Manual for Refrigeration Servicing Technicians - UNEP - Division of ...

6
Safe Refrigerant Handling
• Never force connections that do not fit. Ensure the cylinder valve
outlet threads are the same as what is being connected to it.
• Cylinders should always be stored
upright, and larger cylinders should be
chained in place to avoid falling as shown
here:
• It is preferable to store cylinders
within a secured cage.
CHAPITRE 6
PAGE 08
• Cylinders stored in the open must be
protected from extremes of weather
and direct sunlight.
R-134a
R-134a
125lbs
R-401A
125lbs 125lbs
• Never expose cylinders to continuous
dampness, salt water, or spray. They
should be kept in a cool, dry and properly ventilated storage
area, away from heat, flames, corrosive chemicals, fumes and
explosives, and be otherwise protected from damage.
• Cylinders should never be exposed to temperature above 52°C.
• Store full and empty cylinders apart to avoid confusion. They
must be clearly marked.
• Store cylinders secured and upright in an area where they will
not be knocked over or damaged, and never store cylinders
near elevators or gangways, or near highly flammable
substances.
• Refrigerant cylinders should never be filled over 80% of their capacity
because the liquid expansion may cause the cylinder to burst – as
shown in this illustration:
• Always check the refrigerant number before charging to avoid
mixing refrigerants.
• Check the cylinder stamp to ensure the cylinder is safe. Inspect
refrigerant cylinders regularly. Do not use the cylinders if they
show signs of rust, distortion, denting, or corrosion.
• Never refill disposable cylinders with anything. Do not use
disposable refrigerant cylinders as compressed air tanks.
CHAPITRE 6
PAGE 09
• Any evidence of a leak, visual or by a leak detector must be
corrected immediately, by either stopping the leak or transferring
all products from the leaking container into a secure container to
allow for repairs.
Cylinder Temp.
Starting with
cylinder 75%
full by volume
Cylinder Temp.
Starting with
cylinder 85%
full by volume
NEVER
21°C 38°C 54°C 66°C
75%
Space
21°C 38°C 54°C 66°C
85%
Space
80%
Space
95%
Space
90%
Space
100%
Effect of temperature on liquid volume inside a cylinder
130
95%
Space