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8 CHARGING PROCEDURES
In addition to conventional charging procedures, the following requirements shall be followed.
- Ensure that contamination of different refrigerants does not occur when using charging
equipment. Hoses or lines shall be as short as possible to minimize the amount of refrigerant
contained in them.
- Cylinders shall be kept upright.
- Ensure that the refrigeration system is earthed prior to charging the system with refrigerant.
- Label the system when charging is complete (if not already).
- Extreme care shall be taken not to overfill the refrigeration system.
Prior to recharging the system, it shall be pressure tested with OFN. The system shall be leak
tested on completion of charging but prior to commissioning. A follow up leak test shall be
carried out prior to leaving the site.
9 DECOMMISSIONING
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is completely familiar
with the equipment and all its detail. 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 always supervised 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 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 manufacturer's instructions.
h) Do not overfill cylinders. (No more than 80 % volume liquid charge).
i) Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even temporarily.
j) 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.
k) Recovered refrigerant shall not be charged into another refrigeration system
unless it has been cleaned and checked.
10 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 there are labels on the equipment stating the equipment contains flammable
refrigerant.
8
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