Refrigerant Recovery Best Practice

Why recovery matters

Venting refrigerant to atmosphere is illegal and harmful. Recovery protects the ozone layer, avoids fines, and keeps your licence clean.

Equipment

• A compliant recovery cylinder (clearly labelled, not overfilled beyond 80% by weight).
• A recovery unit rated for the refrigerant you're handling.
• Correct hoses with low-loss fittings.
• A calibrated scale.

Procedure

1. Connect the recovery unit to both the vapour and liquid service ports where possible.
2. Evacuate the recovery cylinder before first use.
3. Pull the system down to the required vacuum (check your local code — typically below atmospheric, then to a deep vacuum).
4. Weigh the cylinder continuously — never exceed 80% fill by weight.
5. Record the quantity recovered in your log.
6. Recycle or reclaim the recovered refrigerant — do not mix refrigerants in the same cylinder.

Safety

• Wear gloves and eye protection.
• Ventilate the work area.
• Never recover into a disposable cylinder — they are not rated for the pressure of recovered liquid.

Recovery is not optional. Do it right, every time.