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c) Before attempting the procedure ensure that: mechanical handling equipment is
available, if repaired, 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 the 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 the cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.
g) Start the recovery machine and operate it in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
h) Do not overfill the 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.
17.Labeling
Equipment shall be labeled stating that it has been decommissioned and emptied of
refrigerant. The label shall be dated and signed. Ensure that there are labels on the
equipment stating the equipment contains flammable refrigerant.
18.Recovery
When removing refrigerant from a system, either for servicing or decommissioning, it
is a recommended good practice that all refrigerants are removed safely.
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 designed for
the recovered refrigerant and labeled for that refrigerant (i.e. special cylinders for the
recovery of refrigerant). Cylinders shall be complete with pressure relief value and
associated shut-off values in good working order. Empty recovery cylinders are
evacuated and, if possible, cooled before recovery occurs.
