10
EN
j) When the cylinders have been filled correctly and the process completed, make sure that the cylinders
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. 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 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.
