35
them.
– Cylinders shall be kept upright.
– Ensure that the refrigeration 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 refrigeration
system.
Prior to recharging the system it shall be pressure tested with OFN.
The system shall be leak tested on completion of charging but prior
to commissioning. A follow up leak test shall be carried out prior to
leaving the site
15
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 re-use of
reclaimed 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.
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).
i) Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder,
even temporarily.
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.
16
Identification
(labelling the heat pump)
If the heat pump has been taken out of use, affix a label to the
heat pump in a clearly visible position containing the following in-
formation with date and signature:
■
Refrigerant is flammable.
■
The system has been taken out of use.
■
The refrigerant has been removed.
17
Recovering the refrigerant and compressor oil
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
