10) When the cylinders have been filled correctly and the process completed, make sure
that the cylinders and the equipment are removed from the site promptly and all
isolation valves on the equipment are closed off.
11) Recovered refrigerant should not be charged into another refrigeration system unless
it has been checked.
NOTE: Label equipment stating that it has been de-commissioned and emptied of
refrigerant. The label should be dated and signed. Unless the equipment has been
purged, ensure that there are labels on the equipment stating the equipment last
contained DURACOOL® refrigerant.
3.5.5 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 numbers 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. Cylinders should be complete
with pressure relief valve and the cylinder 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 and be
suitable for the recovery of DURACOOL® refrigerants. In addition, a set of calibrated
weighing scales should be available and in good working order. Hoses are complete with
leak-free disconnect couplings and are all in good condition. The main points to observe
are:
Check before using the recovery machine 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.
Follow the advice given in this Code of Practice on general safety and the handling of
cylinders.
The recovered refrigerant must be in the correct recovery cylinder. Do not mix
DURACOOL® refrigerants with other refrigerants in recovery units and especially not in
cylinders.
If compressors or compressor oils are to be removed, ensure that it has 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.
3.6 HANDLING OF CYLINDERS
DURACOOL 12a® refrigerant is available in 6 oz (170 g) containers, 30 lb (13.6 kg)
equivalent, 50 lb (22.6 kg) equivalent, 1,000 lb (454 kg) equivalent cylinders as well as
bulk. Duracool 22a® and Duracool 502a® refrigerants are available in 50 lb (22.6 kg)
equivalent, 1,000 lb (454 kg) equivalent cylinders as well as bulk. A pressure relief valve
is fitted to the cylinders to prevent excess pressure build up. The cylinders are fitted with
liquid off-take valves, ¼” Flare and ½” Acme connections. The fitting is to be removed
and the cylinder capped when not in use.
Duracool Refrigerants Inc. 24
