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
analysis is required prior to re-use of recovered refrigerant. It is essential
that electrical power is available before the task is commenced.
1) Become familiar with the equipment and its operation.
2) Isolate the system electrically.
3) Before attempting the procedure, ensure that:
a) mechanical handling equipment is available, if required, for handling
refrigerant cylinders;
b) all personal protective equipment is available and being used
correctly;
c) the recovery process is supervised at all times by a competent person;
d) recovery equipment and cylinders conform to the appropriate
standards.
4) Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.
5) If a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerant can be
removed from various
parts of the system.
6) Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes
place.
7) Start the recovery machine and operate in accordance with instructions.
8) Do not overfill cylinders (no more than 80 % volume liquid charge).
9) Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even
temporarily.
10) 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.
11) Recovered refrigerant shall not be charged into another
REFRIGERATING SYSTEM unless it has been cleaned and checked.
• Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been de-commissioned and
emptied of refrigerant. The label shall be dated and signed.
- 18 -