Refrigerant Recovery

Federal regulations require that the discharging of R-134a refrigerant be performed by a licensed technician using only an approved recovery and/or recycling system. Do not discharge R-134a refrigerant into the atmosphere. When discharging the refrigerant system, always follow the recovery or recycling system equipment manufacturer's instructions.


DISCHARGING THE SYSTEM
Use the refrigerant recovery unit to discharge refrigerant gas from the system.

NOTE: Refer to the refrigerant recovery and recycling unit instruction manual for operation of the unit.

Refrigerant recovery and recycling stations facilitate recovery and reuse of refrigerant after contaminants and moisture have been removed.

When using a recovery or recycling station, follow manufacturer's operating instructions and note the following:

1. Use extreme caution and observe all safety and service precautions related to refrigerant use.
2. Connect refrigerant recycling station hose(s) to vehicle A/C service port(s) and recovery station inlet fitting. Hoses used should have shutoff devices or check valve within 12 inches of hose ends to minimize introduction of air into recycling station and to minimize amount of refrigerant release when hose(s) is disconnected.
3. Turn on recycling station to start recovery process. Allow recycling station to pump refrigerant from A/C system until station pressure gauge indicates vacuum.
4. After vehicle A/C system has been evacuated, close station inlet valve, if equipped.
5. Turn station Off. On some stations the pump will automatically be turned off by a low pressure switch.
6. Allow vehicle A/C system to remain closed for approximately two minutes. Observe vacuum level indicated on gauge. If pressure does not rise, disconnect recycling station hose(s).
7. If system pressure rises, repeat steps 3 through 6 until vacuum level remains stable for two minutes.
8. Service A/C system as necessary.
9. Evacuate and recharge A/C system.


STORAGE CONTAINERS FOR RECYCLED REFRIGERANT

1. Use only DOT CFR Title 49 containers for recycled refrigerant. Never collect, salvage, or store recycled refrigerant in a disposable container.
2. Before any container of recycled refrigerant is used, it must be checked for non-condensable gases (air). Refer to CHECKING RECYCLED REFRIGERANT.

TRANSFERRING RECYCLED REFRIGERANT

1. Use only DOT approved containers and evacuate to at least 27 in Hg (75 mm Hg absolute pressure) before transferring refrigerant.
2. To prevent overfilling during transfer, never fill container more than 60% of its gross weight rating (18 lb. in a 30 lb. container and 30 lb. in a 50 lb. container).

EVACUATING DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS

1. "Empty" disposable containers still contain traces of refrigerant. Evacuate before disposing of container.
2. Connect recovery/recycling unit to container and evacuate remaining refrigerant. Once container shows a vacuum, close valve. Mark container "EMPTY" and properly dispose of.