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The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders. For appliances
containing flammable refrigerants the system shall be purged with oxygenfree nitrogen to
render the appliance safe for flammable refrigerants. This process may need to be repeated
several times. Compressed air or oxygen shall not be used for purging refrigerant systems.
For appliances containing flammable refrigerants, refrigerants purging shall be achieved
by breaking the vacuum in the system with oxygenfree nitrogen and continuing to fill until
the working pressure is achieved, then venting to atmosphere, and finally pulling down to a
vacuum. This process shall be repeated until no refrigerant is within the system. When the
final oxygenfree nitrogen charge is used, the system shall be vented down to atmospheric
pressure to enable work to take place. This operation is absolutely vital if brazing operations
on the pipework are to take place.
Ensure that the outlet for the vacuum pump is not close to any potential ignition sources and
that ventilation is available.
15. Charging procedures
In addition to conventional charging procedures, the following requirements shall be followed.
● Ensure that contamination of different refrigerants does not occur when using charging
equipment. Hoses or lines shall be as short as possible to minimise the amount of
refrigerant contained in them.
● Cylinders shall be kept in an appropriate position according to the instructions.
● Ensure that the refrigerating system is earthed prior to charging the system with refrigerant.
● Label the system when charging is complete (if not already).
● Extreme care shall be taken not to overfill the refrigerating system.
Prior to recharging the system, it shall be pressuretested with the appropriate purging gas.
The system shall be leaktested on completion of charging but prior to commissioning. A follow
up leak test shall be carried out prior to leaving the site.
16. Decommissioning
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is completely familiar
with the equipment and all its detail. It is recommended good practice that all refrigerants are
recovered safely. Prior to the task being carried out, an oil and refrigerant sample shall be
taken in case analysis is required prior to reuse of recovered refrigerant. It is essential that
electrical power is available before the task is commenced.
a) Become familiar with the equipment and its operation.
b) Isolate system electrically.
c) 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.
d) Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.
e) If a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerant can be removed from
various parts of the system.
f) Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.
