If you are an HVAC contractor or a building or facility manager, you may want to consider refrigerant recycling services instead of replacing your fluids each time. This can be more cost effective for your business, and it is better for the environment. Using this service may remove some of the impurities that can build up over time in your system, causing it to not perform as well, or even to malfunction.
Who Performs the Service?
There are strict regulations for this service, so you can be assured you are receiving quality materials that will not harm your equipment. Refrigerant recycling services must comply with Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Some of these EPA rules include the following:
– Technicians who perform these services must meet specific vacuum levels when opening equipment to evacuate refrigerant materials. The levels depend on the manufactured date of the technician’s equipment.
– Technicians must obtain certification from the EPA to prove that they are using EPA-approved equipment as it is intended.
– Services must provide proof of safe disposal procedures, depending on the service being performed and the type of equipment. They also must only provide services and materials to certified technicians.
What’s the Process?
Whenever technicians open an air conditioning or cooling system for service, they must recover the refrigerant and move it into a separate container. From there, the material may be repurposed for use by the facility. Alternatively, the materials can be sent to a service for restoring to ARI-700 industry specifications, at which time it can be re-sold. The basic process includes oil separation, then passing the liquid through one or more devices that reduce the moisture acidity and particulate matter. It can then be replaced and put back into the equipment from which it was evacuated. It cannot be used in any other equipment.
What Are the Benefits?
The main reason for refrigerant recycling is to remove contaminants. These can include oil, moisture, acid, chlorides, particulates, and non-condensable gases. They can all harm your equipment, which could lead to extended downtime due to repairs or even the cost of purchasing new equipment.
In addition to the benefits for your company, this process helps protect the environment. Refrigerants contain powerful greenhouse gases. When these chemicals are not controlled or disposed of properly, they can cause damage to the environment, specifically the ozone layer. This is why it is important to know you are working with a professional team experienced in the process. By recycling the fluid instead of purchasing it new each time, it reduces the need for new production.
Refrigerant recycling is a smart option for your HVAC or other building systems. It will reduce your equipment costs, increase the life of your equipment, and help the environment. Talk to experienced service teams in your area about their processes and the specific benefits to your business.