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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. working on them.
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 shutoff
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
carriedout safely.
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
refrigerantsare 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.
Automated Environmental Systems Ltd., Unit 1, 1 Wimbledon Avenue, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 0NZ
01842 819130 | sales@automatedenvironmentalsystems.co.uk
