Rinnai
8
Portable Room AC OIM
8. Repairtointrinsicallysafecomponents
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 atmosphere. 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.
9. 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.
10. Detectionofflammablerefrigerants
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.
11. Leakdetectionmethods
The following leak detection methods are deemed acceptable for systems containing flammable refrigerants.
Electronic leak detectors shall be used to detect flammable refrigerants, but 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 equipment
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. Oxygen free nitrogen (OFN)
shall then be purged through the system both before and during the brazing process.
12. Removalandevacuation
When breaking into the refrigerant circuit to make repairs or 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:
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. 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 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 there is ventilation available.
13. Chargingprocedures
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 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.
SAFETY & IMPORTANT INFORMATION