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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 must not be charged into another refrigeration
system unless it has been cleaned and checked.
• Labelling
Equipment must be labelled, stating that it has been de-commissioned and
emptied of refrigerant. The label must be dated and signed. Ensure that there
are labels on the equipment stating that 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 are available to hold the total system charge. All cylinders that are
used must be designated for the recovered refrigerant and labelled for that
refrigerant (i.e. special cylinders for the recovery of refrigerant). Cylinders must
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 must be in good working order with a set of
instructions concerning the equipment that is at hand and must be suitable for
the recovery of flammable refrigerants. In addition, a set of calibrated weighing
scales must be available and in good working order. Hoses must 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 the
manufacturer if in doubt.
The recovered refrigerant must 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 must be carried
out prior to returning the compressor to the suppliers. Only electric heating of
the compressor body may be employed to accelerate this process. When oil is
drained from a system, it must be carried out safely.
