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• 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.
• 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.
• 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. 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.
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