10. Decommissioning
• Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the
technician is completely familiar with the equipment and all its
details.
• 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.
11. 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.
12. 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
refrigerant and labeled 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.
12. Recovery
• 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 carried out
safely.
PMML0524 rev.2 - 01/2021
4
Additional safety manual for R32 refrigerant air conditioner and heat pump according to IEC 60335-2-40:2018
