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.
LABELLING
Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been
de-commissioned 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.
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com
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 that the correct number of
cylinders for holding the total system charge are
available. All cylinders to be used are designated
for the recovered refrigerant and labelled for that
refrigerant (i.e. special cylinders for the recovery
of refrigerant). Cylinders shall be complete with
pressure relief valve and associated shut-off valves
in good working order. Empty recovery cylinders are
evacuated and, if possible, cooled before recovery
occurs.
The recovery equipment shall be in good working
order with a set of instructions concerning the
equipment that is at hand and shall be suitable for
the recovery of flammable refrigerants. In addition, a
set of calibrated weighing scales shall be available
and in good working order. Hoses shall be complete
with leak-free disconnect couplings and in good
condition. Before using the recovery machine,
check that it is in satisfactory working order, has
been properly maintained and that any associated
electrical components are sealed to prevent ignition
in the event of a refrigerant release. Consult
manufacturer if in doubt.
The recovered refrigerant shall be returned to the
refrigerant supplier in the correct recovery cylinder,
and the relevant Waste Transfer Note arranged. Do
not mix refrigerants in recovery units and especially
not in cylinders.
If compressors or compressor oils are to be
removed, ensure that they have been evacuated to
an acceptable level to make certain that flammable
refrigerant does not remain within the lubricant.
The evacuation process shall be carried out prior
to returning the compressor to the suppliers. Only
electric heating to the compressor body shall be
employed to accelerate this process. When oil is
drained from a system, it shall be carried out safely.
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GB