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• Isolate system electrically.
• Before attempting the procedure ensure that:
1. Mechanical handling equipment is available, if required, for handling
refrigerant cylinders.
2. All personal protective equipment is available and being used correctly.
3. Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.
4. If a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerant can be
removed from various parts of the system.
5. Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.
6. Start the recovery machine and operate in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions.
7. Do not overll cylinders. (No more than 80 % volume liquid charge).
8. Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even
temporarily.
9. When the cylinders have been lled 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.
10. 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 ammable 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 ammable 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.
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