g) If a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerant can be removed
from various parts of the system.
h) Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.
i) Start the recovery machine and operate in accordance with manufacturer's
instructions.
j) Do not overfill cylinders. (No more than 80 % volume liquid charge).
k) Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even
temporarily.
l) 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.
m) Recovered refrigerant shall not be charged into another refrigeration system
unless it has been cleaned and checked.
18. 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.
19. 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 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
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
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