Information provided by DuPont Refrigerants is drawing attention to the newly published AHRI Guideline Q-2010 which includes “improved ‘best practices’ for refrigerant recovery and recycle of DOT-39 non-refillable cylinders (disposables) with the intent to reduce emissions of ozone depleting and greenhouse gases from residual refrigerant left in the disposable cylinders presumed to be empty after use.”

The report goes on to note, “A few basic changes to your existing service practices can have significant positive impact on the environment and on your wallet.”

Guideline Q-2010 service practice upgrades include:

• Keep the valve closed at the onset of recovery.

• Recover refrigerant from a disposable cylinder to a vacuum of 15 inches of mercury to ensure residual content is removed and the cylinder is empty. (In this context, DuPont said, “Stretch your dollars by gathering recovered refrigerant to service your next job, especially R-22.”)

• Open valve after empty, then prepare cylinder for recycling. (DuPont said the guideline shows, “Quick and easy steps illustrating how to depressurize the cylinder and safely dispose of the cylinder together with other steel recyclables at local distributor or steel recycling center.”

“Minor changes to improve your service practices can result in huge payoffs to you and the environment thru reduced emissions and by providing you with access to additional refrigerant. This becomes more important with the R-22 phaseout schedule.”

Publication date:12/06/2010