the correct specifications. The manufacturer's maintenance and service guidelines should always be followed. If
in doubt, consult the manufacturer's technical department for assistance.
7. Repairs on sealed components. During repairs to sealed components, all electrical supplies must be disconnected
from the equipment being worked on before removing the sealed covers, etc. If it is absolutely necessary to have
an electrical power supply to the equipment during maintenance, then a leak detection device must be placed at
the most critical point to warn of a potentially dangerous situation. Particular attention must be paid to the following
to ensure that, by working on the electrical components, the casing is not altered in such a way as to compromise
the level of protection. This includes damage to cables, excessive number of connections, terminals not made to
original specifications, damage to gaskets, incorrect assembly of cable glands, etc.
•
Make sure the appliance is mounted securely.
•
Ensure that gaskets or sealing materials are not degraded to the point that they no longer serve the purpose
of preventing the entry of flammable atmospheres. Replacement parts must conform to the manufacturer's
specifications.
Note: the use of silicone sealant can inhibit the effectiveness of some types of leak detection equipment. Intrinsically
safe components do not need to be isolated before working on them.
8. Repair of intrinsically safe components. Do not apply permanent inductive or capacitive loads to the circuit
without ensuring that it does not exceed the voltage and current allowed for the equipment in use. The intrinsically
safe components are the only ones that can be worked on in the presence of a flammable atmosphere. The test
equipment must be of the correct evaluation. Replace components only with parts specified by the manufacturer.
Other parts can cause the refrigerant to ignite in the atmosphere due to a leak..
9. Wiring. Verify that the wiring is not subject to wear, corrosion, excessive pressure, vibration, sharp edges, or other
adverse environmental effects. The control must also take into account the effects of aging or continuous vibrations
from sources such as compressors or fans.
10. Deactivation. Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is fully familiar with the equipment
and all its details. Good practice is recommended that all refrigerants be recovered safely. Before the task is
performed, a sample of the oil and refrigerant must be taken in case an analysis is required before reuse of the
recovered refrigerant. It is essential that electricity is available before the start of the activity.
A. Become familiar with the equipment and its operation.
B. Electrically isolate the system.
C. Before attempting the procedure, make sure that:
•
mechanical handling equipment is available, if required, for handling the refrigerant cylinders;
•
all personal protective equipment is available and used correctly;
•
the recovery process is supervised at all times by a competent person;
•
Recovery equipment and cylinders comply with appropriate standards.
D. If possible, drain the refrigerant system.
E. If vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that the refrigerant can be removed from the various parts of
the system.
F.
Make sure the cylinder is placed on the scale before recovery takes place.
G. Start the recovery machine and operate according to the manufacturer's instructions
H. Do not overfill the cylinders. (Not more than 80% by volume of liquid charge).
I.
Do not exceed, even temporarily, the maximum working pressure of the cylinder.
J.
When the cylinders have been filled correctly and the process is complete, ensure that the cylinders and
equipment are promptly removed from the site and that all isolation valves on the equipment are closed.
K. Recovered refrigerant should not be charged to another refrigeration system unless it has been cleaned and
checked.
11. Labeling. The equipment must be labeled indicating that it has been shut down and drained of refrigerant. The
label must be dated and signed. For appliances containing flammable refrigerants, make sure there are labels on
the appliance indicating that the appliance contains flammable refrigerant..
Recovery
When removing refrigerant from a system, whether for maintenance or decommissioning, It is recommended that all
refrigerants be removed safely. When transferring refrigerant to cylinders, ensure that only appropriate refrigerant
recovery cylinders are used. Make sure the correct number of cylinders are available to maintain full system charge. All
cylinders to be used are designated for the recovered refrigerant and labeled for that refrigerant (i.e. special cylinders
for recovering refrigerant). The cylinders must be complete with pressure relief valve and relative shut-off valves in
good working order. Empty recovery cylinders are evacuated and, if possible, cooled before recovery takes place.
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