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detection equipment shall be set at a percentage of the LFL of the refrigerant and shall be calibrated to the
refrigerant employed and the appropriate percentage of gas (25 % maximum) is confirmed. Leak detection
fluids are suitable for use with most refrigerants but the use of detergents containing chlorine shall be avoided
as the chlorine may react with the refrigerant and corrode the copper pipe-work. If a leak is suspected, all
naked flames shall be removed/ extinguished. If a leakage of refrigerant is found which requires brazing, all of
the refrigerant shall be recovered from the system, or isolated (by means of shut off valves) in a part of the
system remote from the leak. Oxygen free nitrogen (OFN) shall then be purged through the system both before
and during the brazing process.
7. Removal and evacuation
When breaking into the refrigerant circuit to make repairs – or for any other purpose – conventional
procedures shall be used. However, it is important that best practice is followed since flammability is a
consideration. The following procedure shall be adhered to:
• Remove refrigerant;
• Purge the circuit with inert gas;
• Evacuate;
• Purge again with inert gas;
• Open the circuit by cutting or brazing.
The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders. The system shall be “flushed”
with OFN to render the unit safe. This process may need to be repeated several times. Compressed air or
oxygen shall not be used for this task. Flushing shall be achieved by breaking the vacuum in the system with
OFN and continuing to fill until the working pressure is achieved, then venting to atmosphere, and finally
pulling down to a vacuum. This process shall be repeated until no refrigerant is within the system. When the
final OFN charge is used, the system shall be vented down to atmospheric pressure to enable work to take
place. This operation is absolutely vital if brazing operations on the pipe-work are to take place. Ensure that the
outlet for the vacuum pump is not close to any ignition sources and there is ventilation available.
8. Charging procedures
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 minimise 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;
