Checks before putting in operation, after a long period of non-
use, after maintenance or repair intervention or during opera-
tion
Carry out a pressure and leak test to check the strength and the tightness of the
system.
Usage of a vacuum pump.
Evacuation of the system to remove air and moisture according to standard
practice.
Checks for leakage
Knowledge of potential leakage points of refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat
pump equipment. Making a visual and manual inspection of the whole system.
Carry out a check for leakage of the system using an indirect method and/or one
of the direct methods.
Direct leak detection methods
1. Fixed leakage detection systems
2. Portable electronic gas detectors
3. Ultraviolet (UV) indication fluids
4. Weak soapy water solution (bubble test) also in combination with OFDN
5. New installation tightness test for leakage detection procedure e.g. H
2
/N
2
6. Operational system tightness test for leakage detection procedure
Indirect refrigerant detection methods:
1. Visual
2. Manual checks
Use of portable measuring devices such as pressure gauges, thermometers and
multi-meters for measuring Volt/Amp/Ohm in the context of indirect methods for
leakage checking and interpretation of the measured parameters.
It is very important to make use of an electronic gas detection device. Take care
that the electronic gas detector is designed and certificated for the use with
flammable refrigerants. Additionally, the electronic HC gas detector must be part
of the Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) of the technician because if this
device is operational in the work area it will warn by detection and signalling if
HC refrigerant is in the atmosphere.
Handling of the refrigerant during installation, maintenance,
servicing or, recovery or venting
Use scales to weigh refrigerant. Knowledge of the requirements and procedures
for handling, storage and transportation, especially of flammable refrigerants
and especially of contaminated refrigerant and oils. Safe HC refrigerant recov-
ery and venting.
Installation, commissioning and maintenance of a compressor
The basic functioning of a compressor (including capacity control and lubricating
system) and risks of refrigerant leakage to its operation.
Installing a compressor properly, including control and safety equipment.
Adjusting the safety and control switches. Checking the oil return system.
Start up and shut down a compressor and checking the good working conditions
of the compressor, including by making measurements during operation of com-
pressor.
The use of OFDN
is important and
the HC gas de-
tector is indeed a
personnel pro-
tection device
(PPE)!
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