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Become familiar with the equipment and its operation.
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Isolate system electrically.
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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;
•
Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.
•
If a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerant can be removed
from various parts of the system.
•
Make sure that cylinder is situated in the scales before recovery takes place.
•
Start the recovery machine and operate in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions.
•
Do not overfill cylinders. (No more than 80% volume liquid charge).
•
Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even temporarily.
•
When the cylinders have been filled correctly and the process completed, make
sure that the cylinders and the equipment are removed from the site promptly and
all isolation valves on the equipment are closed off.
•
Recovered refrigerant shall not be charged into another refrigeration system
unless it has been cleaned and checked.
15. Labelling
Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has bee de-commissioned and emptied of
the refrigerant. The label shall be dated and signed. Ensure that here are labels on
the equipment stating the equipment contains flammable refrigerant.
16. 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 is available. All cylinders to be used designated for
the recovered refrigerant and labelled for that refrigerant (i.e. special cylinders for
the recovery of the 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
SAFETY OPERATION OF FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANT
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 coupling 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.