
WARNINGS (for using R290/R32 refrigerant only)
ePage12 f
Important Safety
Instructions
9.Cabling
Check that cabling will not be subject to wear, corrosion, excessive pressure, vibration, sharp
edges or any other adverse environmental eects. The check shall also take into account the
eects of aging or continual vibration from sources such as compressors or fans.
10.Detection of flammable refrigerants
Under no circumstances shall potential sources of ignition be used in the searching for or
detection of refrigerant leaks. A halide torch (or any other detector using a naked ame)
shall not be used.
11.Leak detection methods
The following leak detection methods are deemed acceptable for systems containing
ammable refrigerants. Electronic leak detectors shall be used to detect ammable
refrigerants, but the sensitivity may not be adequate, or may need re-calibration. (Detection
equipment shall be calibrated in a refrigerant-free area.) Ensure that the detector is not a
potential source of ignition and is suitable for the refrigerant used. Leak detection equipment
shall be set at a percentage of the LFL of the refrigerant and shall be calibrated to the
refrigerant employed and the appropriate percentage of gas (25 % maximum) is conrmed.
Leak detection uids are suitable for use with most refrigerants but the use of detergents
containing chlorine shall be avoided as the chlorine may react with the refrigerant and
corrode the copper pipe-work. If a leak is suspected, all naked ames shall be removed/
extinguished. If a leakage of refrigerant is found which requires brazing, all of the refrigerant
shall be recovered from the system, or isolated (by means of shut o valves) in a part of the
system remote from the leak. Oxygen free nitrogen (OFN) shall then be purged through the
system both before and during the brazing process.
12.Removal and evacuation
When breaking into the refrigerant circuit to make repairs or for any other purpose
conventional procedures shall be used. However, it is important that best practice is
followed since ammability is a consideration. Opening of the refrigeration systems shall
not be done by brazing. The following procedure shall be adhered to:
Remove refrigerant;
Purge the circuit with inert gas;
Evacuate;
Purge again with inert gas;
Open the circuit by cutting or brazing.
The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders. The system shall
be ushed with OFN to render the unit safe. This process may need to be repeated several
times. Compressed air or oxygen shall not be used for this task.
Flushing shall be achieved by breaking the vacuum in the system with OFN and continuing to
ll until the working pressure is achieved, then venting to atmosphere, and nally pulling
down to a vacuum. This process shall be repeated until no refrigerant is within the system.
When the nal OFN charge is used, the system shall be vented down to atmospheric pressure
to enable work to take place. This operation is absolutely vital if brazing operations on the
pipe-work are to take place.
Ensure that the outlet for the vacuum pump is not close to any ignition sources and there is
ventilation available.