Recovery
When removing refrigerant from a system, either for servicing or decommissioning, it is
a 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 concer-
ning 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 disconnection couplings and in
good condition. Before using the recovery machine, check that it is in satisfactory wor-
king 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 re-
covery 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 eva-
cuated to an acceptable level to make certain that flammable refrigerant does not re-
main 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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