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–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.
14.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 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 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.
15.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 contain flammable
refrigerant.
16.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 is 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 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 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.
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