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as the chlorine may react with the refrigerant and corrode the copper pipe-work. If a leak is suspected, all
naked flames shall be removed/ extinguished. If a leakage of refrigerant is found which requires brazing, all of
the refrigerant shall be recovered from the system, or isolated (by means of shut off valves) in a part of the
system remote from the leak. Oxygen free nitrogen (OFN) shall then be purged through the system both before
and during the brazing process.
7. Removal and evacuation
When breaking into the refrigerant circuit to make repairs or for any other purpose conventional procedures
shall be used. However, it is important that best practice is followed since inflammability is a consideration. The
following procedure shall be adhered to:
-- Remove refrigerant;
-- Purge the circuit with inert gas;
-- Evacuate;
-- Purge again with inert gas;
-- Open the circuit by cutting or brazing.
The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders. The system shall be flushed with
OFN to render the unit safe. This process may need to be repeated several times. Compressed air or oxygen
shall not be used for this task. Flushing shall be achieved by breaking the vacuum in the system with OFN and
continuing to fill until the working pressure is achieved, then venting to atmosphere, and finally pulling down to
a vacuum. This process shall be repeated until no refrigerant is within the system. When the final OFN charge
is used, the system shall be vented down to atmospheric pressure to enable work to take place. This operation
is absolutely vital if brazing operations on the pipe-work are to take place. Ensure that the outlet for the vacuum
pump is not close to any ignition sources and there is ventilation available.
8. 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.
9. Labeling
Equipment shall be labeled 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.
10. 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 refriger-
ant and labeled for that refrigerant (i.e. Special cylinders for the recovery of refrigerant). Cylinders shall be
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