Legislative requirements, coupled with the rising cost of refrigerants—both financial and environmental—call for the chilling system industry to perform safe, and efficient methods of refrigerant recovery. In this article, we look at the most common refrigerant recovery methods used and why they are necessary. We also aim to provide operators with useful tips for servicing chilling system equipment in an efficient and environmentally-friendly way. Show Why Recover, Recycle, and Reclaim Industrial Refrigerants?Since the introduction of the Clean Air Act of 1990 and the Montreal Protocol Treaty, the industrial refrigeration industry has been required to recover, recycle, and reclaim refrigerants or face hefty government fines. Whether in gas or liquid form, synthetic refrigerants can have a damaging impact on the environment. When chilling equipment and refrigeration systems are being serviced or replaced, the release of synthetic refrigerants into the atmosphere can have a harmful, lasting effect on the ozone layer. In addition, disposing of the liquid refrigerant at a disposal facility permanently alters the chemical makeup of the soil. This is why Canada, along with many other countries, has begun taking measures to limit the use of refrigerants in order to preserve our environment and keep our communities safe. Reclaiming and reusing refrigerants can also save money over time. Due to the lasting environmental impact of refrigerants, as outlined above, it is becoming increasingly more expensive to replace and to dispose of refrigerants. Industrial refrigeration system operators can improve their bottom line by ensuring that safety guidelines for refrigerant recovery are practiced and observed when servicing or replacing their equipment. Methods of Refrigerant RecoveryThere are three basic methods for reclaiming and reusing refrigerants in chilling systems: 1. Liquid Refrigerant Recovery This refers to the ability to transfer refrigerant while it is still in the liquid state. This method is especially good for transferring refrigerant from one container to another. 2. Vapour Refrigerant Recovery The refrigerant is removed in a vapour state. The vapour is then condensed into a liquid form by the recovery unit, and finally, transferred to the recovery cylinder. 3. Push-Pull Refrigerant Recovery This method is used for transferring large volumes of liquid refrigerant—usually greater than 20 pounds of refrigerant. The recovery unit “Pulls” vapour from the recovery cylinder and produces a high-pressure discharge gas that “Pushes” liquid out of the system and back into the recovery cylinder. Best Practices for Refrigerant Storage CylindersRegardless of which refrigerant recovery method you choose, having the appropriate size and quantity of storage cylinders on-site during the process is key.
Below is a quick reference chart to show the maximum amount of refrigerant that can be stored in a 30 lb or 50 lb cylinder tank depending on the refrigerant type. 10 Important Safety Practices for Recovering Refrigerants
If you would like to learn more about environmentally-friendly refrigerant solutions for chilling systems, such as refrigerant recovery, or to request service for your industrial refrigeration equipment by a licensed technician, contact Berg Chilling Systems today. This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more. This Website Uses Cookies By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn More This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more. |