Recordkeeping for Multiple Low-Pressure Appliances and Reclamation
A university central plant operates three low-pressure chillers: Chiller A uses R-11 (500 lb charge), Chiller B uses R-123 (350 lb), and Chiller C uses R-500 (200 lb). Over the past year, the technician recovered 45 lb of R-11 from Chiller A during a motor replacement, 30 lb of R-123 from Chiller B during a gasket repair, and 20 lb of mixed refrigerant from a damaged recovery cylinder. The mixed refrigerant cannot be reused. The owner wants to know what records must be kept, whether the recovered R-11 and R-123 can be reused in the same chillers, and what documentation is needed for the 20 lb sent to a reclaimer. The facility has an EPA-certified reclaimer nearby. The technician is certified under Section 608 Type III.
1. What records must the owner maintain for these low-pressure appliances under Section 608?
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For each appliance with 50 lb or more of refrigerant, the owner must keep records of refrigerant purchases, additions, recoveries, and disposals; leak inspections and repairs; initial and follow-up verification tests if a leak repair was required; and refrigerant sent for reclamation. The records must include the dates, amounts, and names of certified technicians. The owner must retain these records for at least 3 years. Because Chiller C uses R-500, the owner must also keep records specific to that appliance, even though no recovery is reported for it this year.
2. Can the recovered R-11 and R-123 be reused in the same chillers? What are the conditions?
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Yes, recovered refrigerant may be recycled and reused in the same appliance or in another appliance owned by the same owner, provided it is not contaminated and meets the applicable purity standard. For low-pressure appliances, the technician may recycle the refrigerant on site using appropriate equipment. However, if the refrigerant is contaminated with air, moisture, or mixed refrigerants, it must be reclaimed. The 20 lb of mixed refrigerant cannot be reused and must be sent to an EPA-certified reclaimer. If the owner wanted to sell the recovered R-11 or R-123, it would first have to be reclaimed to ARI 700 standards.
3. What documentation is required when sending 20 lb of mixed refrigerant to a reclaimer?
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The owner must keep a record of the transfer that includes the date, the amount of refrigerant (20 lb), the name and EPA certification number of the reclaimer, and the name of the certified technician who transferred the refrigerant. The reclaimer should provide a receipt or manifest. The owner must retain this documentation for 3 years. Because the refrigerant is mixed and cannot be reused, it must not be vented; it must be transferred only to a certified reclaimer.