26
Charging procedures
In addition to conventional charging procedures, the following requirements shall be followed.
•
Ensure that contamination of different refrigerants does not occur when using charging
equipment. Hoses or lines shall be as short as possible to minimise the amount of refrigerant
contained in them.
•
Cylinders shall be kept in an appropriate position according to the instructions.
•
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 the appropriate purging gas.
•
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.
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 analy-
sis is required prior to reuse 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.
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