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drained of refrigerant. The label must be dated and signed. Make sure there are labels
on the equipment indicating that the equipment contains flammable refrigerant.
11. DISPOSAL
When removing refrigerant from a system, for maintenance or decommissioning, it
is recommended that all refrigerants be used safely. When transferring refrigerant to
cylinders, ensure that only appropriate refrigerant recovery cylinders are used. Make
sure the correct number of cylinders are available to hold the total system charge.
All cylinders to be used are designated for the recovered refrigerant and labeled
for that refrigerant (i.e., special cylinders for recovering refrigerant). Cylinders must
be complete with safety valve and associated shut-off valves in good condition.
Empty recovery cylinders are evacuated and, if possible, cooled before recovery.
The decommissioning equipment must be in good operating condition with a set of
related instructions on hand suitable for the recovery of flammable refrigerants. In
addition, a set of calibrated scales must be available and in good condition. Pipes
must be complete with leak-free disconnect couplings and in good condition. Before
using the recovery machine, check that it is functioning satisfactorily, that it has
been properly maintained and that any associated electrical components are sealed
to prevent ignition if refrigerant is released. Consult the manufacturer if in doubt.
The recovered refrigerant must be returned to the refrigerant supplier in the correct
recovery cylinder and the relevant waste transfer note prepared. Do not mix the
refrigerants in the recovery units and especially not in the cylinders.
If you have to remove compressors or compressor oils, make sure they have been
evacuated to an acceptable level to ensure that flammable refrigerant does not
remain within the lubricant. The evacuation process must be performed before
returning the compressor to suppliers. Only electrical heating to the compressor body
should be employed to speed up this process. When oil is drained from a system,
insecurity must be performed.
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