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Recuperation
When draining a system of its refrigerant for service or shutdown operations, it is recommended
good practice to safely remove all refrigerants.
When transferring refrigerants into the cylinders, ensure that only appropriate recovery cylinders
are used. Ensure that the correct number of cylinders is available to hold the entire system load.
All bottles to be used are designated for the recovered refrigerant and are labelled for this
refrigerant (i.e. special bottles for refrigerant recovery). Cylinders must be equipped with a
pressure relief valve and associated shut-off valves in good working order. Empty recovery
cylinders are evacuated and, if possible, cooled before recovery begins.
Recovery equipment must be in good working order and accompanied by instructions regarding
the equipment that is within reach and must be adapted to the recovery of flammable
refrigerants. In addition, a set of calibrated scales for weighing must be available and in good
working order. The hoses must be equipped with leak-proof disconnection sleeves and be in good
condition. Before using the recovery machine, check that it is in good working order and has
been properly maintained and that all associated electrical components are sealed to prevent
ignition in the event of refrigerant release. In case of doubt, consult the manufacturer.
The recovered refrigerant must be returned to its supplier in the correct recovery bottle and the
corresponding waste transfer note must be established. Do not mix refrigerants in recovery units
and in particular in bottles.
If compressors or compressor oils need to be removed, ensure that they have been evacuated to
an acceptable level to ensure that there is no flammable refrigerant left in the lubricant. The
evacuation process must be completed before returning the compressor to its supplier. Only an
electric heater should be used on the compressor body to accelerate this process. When oil is
extracted from a system, it must be done safely.