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DECOMMISSIONING
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is completely
familiar with the equipment and all its detail. lt 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. lt is essential that 4 GB electrical power is available before the
task is commenced.
a) Become familiar with the equipment and its operation.
b) lsolate system electrically.
c) Before attempting the procedure ensure that: mechanical handling equipment is
available, if required, for handling refrigerant cylinders;
d) All personal protective equipment is available and being used correctly; the
recovery process is supervised at all times by a competent person;
e) recovery equipment and cylinders conform to the appropriate standards.
f) Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.
g) lf a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerant can be removed
from various parts of the system.
h) Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.
i) Start the recovery machine and operate in accordance with manufacturer's
instructions.
j) Do not overfill cylinders. (No more than 80 % volume liquid charge).
k) Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even temporarily.
l) 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.
m) Recovered refrigerant shall not be charged into another refrigeration system
unless it has been cleaned and checked.
10 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.
11 RECOVERY
When removing refrigerant from a system, either for servicing or decommissioning,
il 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 labelled 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. 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 il 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.
lf 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 healing to the compressor
body shall be employed to accelerate this process. When oil is drained from a system,
il shall be carried out safely.
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