Overview
Safe and lawful handling of refrigerants is a cornerstone of F-Gas certification. EU Regulation 517/2014 and EU Implementing Regulation 2015/2067 require that all fluorinated greenhouse gases removed from equipment are properly recovered, and that only certified personnel carry out these operations. Technicians must understand the differences between recovery, recycling, and reclaiming, as well as the practical steps to prevent contamination and ensure safety.
Recovery
- Recovery means removing refrigerant from a system and storing it in an approved external container without necessarily processing it.
- Recovery must be carried out before any repair that involves breaking into the refrigerant circuit, and before final decommissioning.
- A dedicated recovery unit with clean, type-appropriate hoses and a calibrated scale is essential.
- The system should be recovered to the maximum extent practicable — typically to a residual pressure as close to vacuum as the recovery machine allows.
Recycling and Reclaiming
- Recycling involves basic cleaning of recovered refrigerant (e.g., filtering, drying) so it can be reused in the same or similar equipment. Recycling can be done on-site.
- Reclaiming is a full reprocessing to return the refrigerant to virgin specification (as defined by standards such as ARI 700). Reclaiming can only be carried out by an approved facility.
- Refrigerant that cannot be recycled or reclaimed must be sent for destruction at a licensed facility.
Cylinder Safety
- Recovery cylinders must comply with transport regulations (ADR) and must never be filled above 80 % of their liquid capacity to allow for thermal expansion.
- Cylinders must be clearly labelled with the refrigerant type, and colour-coded according to EN 1089-3 (note: the current EU standard uses a uniform RAL 7032 grey body with a colour-coded shoulder band).
- Disposable cylinders are banned in the EU. Only refillable cylinders may be used.
- Cylinders must be stored upright, secured against falling, in well-ventilated areas away from heat sources.
Preventing Contamination
- Never mix different refrigerants in the same recovery cylinder.
- Use dedicated hoses and gauges for each refrigerant type, or thoroughly purge equipment between uses.
- Contaminated refrigerant (e.g., following a compressor burnout) should be kept separate and labelled for reclaiming or destruction.
Exam Tip: Understand the legal distinction between recycling (on-site, basic cleaning) and reclaiming (off-site, to virgin spec). Know the 80 % fill limit for recovery cylinders and why it exists. Exam scenarios may describe a technician mixing refrigerants or using a disposable cylinder — both are violations.
