Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
PUBLIC TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL
HIGH SCHOOLS

ABELLANA NATIONAL SCHOOL

COMPETENCY-BASED
LEARNING MATERIAL

GRADE 9

RAC SERVICING NC1

1
 MODULE 11

QUALIFICATION TITLE : RAC SERVICING NC1

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : RECOVERY AND RECYCLE

REFRIGERANT OF A DOMESTIC
REFRIGERATION UNIT

MODULE TITLE : RECOVERING AND RECYCLING

REFRIGERANT OF A DOMESTIC
REFRIGERATION UNIT

NOMINAL DURATION :
26 HRS.

Recovery and
recycling are the heart
of the refrigerant. We
can reduce the need to
handle refrigerant by
understanding the
refrigeration theory systems, applications and good service practices.
Wire would have failed in our mission of reducing unnecessary
refrigerant releases if we wouldn't train every technician the art of
refrigerant handling.

2
WHAT IS THIS MODULE ABOUT?
This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in
assessing unit for recovery and recycling of refrigerants in domestic
refrigeration systems. This also includes awareness in environmental
protection and good servicing practices.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

After completing this module you should be able to:

a. assess unit for recovery/recycling

b. setup equipment for recovery/recycling
c. perform refrigerant recovery/recycling
WHAT DO YOU ALREADY KNOW?

Pretest
Let us find out how much you already know about recovery
and recycling refrigerant in domestic refrigeration system. Read
carefully the questions below. Choose the letter of the correct answer.
Write your answer in your answer sheet.
1. What is ozone?
a. A gas that is considered harmful when found at ground level
b. A gas that helps form earths protective shield in the
stratosphere
c. A gas found in many homes, sometimes call Radon
d. Both a and b

2. If passive recovery is used on a unit with a non-operating

compressor, the
recovery should be made through
a. Both high and low sides
b. The high sides only
c. The low side only
d. None of the above

3. Known as the "Clean Air Act of 1999".

a. Republic Act. No. 6969
b. Republic Act. No. 8749
c. Republic Act. No. 4962
d. Republic Act. No. 2367

4. The Environment Protection Aging will permit to be released

a. during the normal operation of the equipment
3
 b. when the release is considered "de minimis or minimal
c. from hoses that are purged during charging or service
operations
d. All of the above

5. The prohibition against the venting of refrigerant means that,

-at-a-
minimum refrigerant must be
a. recovered
b. reclaimed
c. recycled
d. All of the above

6. What is the alternative refrigerant used in domestic and

commercial
refrigeration?
a. R-ll
b. R-134-a
c. R-502
d. R-717

7. It is the pressure exerted by refrigerant gas?

a. High pressure
b. Low pressure
c. Standing pressure
d. Evaporating pressure

8. What is the color code for (R-12) refrigerant?

a. orange
b. dark blue
c. silver
d. white

9. TXV means
a. temperature expanded valve
b. thermostatic expansion valve
c. thermostatic expanded vessel
d. thermo electric valve

10. It is a part of the recovery Machine where indications of

refrigerant pressure can be seen?
a. pressure gauge
b. oil inlet port
c. recovery tank
d. oil outlet port
4
 11. What is meant by the term "Recovery"?
a. To clean refrigerant for reuse.
b. To remove refrigerant and store it in an external container
without testing or processing
c. To re-process refrigerant
d. None of the above

12. A refrigerant cylinder on vessel should contain up to

of the maximum capacity.

a. 90 7%
b. 1007%
c. 70%
d. 807%

13. Who may repair or service domestic unit?

a. Anyone who has passed NCI

b. Anyone who has completed a two-year vocational course
c. Anyone who has passed the EPA certification test and is
trained
d. All of the above

14. Illness that may occur if an excessive amount of refrigerant is

inhaled from the system

a. cardiac arrest
b. asthma - like symptoms
c. allergic reactions
d. All of the above

15. The primary method of removing refrigerant using recovery

equipment is the ______________ method

a. liquid recovery
b. vapor recovery
c. Either method is acceptable
e. method of recovery variance based upon the type of
refrigerant used

LESSON 1

ASSESSING UNIT FOR RECOVERY/RECYCLING IN

DOMESTIC REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
5
WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

This lesson deals on how to assess Domestic unit for

recovery/recycling. WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

a. prevent ozone layer depletion and explain CFC/ODS release.

b. explain Montreal Protocol
c. discuss effects of QDS emission
d. assess unit for recovery/recycling
e. apply safety precautions in handling Recovery/recycling
refrigerants.

LET’S STUDY

1. Recovery – To remove refrigerant in any condition from a

system and store it in a container with necessary testing or
processing.
2. Recycling - To reduce contaminants in used refrigerant by oil
separation and single or multiple passes through devices which
remove moisture, acidity, and particular matter, such as replaceable corer
filter driers. The term usually applies to
procedures implemented at the field job site or at local service
shop
3. Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) – chemical containing fluorine and carbon
4. Brand new Refrigerant - new refrigerant that has never
been used, recovered, recycled.
5. Improperly mixed refrigerant - The accidental or purposeful
mixing of one refrigerant type with a different refrigerant type
within a system.
6. Small appliance - Products that are fully manufactured in a
factory where they are charged and hermetically sealed with
five pounds or less of refrigerants.

The Importance of Recovery/Recycling of Refrigerants

I. How Refrigerants Affect Ozone Layer and Global Warming

6
 Some refrigerants, especially chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs’)
contribute to the reduction of the earth's atmosphere and
protect life from the harmful effects of excessive ultraviolet (UV)
radiation, which comes from the sun.

J
*^-'- " if^ i
\___tf^£ >

1. UV -B Radiation - On land, ultraviolet radiation

endangers all living forms. The dangers of Ultraviolet Radiation
are:

• Harmful to human health

• Causes skin cancer
• Causes cataracts
• Suppresses man's immune system
• Arrest the growth of crops and trees
• Practically destroy all life on earth

7
2. What is ozone layer?

Ozone layer is a thin fragile shield that envelops the earth and
efficiently and effectively filters and screens 90% of the sun's harmful
ultraviolet radiation (UB-B) and completely screens out lethal
ultraviolet-C radiation (UV-C). It is located 20 to 40 kilometers above the
earth's surface

3. What is Ozone Hole?

Ozone hole –It refers to the thinning of the ozone layer or
the loss of the blocking effect of ozone against
ultraviolet rays allowing the entry of greater
concentrations of UV-B putting all life form at
risk.
.

Note;
Joe Farman, a British Antarctic survey scientist,
discovered the "ozone hole" over the Antarctic area in
early 1980's. Antarctic ozone depletion is seasonal;
occurring primarily in late winter and spring (August-
November) Today, the size of the ozone hole is about 11.1
million square miles, slightly larger than the North
American continent.

4. What is Ozone Repletion?

Ozone depletion is the loss of the blocking effect of the

ozone layer against UV rays from the sun. The
continuous use of ozone depleting substances
(ODS) like CFC and halons destroy the ozone layer

.These ozone-depleting substances are used

in the wide range of household and industrial uses as follows:

• As refrigerants for refrigerators and air conditioners

• As blowing agents in the production of foams
• As propellant in aerosol sprays
• As firefighting agents in fire extinguishers
• As industrial solvent for cleaning and dry
cleaning

8
The ozone layer can be saved only by stopping the use of CFC's
and other ozone depleting substances:

Ozone Depleting Substances

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's}
• Halons
• Hydro chlorofluorotcarbons (HCFC's)
• Other mine chemicals
• Methyl Bromide

Where are CFC and halons used?

• Aerosols used in sprays
• Refrigeration and air-conditioning
• Industrial Solvent
• Foam for insulation and padding
• Fire extinguishers
• Tobacco fluffing and expansion
• Semi-conductor and electronics

Note:

It is important to know that once ozone depleting substances

(ODS) are phased out, the ozone layer will slowly repair itself

5. What is Greenhouse Effect and

Global Warming

Another environmental effect of

refrigerants is their possible contribution
to global warming. The theory of global ON RADIATI
warming states that, due to mankind's
activities, the concentration of certain
heat trapping gases is increasing in the
atmosphere. This is believed to be
causing the mean temperature of earth's
atmosphere to increase slowly.

Refrigerants may contribute to global warming by way of

phenomenon called the green house effect.

Although the greenhouse effect is essential to life, enhance global

warming may have severe consequences, some other effects that has
been speculated include:

•Rising mean level of the seas. It has been predicted that

increased temperatures will cause some ice that is currently stored
(e.g.) in glaciers above sea level, to melt and flow into the oceans,
raising sea level globally.
• Climate. Models that are currently used give average global
estimates. but changes in temperatures, rain, sunshine, etc.
vary enormously.
9
 Harvests. The larger CO2 concentration could benefit harvest of
certain
crops, but uncertainty regarding the regional climate changes does
not allow as predicting which crop will be able to adapt to the
changes in each zone.

Eco-System. Local ecosystems are very sensitive to

changes in
temperature, precipitation and ground humidity. The increase in
CO2, favors plant growth. Some plant species and animals may
disappear in a certain regions if they unable to adapt to new
conditions or to migrate to more favorable ecosystem.

II. What is NCPP phase-out plan?

The Montreal Protocol on substance that deplete the ozone

layer is an agreement among 129 countries, including the
Philippines. It limits the production, application and use of the
most common ozone depleting substances like CFC's and provides
for the phase-out of these chemicals.

Under the Montreal Protocol, the

Philippines is committed to phase out
the country's CFC consumption by: National CFC Phase-
Out Plan
Year Percentage
Through the Philippine Ozone Desk
(POD) of the Environment Management 2005 50%
Bureau (EMB) the National CFC Phase
Out Plan (NCPP) was established 2007 85%

2O10 1 00%

The NCPP aims to phase-put CFC in the

country stipulated under the Montreal
Protocol without creating adverse effect in the
economy. The focus of the NCPP is to phase out
the remaining CFC consumption in the country
especially in the following sectors

Manufacturing sectors
l.Foam manufacturers
2. Tear gas producers
3. Refrigeration equipment manufacturers

Service sectors
1. Mobile air conditioners
2. Domestic refrigeration and air conditioners

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 In order to achieve this target, the DENR
in cooperation with TESDA will train/certify
at least 5,000 service technician
nationwide in order for them to
recover/recycle refrigerants.
Republic Act. No, 6969 is otherwise known as the "Toxic
Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act. of
1990". Its main objective is to monitor, regulate and
keep an inventory of imported, manufactured, or used
chemicals that presents unreasonable risk or injury to
health or to environment, in accordance with the national
policies and international commitments.

Republic Act. No. 8747 known as the "Clean Air Act of 1999"
RA 8749 is intended to formulate a holistic national program
on air pollution. DENR is the lead agency but cooperates with
other government agencies as well as industry and related
non-governmental organizations. The Clean Air Act's primary
focus on ambient air quality but applicable also to all other
pollutants including ODS.

Steps in Assessing Unit for Recovery / Recycling

1. Identify and list down history of operation. Maintenance

log, interview with the owner, unit inspection and testing

3. After thorough testing, troubleshooting and identifying

troubles or defects of the unit, prepare the unit for recovery/recycling
procedures.
3. Estimate the costing prior to

retrofitting. LET'S REMEMBER

Recognizing the problems caused by ozone depletion

makes every one aware on the importance of
preventing ozone-depleting substance (ODS) emission
to atmosphere. One way of doing this is through the
use of recycling and recovery machine in the
refrigeration and air conditioning industry

TRY THIS (How much have you learned?)

Read and answer the following in a separate sheet of

paper.

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1. Refrigerants are believed to have contributed to two
major global environmental phenomena. Name them.

1. _________________________
2. __________________________

2. Describe two methods by which ozone is converted into oxygen.

1. ____________________________
2.__________________________

3. Name some possible effects of ozone depletion.

4. What is the name of the international treaty, which controls

the production of
certain refrigerants due to their ability to reduce the ozone layer?

5. Define ozone layer.

LET'S APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED?

> An individual, how could you help in saving the ozone layer?

> Perform/ role play in assessing unit for recovery and

recycling.

1. Identify and list down history of operations

a. Maintenance of log

b. Interview with the owner

c. Unit inspection and testing

2. Preparing unit for recovery and recycling

3. Estimation of cost prior to retrofitting

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 ASSESSMENT CRITERIA C NC

1. Safety Practices

2. Follow steps or procedures in Assessing unit for

recovery/ recycling

3. Application of 5s after the activity

LEGEND:

C – Complete

NC – Not Complete

RESOURCES:

Tools and Materials Equipment

• Thermometer
• Gauge Analyzer
• Clamp Ammeter
• Multi-Tester

Personal Protective Equipment

• Goggle
• Gloves
• Safety shoes
• Working clothes
• Dust mask
• Rags

• Tools

• Set of wrenches
13
 Learning Materials

• Manuals
• Books
• Video tapes
• Brochures
• Leaflets/flyers
• CD's
• Catalogue
• Work plan

REFERENCES:

• Althouse, Turnquist, Braciano, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning

• TESDA, Learning Packages RAG NCI (DOM-RAC)

• TESDA, Competency Based Learning Materials RAC Servicing NCI

(DOM-
RAC)
• Module 8 SEDP Series, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning for 3 rd
and 4th
Year.

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 LESSON 2

SETUP EQUIPMENT FOR RECOVERY/RECYCLING

WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

The lesson deals on how to setup equipment for recovery

/recycling prior to retrofitting.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

At the end of the lesson you should be able to:

a. identify basic parts and accessories of recovery /recycling
equipment
b. explain the functions of the parts and accessories of the recovery
/recycling
equipment.
c. label refrigerant tank prior to recycling
d. Setup equipment for recovery / recycling
e. Identify and label refrigerant to be recovered

LET'S STUDY
Refrigerants - Fluids which change easily from liquid state to e
vapor, and then from vapor state to liquid. q
u
Filter - Screens out impurities i
p
Vacuum - Absence of pressure m
e
CPC's - Chlorofluorocarbons HFC's - n
Hydro flourocarbons t
.

1
Identifying the parts and functions of the Recovery/Recycling .
15
Parts of a typical recovery /recycling equipment is as refr
shown below: iger
ant
s
2. Major Parts and Functions:

• Pressure gauge - Indicators of refrigerant pressure from the

unit and to recovery tank.
• Recovery tank - A cylinder for recovery/recycling of

▪ Oil outlet port - Is where the refrigerant passes from the

refrigeration and airconditioning being recovered.

▪ Refrigerant outlet port – Is where the refrigerant comes out

from the refrigeration and airconditioning equipment being
recovered.

Typical equipment available in the market as shown below:

Recovery/recycling machine - This type of machine can service

both the refrigeration and air conditioning and mobile air
conditioning equipment.

Recovery/recycling machine for domestic refrigeration and mobile

air conditioning. It can only be used for R-12 running equipment.

Recovery/Recycling Equipment

1. Two types of recycling equipment are in the market. The first

is referred to as single pass, the other is the multiple pass

16
Valv
e
 Multiple Pass L

Evapora

Oil
Separ

Procedure in setting recovery/recycling

equipments

2. Evacuate recovery/recycling machine

Getting Started
• Make sure recovery/recycling machine is connected to proper
voltage.
• Hook vacuum pump to both inlet and outlet fitting of
recovery/recycling machine and pull the vacuum for
approximate -7 minutes. Make sure that the inlet and
outlet valve are open. The center switch must be in the
pump out position.
Recovery/

Vacuum Pump
Recycling
Machine

• After evacuation of the recovery/recycling machine close

inlet and
outlet valves, unplug the machine and place the center
17
 switch to
recycle position.

3. Evacuate Recovery tank

• Evacuate the recovery tank for 5 minutes by connecting a

vacuum
pump to the vapor and liquid valve of the cylinder
• The recovery tank is now ready to accept refrigerants.

4. Perform housekeeping

• Turn off the machine

• Clean machine
• Return tools, instruments and other supplies to proper place.

Set up Recovery /Recycling

System

I. Good Service

Practices

DO’S

>Think CFC conservation and safety

>Follow and use recommended procedures and
equipment for handling refrigerants.
>Replace, tighten and seal caps on all valves after servicing.
>Shut down system and make repairs when leak exist.
>Use close loop refrigerant transfer equipment when
removing, charging and storing refrigerants.
>Recover vapor and liquid refrigerant from charging hoses.
>Maintain refrigerant use logs for all equipment.
>Leak test all charging hoses and refrigerant handling
equipment.
>Install service isolation valves to limit refrigerant losses
during servicing and purge operation.
>Eliminate unnecessary mechanical joints./ Use welded
or brazed joints.
>Establish proper leak testing routine.
>Follow the published leak test procedures.
>Use industry-accepted tools/ equipment for leak testing.
>Confirm aver all leak tightness by using a standing vacuum
test.
>After major service evacuate and dehydrate to a minimum
757 mm using deep vacuum or use only approved
cylinder/ drums/tank for storing refrigerants.
18
 >Install charging valve quick connects.
>Recover all refrigerants for recycling/ recovery
>Use non-CFC gas as tracer gas when conducting leak tests.
>Add refrigerant carefully to avoid overcharging
>Dispose used refrigerant container properly.

 Use refrigerant as cleaning

 Use CFC for leak testing
 Operate equipment with leaks
 Vent/blow off refrigerant "empty" tank, drum or
containers.
 Contaminated recovered refrigerants with other
refrigerants, solvent, oils or other materials.

Labeled Refrigerant Tank Frier to Charging Identify refrigerants

1. Refrigerants

A refrigerant is a fluid (liquid and gas) which transfer heat

away from one point to another. In a typical vapor compression
system, The refrigerant changes.' pfhase. That is. it changes from
liquid to a gas when it absorbs heat and changes back to a liquid
when it gives up heat. Most chemicals have the ability to change
from a liquid to gas, but only a few chemicals do so in a manner
that makes them good refrigerants

Most refrigerants used today for vapor

compression air conditioning are called
halocarbons. A halocarbon is a hydrocarbon
molecules containing one or more halogens,
the halogen elements most commonly used in
refrigerants are chlorine (CI) and fluorine (F).
Refrigerants used in centrifugal chillers are
halocarbons based on methane, ethane
propane molecule.

19
 • A halocarbon can contain chlorine and
fluorine in place of hydrogen, in which
case it is a chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)
• It can contain hydrogen in addition to
chlorine and fluorine, in which case, it is
a hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC)
• Or it can contain only hydrogen and
fluorine, in which case it is a hydro
fluorocarbon (HFC)

1. Prepare required materials, tools and personal protective

equipment

R
e
f
r
i
g
e
Goggles r
Adjustable Wrench a
n
Gloves
t
N
o
m
e
n
c
l
a
t
u
r
e
-
S
i
n
g
l
e
c
20
omponent refrigerants have an “R” designation of two or three
numbers, which reflect its chemical composition

The first digit (of a refrigerant with three numbers) is one unit
lower than the
number of carbon atoms, the first digit is omitted.
The second digit is one unit greater than the number of
hydrogen atoms in
molecules.
The third digit is equal to the number of fluorine atoms in
the molecule. One less than the number of carbon atoms (i.e.
there are 1+1=2 carbon atoms More than the number of
hydrogen atoms (ie) there are 3-1=2 Hydrogen atoms Number
of fluorine atoms ( e.i. there 4 fluorine atoms

R-134a
The "a" indicates an isomer (i.e. a different
arrangement of the same atoms of R-134

Physical and Environmental Properties of some common

Refrigerants even small changes in the makeup of these
refrigerants can make a large difference in their physical and
environmental properties shown.

Boiling pt. Heat of ODP GNP Atmospheric

vaporization life (years)
Kl/kg-mol
R-ll 23.82 24768 1,000 3400 60
R-12 29.79 19982 1,000 7100 130
R-22 40.76 20207 0,055 1600 15
R-123 27.87 26005 0,020 90 2
R-134a -26.16 22160 0 1200 16

Health and Safety Consideration

Another consideration for acceptable refrigerants is its effect on

human health and safety. Many chemicals, including refrigerants can
be dangerous if used improperly. Two important categories of health
and safety concern toxicity and fiammability. Most toxic and flammable
refrigerants are given off pungent odor.

TOXICITY - A. refrigerant with low toxicity, with a weighted

TLV overtime higher than 4000 ppm. That is only
concentrations over 400 ppm over sustained period of time
are concerned.

21
 Class B: Refrigerants with higher toxiciry with a weighted TLV
over time lower 400ppm

FLAMMABILITY
Group 1: No flammability
Group 2: Low flammability
Group 3: High flammability

1. Refrigerants are identified through a consistent

numbering system

a. Some common CFC are:

• R-llorCFC-11
• R-12 or CFC-12
• R-114 or CFC-114
• R-115orCFC-115

b. Common HCFC's includes

• R-22 or HCFC-22
• R-123orHCFC 123
• R-124orHCFC-124

c. HFC's include
• R-134aorHFC-134a
• R-125 or HFC-125
• R-32 or HFC-32

d. Some non-halocarbons refrigerants that have been used

include:

• Ammonia (NH3), designated as R-717

• Water (H2O), designated as R-718
• Propane (C3H8) designated as R-290
• Isobutane (C4H10) designated as R-600a
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) designated as R-44

Some common refrigerant and their uses

• CFC - 11 low pressure centrifugal chillers (also for foam blowing)

• CFC -12 high pressure centrifugal chiller, domestic and
commercial
refrigeration, automobiles.
• HCFC - 22 Unitary air conditioning; mid-temperature
refrigeration
• HCFC-124 low pressure centrifugal chillers
22
 • HFC0134a high pressure centrifugal chillers; domestic and
commercial refrigeration; automobiles.

2. Standing Pressure

The pressure exerted by a refrigerant gas is related to the

temperature of the refrigerant. Using gauge manifold,
thermometer, and pressure temperature chart, you can identify an
unknown refrigerant with many types of refrigerants at present. PT
chart is not as reliable as before in identifying refrigerant as shown
2000 R-22

It-
It

-40-30
-20 -10 o 10 30 4O
20
Temperature CO
3. Color code - Refrigerant manufacturer's have voluntarily
established a color code system to identify their product with both
disposable and reusable cylinder pointed or otherwise
distinguished by the following common refrigerant color and
identification.

Orange
• R- 11 Grey/white
• R- 12 Medium green
• R-22 Orchid
• R-502 Yellow
• R-500 Aquamarine
• R-503 Dark blue
• R- 114 Purple
• R- 113 Silver
• R-717 Pale blue
• R-717

4. Portable Refrigerant Identifier

The instrument is housed in a rugged portable high-

density polyethylene core. The core will store the instrument itself
as well as a required hose assembles, power cord and adapter
fitting. This type of refrigerant identifier can identify R - 12, R - 22, R
23
- 134 - a HC and air.

5. Refrigerant Stamped on Data Plate

a. Refrigerant can be identified on the back label of the

refrigerant unit

b. Stamped can also be found on compressor label

c. On a soldered steel plate in the compressor

d. TEV/TXV for specific refrigerant

24
Activity #1 Label the illustration below by writing the right
description of the parts numbered blank at space.

Part of recovery/recycling equipment

25
LET'S APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE

LEARNED Perform

1. Set-up equipment for recovery/recycling

Set Up Recovery/ Recycling Equipment

The student should answer the Satisfactory

following questions response
Yes No
1. Before operating equipment a new
technician must first read the manufacturer's
2. Identify at least two types of recovery
/recycling equipment.
3. Before set-up of equipment, it is good
practice to prepare the right tools, supplies
and materials needed, instruments
requirement. List the most important tools,
supplies, materials and instruments.
4. Enumerate at least three good service
5. Enumerate at least three don'ts in good
service practices

26
The students underpinning knowledge

was: Satisfactory Not

satisfactory

Very satisfactory Excellent

Feedback to student/ trainee

LESSON 3

PERFORMING REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY/RECYCLING (DOMESTIC
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM)

WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

The lesson deals on how to perform refrigerant

recovery/recycling to prevent ozone depletion.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

a. identify tools, materials arid instruments for

recovering/recycling.
b. explain operation of R/R equipment according to
manufacturer's manual.
c.perform refrigerant R/R according to
manufacturer's manual,
d. observe safety measures and practices in
handling refrigerant.

LET'S STUDY

 Hermetic - sealed system

27
  Service valve - manually operated valve used for servicing the
refrigeration system.
 Vacuum - means empty
 Piercing valve/tap value - a type of service valve used on
domestic units.

TOOLS, MATERIALS, INSTRUMENTS FOR

RECOVERY/ RECYCLING

RECOVERY/RECYCLING EQUIPMENT

o Multiple pass

o Single pass

HAND TOOLS
o Adjustable wrench
o Ratchet wrench

SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS

o R u g s o Ta pe o P e n

INSTRUMENTS

28
o Gauge manifold o Weight Scale o o Thermometer

OPERATION OF RECOVERY/RECYCLING

1. Recovery/recycling refrigerant from a Refrigerator System.

It is possible to recover refrigerant from a hermitically

sealed system which has no service valves. A line-tap valve
(piercing valve) should be fitted to the system.

Procedure:

o Following the manufacturer's instruction and a recovery unit

used to remove the refrigerant from the unit via the line-tap as
with the larger system.

o Line tap valves should never be led permanently in place, but

removed after use if placed on the process tube.

o It is recommended to install tap-valves on both high and low

pressure side.

Note: Figure below shows a recovery unit is connected to a

refrigerator with a typical tap-valve (piercing valve) because of the
small change of refrigerant only vapor recovery is needed.

Perform Recovery/Recycling Operation using

Van Steenburgh Recovery/Recycling Machine
Equipment

o refrigerant identifier
29
 o refrigerant
o unlabeled tank/cylinder
o uncoded tank/cylinder
o thermometer
o PT chart
o Operator manual

Caution: Never mix refrigerants. Be sure unit is set up for the

refrigerant you are about to recover.

Warning: Use only authorized refillable refrigerant tanks. Use of

other tanks could cause personal injury and void warranty.

Getting Started

Procedure:

1. Plug in-R/R machine to proper voltage

2. Connect hose to inlet valve of the machine and the other and to
the source. Use a gauge at the source as this will show when
source is empty.

3. Attach the yellow cable to recovery tank. Connect other hose to

outlet valve of the R/R machine and the other end of the hose
to the vapor port of the recovery tank.

4. Turn compressor and recycle switch on and open inlet value half
turn. If recycling liquid regulates suction gauge pressure to
20-25 psi for 2-3 minutes, open the inlet valve fully.

5 Open outlet valve of R/R machine. Open vapor valve of recovery

tank.

6 When sources are empty of liquid, turn vapor switch on.

Leave on until sources and R/R machine have equalized at 3-4
psi.

7 When equalized, turn vapor switch off and unit will pump down
approximately 5” vacuum. If additional vacuum is required, use
compressor momentary contact.

8 Pump out to clear unit by closing inlet value, center switch to

pump out and vapor switch on and outlet valve open. Unit will
pump down to 5" vacuum and shut off.

30
31
9. Turn compressor off and use the compressor momentary
switch to pull R/R machine into 10" vacuum.

32
 10. Close the outlet valve, put center switch to recycle
and turn vapor switch on. Unit will equalize. If
positive pressure remains after equalize, repeat pump
out procedure.

PERFORM OIL OUT PROCEDURE:

The oil out procedure is very important. By performing oil out

frequently, you will keep the separated oil below the level of the
chamber entry point and assure that the oil/moisture will be purged
out of the R/R machine
1. Close inlet valve and let machine pump down and shut off.

SAFETY HANDLING OF REFRIGERANTS

SAFETY STEPS TO CONSIDER IN HANDLING REGRIGERANTS

1. Never drop or bump the cylinder (refrigerant tank).

2. Do not let refrigerant get in contact with your eyes. Use proper eye
protector.

3. Do not let your skin get in contact with refrigerant.

4. Do not discharge refrigerant into an enclosed area with an open

flame.

5. Do not completely fill the refrigerant tank with liquid

refrigerant, it should contain only up to 80% of the maximum
capacity.

6. Never heat the cylinder with open flame.

7. Do not braze tubing when the system is filled with refrigerant.

TRY THIS (How much you have learned?)

Activity #1 Enumeration. List down the basic tools, materials,

equipment,
instruments needed in performing recovery/recycling.
Activity #2 Illustration: Illustrate on how a recovery/recycling
unit is connected to domestic system.

LET'S APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

1. Perform refrigerant recovery/recycling (domestic ref)

 ASSESMENT CRITERIA

PROCEDURES OBSERVATION
CHECKLIST
YES NO N/A
1. Prepare the required materials,
equipments, instruments, tools and personal
protective equipment.
2. Set-up recovery and recycling machine.

3. Connect recycler to proper voltage

4. Attach hose to 1/4 place fitting labeled inlet.
5. Attach other end to the source and purge. Note:
Use a gauge at the source as this will show when
source is empty.
6. Attach cable to recycle cylinder and one end of
hose to l/4 place fitting labeled outlet. Attach
other end of hose to vapor part of cylinder.
7. Attach cable to recycle cylinder and one end of
hose to 1/4A flare fitting labeled outlet. Attach
other end of hose to vapor part of cylinder.
8. Turn compressor switch and recycle switch on
an open inlet value. If recycling liquid regulate
suction gauge pressure to 20-25 psi, 2-3
minutes before opening the valve fully.
9. Open outlet value and purge hose. Open vapor
valve on recycle cylinder.
10. When source is empty of liquid, turn vapor
switch on. Leave on until source and recycler
have equalixed at 3-4 psi.

11. When equalized turn vapor switch off

and unit will pump down to
approximately 5" vacuum. If additional
vacuum is required use the compressor
12. Pump out to clear unit by closing inlet
value, counter switch to pump out and
vapor switch on and outlet value open.
Note: Unit will pump down to 5" vacuum
13.and
Turnshut-off.
compressor off and use the
compressor Momentary switch to pull
recycler into 10" vacuum.
14. Then close outlet valve, put center
switch to recycle and turn vapor switch on
unit will equalizer.
15. Fill-up the worksheet form to complete
the job.
16. Perform housekeeping.
 KEY TO CORRECTION

(What Do You Already

Know) Pretest
1. d
2. a
3. b
4. d
5. d
6. b
7. c
8. d
9. b
10. .
a

11. b
12. d
13. d
14. d
15. c

Key to Correction (Lesson 1: Assessing Unit for Recovery

and Recycling) How much, have you learned?

• Ozone depletion
• Global warming

2.
• Sun's UV rays
• Chlorine and bromine can act as a catalyst in the presence
of UV rays
3.

1. Harmful to human health

2. causes skin cancer
3. causes cataracts
4. suppresses ma's immune system
5. Arrest the growth of crops and trees
6. decrease crop yields

4.
1. Montreal Protocol

5. Ozone layer - is a thin, fragile shield of kind oxygen in the

stratosphere. It envelops the entire earth and blocks of most of
the harmful UV rays from the sun from reaching earth surface

RESOURCES:
 1. Learning Materials
• Module 1: Recovery/Recycling
Refrigerants

• Service Manuals
• PT Chart

2. Equipment

• Recovery/recycling machine
• Weighing Scale
• Domestic refrigeration unit
• Vacuum pump
• Unlabeled tank/cylinder
• Refrigerant identifier
• Oxy acetylene apparatus

3. Instruments

• System analyzer
• Leak detector

4. Tools

• Spanner
• Ratchet Wrench
• Piercing value
• Screw drivers

5. Personal protective equipment

• Apron
• Safety Shoes
• Goggles
• Gloves
• Gas mask

6. Supplies and Materials

HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED?

Activity # 1
Basic tools, equipments, materials, instruments in

recovery/recycling

1. Recovery/recycling machine
2. Domestic refrigeration unit
3. Weighing scale

4. Unlabeled tank
5. vacuum pump
6. system analyzer
7. leak detector
8. piercing valve
9. screw drivers

10. ratchet wrench

11. oxy acetylene apparatus
12. refrigerant identifier

Activity #2 – Illustration

LET'S APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

1. Assessment/performance criteria /checklist

REFERENCES:

o Good Practices in Refrigeration Training. Manual UNEP,

December 1994 o Recovery and Recycling System; Guidelines,
UNEP, 1999 o Modern Refrigeration and Air-conditioning.
Althouse/Tunguist Braciano. Copyright 2002

o Althouse, Turnquist, Braciano, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

o TESDA, Learning Packages RAC NCI (DOM-RAC)
o TESDA, Competency Based Learning Materials RAC Servicing NCI
(DOM-RAC)
o Module 8 SEDP series, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning for 3 rd
and 4th year.

POSTEST

Let us find out how much you already know about recovery and
recycling refrigerant in Window Type Air-conditioning system. Read the
questions below. Select the best answer by encircling the letter of your
answer

1. What is ozone?
a. A gas that is considered harmful when found at ground level;
b. A gas that helps form earths protective shield in the
stratosphere
c. A gas found in many homes, sometimes call Radon,
d. Both a and b

2. If passive recovery is used on a unit with a non-operating

compressor, the recovery should be made through
a. Both high and low sides
b. The high sides only
c. The low side only
d. None of the above

3. Known as the "Clean Air Act of 1999".

a. Act. No. 6969
b. Act. No. 8749
c. Act. No. 4962
d. Act. No. 2367

4. The EPA will permit refrigerant to be released

a. during the normal operation of the equipment
b. when the release is considered "de minimis"
c. from hoses that are purged during charging or service operations
d. All of the above

5. The prohibition against the venting of refrigerant means that, at

a
minimum refrigerant must be
a. recovered
b. reclaimed
c. recycled
d. All of the above

6. What is the alternative refrigerant used in domestic and

commercial
refrigeration?
a. R-ll
b. R-134-a
c. R-502
d. R-717

7. It is the pressure exerted by refrigerant gas?

a. High pressure
b. Low pressure
c. Standing pressure
d. Evaporating pressure

8. What is the color code for (R-12) refrigerant?

a. orange
b. dark blue
 c. silver
d. white

9. TXV means_______
a. temperature expanded valve
b. thermostatic expansion valve
c. thermostatic expanded vessel
d. thermo electric value

10. It is a part of the recovery Machine where indications of refrigerant

pressure can be seen?
a. pressure gauge
b. oil inlet port
c. recovery tank
d. oil outlet port

11. What is meant by the term "Recovery"?

a. To clean refrigerant for reuse

b. To remove refrigerant and store it in an external container
without
testing or processing.
c. To re-process refrigerant
d. None of the above

12.________________________________________________________A refrigerant
cylinder on vessel should contain up to____________________%
of the maximum capacity.

a. 90
b. 100
c. 70
d. 80

13. Who may repair or service air-conditioning

a. Anyone who has passed NCI exam)

b. Anyone who has completed a two-year vocational course
c. Anyone who has passed the EPA certification test and is
trained.
d. All of the above

14. Illness that may occur if an excessive amount of refrigerant is

inhaled from the system.

a. cardiac arrest
b. asthma - like symptoms
c. Allergic reactions
d. All of the above

15. The primary method of removing refrigerant using recovery

equipment is the ____________ method
a. liquid recovery
b. vapor recovery
c. either method is acceptable
e. method of recovery variance based upon the type of
refrigerant used