General Information
Refrigerant Handling
Procedures
WARNING
Contains Refrigerant!
System contains oil and refrigerant under high pressure. Recover refrigerant to relieve pressure before opening the system. See unit nameplate for refrigerant type. Do not use
Failure to follow proper procedures or the use of
Environmental Accountability Policy
The manufacturer urges that all HVAC servicers make every effort to eliminate, if possible, or vigorously reduce the emission of CFC, HCFC, and HFC refrigerants to the atmosphere. Always act in a responsible manner to conserve refrigerants for continued usage even when acceptable alternatives are available.
Recover and Recycle
Refrigerants
Never release refrigerant to the atmosphere!
Always recover and/or recycle refrigerant for reuse, reprocessing (reclaimed), or properly dispose if removing from equipment.
Always determine the recycle or reclaim requirements of the refrigerant before beginning the recovery procedure.
Obtain a chemical analysis of the refrigerant if necessary.
Questions about recovered refrigerant and acceptable refrigerant quality standards are addressed in ARI Standard 700.
Refrigerant Handling and Safety
Consult the manufacturer’s material safety data sheet (MSDS) for information on refrigerant handling to fully understand health, safety, storage, handling, and disposal requirements.
Use only approved containment vessels and refer to appropriate safety standards. Comply with all applicable transportation standards when shipping refrigerant containers.
Service Equipment and Procedures
To minimize refrigerant emissions while recovering refrigerant, use the manufacturer’s recommended recycling equipment per the MSDS.
Use equipment and methods which will pull the lowest possible system vacuum while recovering and condensing refrigerant. Equipment capable of pulling a vacuum of less than 1,000 microns (1.0 mm) of mercury is recommended.
Do not open the unit to the atmosphere for service work until refrigerant is fully removed/ recovered.
When
Be aware of any new leak test methods which may eliminate refrigerants as a trace gas.
Perform evacuation prior to charging with a vacuum pump capable of pulling a vacuum of 1,000 microns (1.0 mm) of mercury or less. Let the unit stand for 12 hours and with the vacuum not rising above 2,500 microns (2.6 mm) of mercury.
A rise above 2,500 microns (2.5 mm) of mercury indicates a leak test is required to locate and repair any leaks. A leak test is required on any repaired area.
Charge refrigerant into the equipment only after equipment does not leak or contain moisture.
Refer to proper refrigerant charge requirements in the maintenance section of this manual to ensure efficient machine operation.
When charging is complete, purge or drain charging lines into an approved refrigerant container.
Seal all used refrigerant containers with approved closure devices to prevent unused refrigerant from escaping to the atmosphere.
Take extra care to properly maintain all service equipment directly supporting refrigerant service work such as gauges, hoses, vacuum pumps, and recycling equipment.
When cleaning system components or parts, avoid using
Properly dispose of used materials. Refrigeration system cleanup methods using filters and driers are preferred.
Check for leaks when excessive purge operation is observed.
Keep abreast of unit enhancements, conversion refrigerants, compatible parts, and manufacturer’s recommendations that will reduce refrigerant emissions and increase equipment operating efficiencies.
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