Safety precautions
operation.
b. Isolate system electrically.
c. Before attempting the procedure ensure that:
1) Mechanical handling equipment is available, if
required for handling refrigerant cylinders; 2) All
personal protective equipment is available and
being used correctly; 3) 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.
Note
The identification should be made
after the appliance is scrapped and
refrigerants
identification should contain the date
and endorsement. Make sure the
identification on the appliance can
reflect
the
contained in this appliance.
10. 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
EN
are
evacuated.
flammable
refrigerants
refrigerant.
11. Recovery
When removing refrigerant from a system,
either for servicing or decommissioning, it is
recommended good practice that all refrigerants
are
removed
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 is
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
The
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.
safely.
When
transferring
29