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Recovery
Specialist's Manual