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(3) Repair to intrinsically Safe Components
Do not apply any permanent inductive or capacitance loads to the circuit without ensuring that this will not exceed the
permissible voltage and current permitted for the equipment in use.
Intrinsically safe components are the only types that can be worked on while live in the presence of a flammable atmos-
phere. The test apparatus shall be at the correct rating.
Replace components only with parts specified by the manufacturer. Other parts may result in the ignition of refrigerant in
the atmosphere from a leak.
(4) Cabling
Check that cabling will not be subject to wear, corrosion, excessive pressure, vibration, sharp edges or any other adverse
environmental effects. The check shall also take into account the effects of aging or continual vibration from sources such
as compressors or fans.
(5) Detection of Flammable Refrigerants
Under no circumstances shall potential sources of ignition be used in the searching for or detection of refrigerant leaks.
A halide torch (or any other detector using a naked flame) shall not be used.
(6) Leak Detection Methods
Electronic leak detectors may be used to detect refrigerant leaks but, in the case of flammable refrigerants, the sensitivity
may not be adequate, or may need re-calibration. (Detection equipment shall be calibrated in a refrigerant-free area.)
Ensure that the detector is not a potential source of ignition and is suitable for the refrigerant used. Leak detection equip-
ment shall be set at a percentage of the LFL of the refrigerant and shall be calibrated to the refrigerant employed, and the
appropriate percentage of gas (25% maximum) is confirmed.
Leak detection fluids are suitable for use with most refrigerants but the use of detergents containing chlorine shall be
avoided as the chlorine may react with the refrigerant and corrode the copper pipe-work.
If a leak is suspected, all naked flames shall be removed/extinguished.
If a leakage of refrigerant is found which requires brazing, all of the refrigerant shall be recovered from the system, or
isolated (by means of shut off valves) in a part of the system remote from the leak. For appliances containing flammable
refrigerants, oxygen free nitrogen (OFN) shall then be purged through the system both before and during the brazing pro-
cess.
(7) Removal and Evacuation
When breaking into the refrigerant circuit to make repairs – or for any other purpose conventional procedures shall be
used. However, for flammable refrigerants it is important that best practice is followed since flammability is a considera-
tion. The following procedure shall be adhered to:
·
remove refrigerant
·
purge the circuit with inert gas
·
evacuate
·
purge again with inert gas
·
open the circuit by cutting or brazing.
The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders. For appliances containing flammable refrig-
erants, 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 purging refrigerant systems.
For appliances containing flammable refrigerants, 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 within the system. When the final OFN 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 pipe-work are to take place.
Ensure that the outlet for the vacuum pump is not close to any ignition sources and that ventilation is available.
(8) 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 minimize the amount of refrigerant contained in 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 the appropriate purging gas. 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.
(9) 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.
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