Argo THOR Operating Instructions Manual - Page 18

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for use with most refrigerants but the use of detergents containing chiarine shall be avoided as the chiarine 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.

For appliances containing flammable refrigerants, oxygen free nitrogen (OFN) shall then be purged through the

system both before and during the brazing process.

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Removal and evacuation

When breaking into the refrigerant circuit to make repairs or for any other purpose conventional procedures shall

be used. However, for flammable refrigerants it is important that best practice is followed since flammability is a

consideration.

The following procedure shall be adhered to:

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remove refrigerant;

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purge the circuit with inert gas; evacuate;

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purge again with inert gas;

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open the circuit by cutting or brazing.

The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders. For appliances containing flammable

refrigerants, 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 purging refrigerant systems. For appliances

containing flammable refrigerants, 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 that ventilation is available.

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Charging procedures

In addition to conventional charging procedures, the following requirements shall be followed.

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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.

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Cylinders shall be kept upright.

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Ensure that the refrigeration system is earthed prior to charging the system with refrigerant.

•

Label the system when charging is complete (if not already).

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Extreme care shall be taken not to overfill the refrigeration system.

Prior to recharging the system, it shall be pressure-tested with the appropriate purging gas. 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.

•

Decommissioning

Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is completely familiar with the equipment and

all its detail. lt 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. lt is essential that electrical power is available before the task is commenced.

1. Become familiar with the equipment and its operation.

2. Isolate system electrically.

3. 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;

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the recovery process is supervised at all times by a competent person;

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recovery equipment and cylinders conform to the appropriate standards.

4. Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.

5. lf a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerant can be removed from various parts of the

system.

6. Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.

7. Start the recovery machine and operate in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

8. Do not overfill cylinders. (No more than 80% volume liquid charge).

9. Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even temporarily.

10. When the cylinders have been filled correctly and the process compieted, make sure that the cylinders and

the equipment are removed from site promptly and all isolation valves on the equipment are closed off.

11. Recovered refrigerant shall not be charged into another refrigeration system unless it has been cleaned and

checked.

V 04/23