9
Important Safety Instructions
• Become familiar with the equipment and its operation.
• Isolate the system electrically.
• Before attempting the procedure, ensure that:
equipment is available and being used correctly;
The recovery process is always supervised by a competent person and recovery equipment and cylinders conform
to the required standards.
• Pump down the refrigerant system, if possible.
• If a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerants can be removed from various
parts of the system.
• Make sure that the cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.
• Start the recovery machine and operate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
•
• Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even temporarily.
•
the cylinders and the equipment are removed from the site promptly and all isolation valves
on the equipment are closed off.
•
been cleaned and checked.
15. Labeling
The unit shall be labeled stating that it has been decommissioned and emptied of the refrigerant.
The label shall be dated and signed. Ensure that there are labels on the unit stating that
16. Recovery
When removing the refrigerant from a system, either for servicing or decommissioning, it is recommended that all
refrigerants are removed safely.
When transferring the refrigerant into the cylinders, ensure that only appropriate refrigerant recovery cylinders are
used. 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 labeled for that refrigerant (i.e., special cylinders refrigerant
recovery). Cylinders shall be complete with pressure relief valves and associated shut-off valves in good working
order. Empty recovery cylinders should be evacuated and, if possible, cooled before the recovery occurs.
The recovery equipment shall be in good working order with a set of instructions concerning the equipment that
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 if a refrigerant is released.
Consult Customer Service when 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 the
compressors or the compressor oils are to be removed, ensure that they have been evacuated to an acceptable level
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 the system, it shall be carried out safely.
The system leak test shall be performed upon completion of charging, but should be done prior
to commissioning. A follow up leak test shall be carried out before leaving the site.
14. Decommissioning
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is completely familiar with
the equipment and all necessary details. It is good practice that all refrigerants be recovered safely.
Prior to carrying out this task, an oil and refrigerant sample shall be taken in case analysis is
required before reusing the reclaimed refrigerant. It is essential that electrical power is available
before this task commences.
