10
CAUTION
11.
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.
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.
