14. 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
is 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 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.
15. Labeling
Equipment shall be labeled 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.
16. Recovery
When removing refrigerant from a system, either for servicing or decommissioning, it is
recommended good practice that all 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 labeled 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 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 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 of 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 drained form a system, it shall be carried out safely.
EN
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