5.2 Recovery Equipment Requirements

5.2 Recovery Equipment Requirements

All recovery and recycling equipment used under Section 608 must be certified by an EPA-approved testing organization. Understanding the equipment requirements and standards is essential for the exam.

Equipment Certification Standards

Recovery equipment requirements depend on when it was manufactured:

Recovery Equipment for Small Appliances (Type I)

Equipment used for small appliance recovery (Type I) has specific requirements based on the compressor status:

When compressor IS operating:

• Recovery device must achieve 90% recovery of the nameplate charge, OR
• Achieve a 4-inch vacuum (in. Hg)

When compressor is NOT operating:

• Recovery device must achieve 80% recovery of the nameplate charge, OR
• Achieve a 4-inch vacuum (in. Hg)

Recovery Equipment Types

There are two main types of recovery equipment:

Self-Contained (Active) Recovery Equipment

• Has its own compressor, pump, or mechanism for recovering refrigerant
• Operates independently of the appliance being serviced
• Can recover refrigerant whether or not the appliance compressor is operating
• Required for systems with more than 15 lbs of refrigerant
• Generally faster and more reliable

System-Dependent (Passive) Recovery Equipment

• Relies on the pressure of the appliance or the appliance's own compressor to push refrigerant into the recovery container
• Limited to appliances with 15 lbs or less of refrigerant
• Less expensive but slower
• Cannot work if system has no pressure and compressor is non-functional (liquid recovery only with gravity)

Recovery Cylinders

Recovered refrigerant must be stored in appropriate containers:

• DOT-approved recovery cylinders are required
• Cylinders must be hydrostatically tested every 5 years
• Never fill above 80% of liquid capacity
• Recovery cylinders are typically gray with a yellow top (DOT 4BA/4BW)
• Each cylinder should be clearly labeled with the type of refrigerant it contains
• Never mix different refrigerants in the same recovery cylinder

Disposable vs. Refillable Cylinders

For the Exam: It is ILLEGAL to refill disposable (DOT 39) cylinders. Recovered refrigerant must go into refillable DOT-approved recovery cylinders. Never fill any cylinder past 80% liquid capacity. System-dependent recovery is limited to appliances with 15 lbs or less.