General Safety Precautions For Using R32 Refrigerant; Recovery; Decommissioning; Labelling - Toshiba RAV-GM 801UT-E Service Manual

6-8. General safety precautions for using R32 refrigerant

6-8-1. Recovery

• When removing refrigerant from a system, either for
servicing or decommissioning, it is 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 are 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 concerning 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 disconnect
couplings and in good condition.
• Before using recovery machine check that it is
satisfactory working 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 recovery 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 evacuated to
an acceptable level to make certain that flammable
refrigerant does not remain 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.

6-8-2. Decommissioning

• Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential
that the technician is completely familiar with the
equipment and all its details. Only a qualified
installer (∗1) or qualified service person (∗1) is
allowed to do this work.
• It is recommended good practice that all
refrigerants are recovered safely.
• Prior to the task being carried out, an oil and
refrigerant sample shall be taken 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.
a) Become familiar with the equipment and its
operation.
b) Isolate system electrically.
c) Before attempting the procedure ensure that :
• Mechanical handling equipment is available, if
required, for handling refrigerant cylinders;
• All personal protective equipment is available
and being used correctly;
• The recovery process is supervised at all times
by a competent person;
• Recovery equipment and cylinders conform to
the appropriate standards.
d) Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.
e) If a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so
that refrigerant can be removed from the various
parts of the system.
f) Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales
before recovery takes place.
g) Start the recovery machine and operate in
accordance with manufacturers instructions.
h) Do not overfill cylinders (No more than 80%
volume liquid change).
i) Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of
the cylinder, even temporarily.
j) When the cylinders have been filled correctly and
the process complete, make sure that the the
cylinders and the equipment are removed from
site promptly and all isolation valves on the
equipment are closed off.
k) Recovered refrigerant shall not be changed into
another refrigerant system unless it has been
cleaned and checked.

6-8-3. Labelling

• Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been
de-commissioned and emptied of refrigerant.
• The label shall be dated and signed.
• Ensure that are labels on the equipment stating the
equipment contains flammable refrigerant.
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