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In addition to conventional charging procedures, the following requirements shall be followed.
Ensure that contamination of different refrigerants does not occur when using charging equipment. Hoses or
lines shall be as short as possible to minimize the amount of refrigerant contained in them.
• Cylinders shall be kept upright.
• Ensure that the refrigeration system is earthed prior to charging the system with refrigerant.
• Label the system when charging is complete (if not already).
• Extreme care shall be taken not to overfill the refrigeration system.
Prior to recharging the system, it shall be pressure tested with OFN. The system shall be leak tested on
completion of charging but prior to commissioning. A follow up leak test shall be carried out prior to leaving the
site.
9. 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 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 unit 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.
When the cylinders have been filled correctly and the process completed, make sure that the cyli- nders and
the equipment are removed from site promptly and all isolation valves on the equipment are closed off.
j) 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
