68
EN
INFORMATION SERVICING
15. Removal and evacuation
When breaking into the refrigerant circuit to make repairs of for any other purpose conventional procedures shall be used, However, it
is important that best practice is followed since flammability is a consideration. The following procedure shall be adhered to:
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remove refrigerant;
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purge the circuit with inert gas;
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evacuate;
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purge again with inert gas;
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open the circuit by cutting or brazing.
The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders. The system shall be flushed with OFN to render the unit
safe. This process may need to be repeated several times. Compressed air or oxygen shall not be used for this task. Flushing shall be
achieved by breaking the vacuum in the system with OFN 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 left within the system. When
the final OFN charge is used, the system shall be vented down to atmospheric pressure to enable work taking place. This operation is
absolutely vital if brazing operations on the pipe-work are to take place. Ensure that the outlet for the vacuum pump is not close to any
ignition sources and that there is ventilation available.
16. Charging procedures
In addition to conventional charging procedures, the following requirements shall be followed:
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Ensure that contamination of different refrigerants does not occur when using charging equipment. Hoses or lines shall be as short
as possible to minimize the amount of refrigerant contained in them.
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Cylinders shall be kept upright.
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Ensure that the refrigeration system is earthed prior to charging the system with refrigerant.
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Label the system when charging is complete (if it has not already been done).
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Extreme care shall be taken not to overfill the refrigeration system.
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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.
17. Decommissioning
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is completely familiar with the equipment and all its details. All
refrigerants should be collected and handled in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 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:
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mechanical handling equipment is available, if required, for handling refrigerant cylinders;
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all personal protective equipment is available and being used correctly;
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the recovery process is supervised at all times by a competent person;
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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 the 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.
