f) Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.
g) Start the recovery machine and operate in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
h) Do not overfill cylinders. (No more than 80 % volume liquid charge).
Labelling
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.
i) Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even temporarily.
Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been de-commissioned and emptied of
refrigerant. The label shall be dated and signed. For appliances containing flammable
refrigerants, ensure that there are labels on the equipment stating the equipment contains
flammable refrigerant.
Recovery
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 all
appropriate refrigerants including, when applicable, 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.
When removing refrigerant from a system, either for servicing or decommissioning,
it is recommended good practice that all refrigerants are removed safely.
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.
Specialist’s Manual
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