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MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, DECOMMISSIONING, DISPOSAL
The information in this section does not replace the Service Instructions for the Rheem 551E280 heat pump.
The Service Instructions should be referred to for the full and complete procedures for maintenance, repair,
decommissioning and disposal of the heat pump. This section is for information only.
WARNINGS – MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR WORK
If maintenance or repair of the sealed system containing the flammable refrigerant is required, then this service
work shall be undertaken by a person qualified in handling flammable refrigerants.
The following should be noted if this type of servicing is required:
•
The servicing shall occur in an open well ventilated area and remain well ventilated for the duration of the
service work.
Ensure the area is well ventilated before opening the sealed system or conducting any hot work. Any
accidentally released refrigerant should be able to disperse safely.
•
Be aware when a refrigerant leak is possible that malfunction of the heat pump may be caused by
refrigerant loss.
•
During repair work, when brazing is required, the following procedures shall be carried out:
Evacuate the refrigerant circuit (sealed system) and remove the refrigerant.
◼
Purge the refrigerant circuit (sealed system) with nitrogen for five (5) minutes.
◼
Evacuate the refrigerant circuit (sealed system) again.
◼
Remove parts to be replaced by cutting, not by flame.
◼
Purge the braze point with nitrogen during the brazing procedure,
◼
Carry out a leak test before charging with refrigerant.
◼
•
Reassemble sealed enclosures accurately. If seals are worn replace them.
•
Check safety equipment before recommissioning the heat pump into service.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Detection of Refrigerant
When searching for or detecting a refrigerant leak, potential sources of ignition shall not be used under any
circumstances.
An electronic leak detector may be used to detect refrigerant leaks if it has the sensitivity to do so and is
suitable for the detection of R290 refrigerant. The detector must not be a potential source of ignition. Leak
detection equipment shall be set at a percentage of the LFL of and be calibrated for R290 refrigerant.
Leak detection fluids are also suitable but the use of detergents containing chlorine shall be avoided as the
chlorine may react with the R290 and also corrode copper pipework.
If a leak is detected, all naked flames shall be removed / extinguished. If a leakage of refrigerant is found which
requires brazing, all refrigerant shall be recovered from the heat pump prior to repair work being conducted.
WARNINGS
Be aware that the refrigerant used in this heat pump is flammable.
The refrigerant is R290 (Propane).
It may not contain an odour if it were to leak.
Only a person qualified in working with flammable refrigerants can access
the refrigerant circuit (sealed system) to: maintain, repair or service the heat
pump, or; to decommission the heat pump and dispose of the refrigerant.
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