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1.13. Decommissioning
Before executing this procedure, it is essential that the
technician is completely familiar with the equipment and all
its components. Take an oil and refrigerant sample before
beginning task and isolate the system electrically..
In case analysis is required prior to re-use of reclaimed
refrigerant. It is essential that electrical power is available
before the task is commenced.
Prior to decommissioning:
•
Verify mechanical handling equipment is available, if
required, for handling refrigerant cylinders
•
Verify all personal protective equipment is available
and being used correctly
•
Verify the recovery process is supervised at all times
by competent person
•
Verify the recovery equipment and cylinders conform
to the appropriate standards
•
Pump down refrigerant system, if possible. If a
vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that
refrigerant can be removed from various parts of the
system.
•
Verify the cylinder is situated on the scales before
recovery takes place.
•
Start the recovery machine and operate in
accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
•
Do not overfill cylinders. (No more than 80 % volume
liquid charge).
•
Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the
cylinder, even temporarily.
NOTE:
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.
•
Do not charge another refrigeration system with the
recovered refrigerant unless it has been cleaned and
checked.
1.14. Labeling
To ensure decommissioned equipment is appropriately
identified:
•
Equipment must be labeled as "Decommissioned
and emptied of refrigerant."
•
The label must be dated and signed.
•
Verify equipment has labeling that states the
equipment once contained flammable refrigerant.
1.15. Recovery
When removing refrigerant from a system (either for
servicing or decommissioning), use best practices and
caution to ensure refrigerant is removed safely.
When transferring refrigerant into cylinders:
•
Only use appropriate refrigerant recovery cylinders
•
Ensure that the correct numbers 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 must 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.
Recovery Equipment
The recovery equipment must be in good working order
(with a equipment instructions nearby) and suitable for the
recovery of flammable refrigerants. In addition, a set of
calibrated weighing scales must be available and in good
working order.
Hoses
Hoses must have 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 any associated electrical components
are sealed to prevent ignition in the event of a refrigerant
release. Consult manufacturer if in doubt.
Handling Recovered Refrigerant
The recovered refrigerant must 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.
Compressor Oils
If compressor oils are removed, ensure the oils have been
evacuated to an acceptable level to make certain that
flammable refrigerant does not remain within the lubricant.
The evacuation process must be executed prior to returning
the compressor to the suppliers. Only electric heating to
the compressor body should be used to accelerate this
process. When oil is drained from a system, it must be
carried out safely.
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