[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 40, Volume 17]
[Revised as of July 1, 2006]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 40CFR82.42]
[Page 540-563]
TITLE 40--PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT
CHAPTER I--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED)
PART 82_PROTECTION OF STRATOSPHERIC OZONE--Table of Contents
Subpart B_Servicing of Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners
Sec. 82.42 Certification, recordkeeping and public notification
requirements.
(a) Certification requirements. (1) No later than January 1, 1993,
any person repairing or servicing motor vehicle air conditioners for
consideration shall certify to the Administrator that such person has
acquired, and is properly using, approved equipment and that each
individual authorized to use the equipment is properly trained and
certified. Certification shall take the form of a statement signed by
the owner of the equipment or another responsible officer and setting
forth:
(i) The name of the purchaser of the equipment;
(ii) The address of the establishment where the equipment will be
located; and
(iii) The manufacturer name and equipment model number, the date of
manufacture, and the serial number of the equipment. The certification
must also include a statement that the equipment will be properly used
in servicing motor vehicle air conditioners, that each individual
authorized by the purchaser to perform service is properly trained and
certified in accordance with Sec. 82.40, and that the information given
is true and correct. The certification should be sent to: MVACs
Recycling Program Manager, Stratospheric Protection Division, (6205J),
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460.
(2) The prohibitions in Sec. 82.34(a) shall be effective as of
January 1, 1993 for persons repairing or servicing motor vehicle air
conditioners for consideration at an entity which performed service on
fewer than 100 motor vehicle air conditioners in calendar year 1990, but
only if such person so certifies to the Administrator no later than
August 13, 1992. Persons must retain adequate records to demonstrate
that the number of vehicles serviced was fewer than 100.
(3) Certificates of compliance are not transferable. In the event of
a change of ownership of an entity which services motor vehicle air
conditioners for consideration, the new owner of the entity shall
certify within thirty days of the change of ownership pursuant to Sec.
82.42(a)(1).
(b) Recordkeeping requirements. (1) Any person who owns approved
refrigerant recycling equipment certified under Sec. 82.36(a)(2) must
maintain records of the name and address of any facility to which
refrigerant is sent.
(2) Any person who owns approved refrigerant recycling equipment
must retain records demonstrating that all persons authorized to operate
the equipment are currently certified under Sec. 82.40.
(3) Any person who sells or distributes any class I or class II
substance that is suitable for use as a refrigerant in a motor vehicle
air conditioner and that is in a container of less than 20 pounds of
such refrigerant must verify that the purchaser is properly trained and
certified under Sec. 82.40. The seller must have a reasonable basis for
believing that the information presented by the purchaser is accurate.
The only exception to these requirements is if the purchaser is
purchasing the small containers for resale only. In this case, the
seller must obtain a written statement from the purchaser that the
containers are for resale only and indicate the purchasers name and
business address. Records required under this paragraph must be retained
for a period of three years.
(4) All records required to be maintained pursuant to this section
must be kept for a minimum of three years unless otherwise indicated.
Entities which service motor vehicle air conditioners for consideration
must keep these records on-site.
(5) All entities which service motor vehicle air conditioners for
consideration must allow an authorized representative of the
Administrator entry onto their premises (upon presentation of his or her
credentials) and give the authorized representative access to all
records required to be maintained pursuant to this section.
[[Page 541]]
(c) Public notification. Any person who conducts any retail sales of
a class I or class II substance that is suitable for use as a
refrigerant in a motor vehicle air conditioner, and that is in a
container of less than 20 pounds of refrigerant, must prominently
display a sign where sales of such containers occur which states:
``It is a violation of federal law to sell containers of Class I and
Class II refrigerant of less than 20 pounds of such refrigerant to
anyone who is not properly trained and certified to operate approved
refrigerant recycling equipment.''
[57 FR 31261, July 14, 1992, as amended at 60 FR 21688, May 2, 1995]
Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 82--Standard for Recycle/Recover
Equipment
Standard of Purity for Use in Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems
Foreword
Due to the CFC's damaging effect on the ozone layer, recycle of CFC-
12 (R-12) used in mobile air-conditioning systems is required to reduce
system venting during normal service operations. Establishing recycle
specifications for R-12 will assure that system operation with recycled
R-12 will provide the same level of performance as new refrigerant.
Extensive field testing with the EPA and the auto industry indicate
that reuse of R-12 removed from mobile air-conditioning systems can be
considered, if the refrigerant is cleaned to a specific standard. The
purpose of this standard is to establish the specific minimum levels of
R-12 purity required for recycled R-12 removed from mobile automotive
air-conditioning systems.
1. Scope
This information applies to refrigerant used to service automobiles,
light trucks, and other vehicles with similar CFC-12 systems. Systems
used on mobile vehicles for refrigerated cargo that have hermetically
sealed, rigid pipe are not covered in this document.
2. References
SAE J1989, Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of R-12
SAE J1990, Extraction and Recycle Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-
Conditioning Systems
ARI Standard 700-88
3. Purity Specification
The refrigerant in this document shall have been directly removed
from, and intended to be returned to, a mobile air-conditioning system.
The contaminants in this recycled refrigerant 12 shall be limited to
moisture, refrigerant oil, and noncondensable gases, which shall not
exceed the following level:
3.1 Moisture: 15 ppm by weight.
3.2 Refrigerant Oil: 4000 ppm by weight.
3.3 Noncondensable Gases (air): 330 ppm by wright.
4. Refrigeration Recycle Equipment Used in Direct Mobile Air-
Conditioning Service Operations Requirement
4.1 The equipment shall meet SAE J1990, which covers additional
moisture, acid, and filter requirements.
4.2 The equipment shall have a label indicating that it is certified
to meet this document.
5. Purity Specification of Recycled R-12 Refrigerant Supplied in
Containers From Other Recycle Sources
Purity specification of recycled R-12 refrigerant supplied in
containers from other recycle sources, for service of mobile air-
conditioning systems, shall meet ARI Standard 700-88 (Air Conditioning
and Refrigeration Institute).
6. Operation of the Recycle Equipment
This shall be done in accordance with SAE J1989.
Rationale
Not applicable.
Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO Standard
Not applicable.
Reference Section
SAE J1989, Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of R-12
SAE J1990, Extraction and Recycle Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-
Conditioning Systems
ARI Standard 700-88
Application
This information applies to refrigerant used to service automobiles,
light trucks, and other vehicles with similar CFC-12 systems. Systems
used on mobile vehicles for refrigerated cargo that have hermetically
sealed, rigid pipe are not covered in this document.
[[Page 542]]
Committee Composition
Developed by the SAE Defrost and Interior Climate Controls Standards
Committee
W.J. Atkinson, Sun Test Engineering, Paradise Valley, AZ--Chairman
J.J. Amin, Union Lake, MI
H.S. Andersson, Saab Scania, Sweden
P.E. Anglin, ITT Higbie Mfg. Co., Rochester, MI
R.W. Bishop, GMC, Lockport, NY
D. Hawks, General Motors Corporation, Pontiac, MI
J.J. Hernandez, NAVISTAR, Ft. Wayne, IN
H. Kaltner, Volkswagen AG, Germany, Federal Republic
D.F. Last, GMC, Troy, MI
D.E. Linn, Volkswagen of America, Warren, MI
J.H. McCorkel, Freightliner Corp., Charlotte, NC
C.J. McLachlan, Livonia, MI
H.L. Miner, Climate Control Inc., Decatur, IL
R.J. Niemiec, General Motors Corp., Pontiac, MI
N. Novak, Chrysler Corp., Detroit, MI
S. Oulouhojian, Mobile Air Conditioning Society, Upper Darby, PA
J. Phillips, Air International, Australia
R.H. Proctor, Murray Corp., Cockeysville, MD
G. Rolling, Behr America Inc., Ft. Worth, TX
C.D. Sweet, Signet Systems Inc., Harrodsburg, KY
J.P. Telesz, General Motors Corp., Lockport, NY
Extraction and Recycle Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air Conditioning
Systems
SAE Recommended Practice, SAE J1990 (1991) \1\
0. Foreword
Due to the CFC's damaging effect on the ozone layer, recycle of CFC-
12 (R-12) used in mobile air-conditioning systems is required to replace
system venting during normal service operations. Establishing recycle
specifications for R-12 will provide the same level of performance as
new refrigerant.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ This standard is appropriate for equipment certified after
February 1, 1992. This equipment may be marked design certified for
compliance with SAE J1990 (1991). The standard for approval for
equipment certified on or before February 1, 1992 is SAE J1990 (1989).
This equipment may be marked design certified for compliance with SAE
J1990 (1989). Both types of equipment are considered approved under the
requirements of this regulation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Extensive field testing with the EPA and the auto industry indicates
that R-12 can be reused, provided that it is cleaned to specifications
in SAE J1991. The purpose of this document is to establish the specific
minimum equipment specification required for recycle of R-12 that has
been directly removed from mobile systems for reuse in mobile automotive
air-conditioning systems.
1. Scope
The purpose of this document is to provide equipment specifications
for CFC-12 (R-12) recycling equipment. This information applies to
equipment used to service automobiles, light trucks, and other vehicles
with similar CFC-12 air-conditioning systems. Systems used on mobile
vehicles for refrigerated cargo that have hermetically sealed systems
are not covered in this document. The equipment in this document is
intended for use with refrigerant that has been directly removed from,
and intended to be returned to, a mobile air-conditioning system. Should
other revisions due to operational or technical requirements occur, this
document may be amended.
2. References
2.1 Applicable Documents:
2.1.1 SAE Publications--Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive,
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
SAE J1991--Standard of Purity for Use in Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems
SAE J2196--Service Hose for Automotive Air-Conditioning
2.1.2 CGA Publications--Available from CGA, Crystal Gateway
1, Ste. 501, 1235 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA 22202
CGA Pamphlet S-1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1--Cylinders
for Compressed Gases
3. Specification and General Description
3.1 The equipment must be able to extract and process CFC-12 from
mobile air-conditioning systems. The equipment shall process the
contaminated R-12 samples as defined in 8.4 and shall clean the
refrigerant to the level as defined in SAE J1991.
3.2 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive service
environment and be capable of continuous operation in ambients from 10
to 49 [deg]C.
3.3 The equipment must be certified by Underwriters Laboratories or
an equivalent certifying laboratory.
3.4 The equipment shall have a label ``Design Certified by (Company
Name) to Meet SAE J1991''. The minimum letter size shall be bold type 3
mm in height.
[[Page 543]]
4. Refrigeration Recycle Equipment Requirements
4.1 Moisture and Acid--The equipment shall incorporate a desiccant
package that must be replaced before saturated with moisture and whose
mineral acid capacity is at least 5% by weight of total system dry
desiccant.
4.1.1 The equipment shall be provided with a moisture detection
device that will reliably indicate when moisture in the CFC-12 exceeds
the allowable level and requires the filter/dryer replacement.
4.2 Filter--The equipment shall incorporate an in-line filter that
will trap particulates of 15 [micro]m or greater.
4.3 Noncondensable Gas.
4.3.1 The equipment shall either automatically purge noncondensables
(NCGs) if the acceptable level is exceeded or incorporate a device to
alert the operator that NCG level has been exceeded. NCG removal must be
part of normal operation of the equipment and instructions must be
provided to enable the task to be accomplished within 30 minutes.
4.3.2 Refrigerant loss from noncondensable gas purging during
testing described in Section 8 shall not exceed five percent (5%) by
weight of the total contaminated refrigerant removed from the test
system.
4.3.3 Transfer of Recycled Refrigerant--Recycled refrigerant for
recharging and transfer shall be taken from the liquid phase only.
5. Safety Requirements
5.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state and
local requirements on equipment related to the handling of R-12
material. Safety precautions or notices related to the safe operation of
the equipment shall be prominently displayed on the equipment and should
also state ``Caution--Should Be Operated By Qualified Personnel''.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating instructions,
necessary maintenance procedures, and source information for replacement
parts and repair.
6.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's name,
address and any items that require maintenance or replacement that
affect the proper operation of the equipment. Operation manuals must
cover information for complete maintenance of the equipment to assure
proper operation.
7. Functional Description
7.1 The equipment must be capable of ensuring recovery of the R-12
from the system being service, by reducing the system pressure below
atmospheric to a minimum of 102 mm of mercury.
7.2 To prevent overcharge, the equipment must be equipped to protect
the tank used to store the recycled refrigerant with a shutoff device
and a mechanical pressure relief valve.
7.3 Portable refillable tanks or containers used in conjunction with
this equipment must meet applicable Department of Transportation (DOT)
or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standards and be adaptable to existing
refrigerant service and charging equipment.
7.4 During operation, the equipment shall provide overfill
protection to assure the storage container, internal or external, liquid
fill does not exceed 80% of the tank's rated volume at 21.1 [deg]C (70
[deg]F) per DOT standards, CFR title 49, Sec. 173.304 and American
Society of Mechanical Engineers.
7.4.1 Additional Storage Tank Requirements.
7.4.1.1 The cylinder valve shall comply with the standard for
cylinder valves, UL 1769.
7.4.1.2 The pressure relief device shall comply with the Pressure
Relief Device Standard Part 1--Cylinders for Compressed Gases, CGA
Pamphlet S-1.1.
7.4.1.3 The tank assembly shall be marked to indicate the first
retest date, which shall be 5 years after date of manufacture. The
marking shall indicate that retest must be performed every subsequent 5
years. The marking shall be in letters at least \1/4\ in high.
7.5 All flexible hoses must meet SAE J2196 hose specification
effective January 1, 1992.
7.6 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located within 30 cm (12
in) of the connection point to the system being serviced to minimize
introduction of noncondensable gases into the recovery equipment and the
release of the refrigerant when being disconnected.
7.7 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from the
recovered refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount removed during
the process, in 30 ml units. Refrigerant dissolves in lubricant sample.
This creates the illusion that more lubricant has been recovered than
actually has been. The equipment lubricant measuring system must take in
account such dissolved refrigerant to prevent overcharging the vehicle
system with lubricant. Note: Use only new lubricant to replace the
amount removed during the recycle process. Used lubricant should be
discarded per applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
7.8 The equipment must be capable of continuous operation in ambient
of 10 to 49 [deg]C (50 to 120 [deg]F).
7.9 The equipment should be compatible with leak detection material
that may be present in the mobile AC system.
[[Page 544]]
8. Testing
This test procedure and the requirement are used for evaluation of
the equipment for its ability to clean the contaminated R-12
refrigerant.
8.1 The equipment shall clean the contaminated R-12 refrigerant to
the minimum purity level as defined in SAE J1991, when tested in
accordance with the following conditions:
8.2 For test validation, the equipment is to be operated according
to the manufacturer's instructions.
8.3 The equipment must be preconditioned with 13.6 kg (30 lb) of the
standard contaminated R-12 at an ambient of 21 [deg]C (70 [deg]F) before
starting the test cycle. Sample amounts are not to exceed 1.13 kg (2.5
lb) with sample amounts to be repeated every 5 min. The sample method
fixture, defined in Fig. 1, shall be operated at 24 [deg]C (75 [deg]F).
8.4 Contaminated R-12 Samples.
8.4.1 Standard contaminated R-12 refrigerant shall consist of liquid
R-12 with 100 ppm (by weight) moisture at 21 [deg]C (70 [deg]F) and
45,000 ppm (by weight) mineral oil 525 suspension nominal and 770 ppm by
weight of noncondensable gases (air).
8.4.2 High moisture contaminated sample shall consist of R-12 vapor
with 1,000 ppm (by weight) moisture.
8.4.3 High oil contaminated sample shall consist of R-12 with
200,000 ppm (by weight) mineral oil 525 suspension viscosity nominal.
8.5 Test Cycle.
8.5.1 After preconditioning as stated in 8.3, the test cycle is
started, processing the following contaminated samples through the
equipment:
8.5.1.1 3013.6 kg (30 lb) of standard contaminated R-12.
8.5.1.2 1 kg (2.2 lb) of high oil contaminated R-12.
8.5.1.3 4.5 kg (10 lb) of standard contaminated R-12.
8.5.1.4 1 kg (2.2 lb) of high moisture contaminated R-12.
8.6 Equipment Operating Ambient.
8.6.1 The R-12 is to be cleaned to the minimum purity level, as
defined in SAE J1991, with the equipment operating in a stable ambient
of 10, 21, and 49 [deg]C (50, 70, and 120 [deg]F) and processing the
samples as defined in 8.5.
8.7 Sample Analysis.
8.7.1 The processed contaminated sample shall be analyzed according
to the following procedure.
8.8 Quantitative Determination of Moisture.
8.8.1 The recycled liquid phase sample of CFC-12 shall be analyzed
for moisture content via Karl Fischer coulometer titration or an
equivalent method. The Karl Fischer apparatus is an instrument for
precise determination of small amounts of water dissolved in liquid and/
or gas samples.
8.8.2 In conducting the test, a weighed sample of 30 to 130 grams is
vaporized directly into the Karl Fischer analyte. A coulometer titration
is conducted and the results are calculated and displayed as parts per
million moisture (weight).
8.9 Determination of Percent Lubricant.
8.9.1 The amount of oil in the recycled sample of CFC-12 is to be
determined by gravimetric analysis.
8.9.2 Following venting of noncondensable, in accordance with the
manufacturer's operating instructions, the refrigerant container shall
be shaken for 5 minutes prior to extracting samples for test.
8.9.3 A weighted sample of 175 to 225 grams of liquid CFC-12 is
allowed to evaporate at room temperature. The percent oil is to be
calculated from the weight of the original sample and the residue
remaining after the evaporation.
8.10 Noncondensable Gas.
8.10.1 The amount of noncondensable gas is to be determined by gas
chromatography. A sample of vaporized refrigerant liquid shall be
separated and analyzed by gas chromatography. A Porapak Q column at 130
[deg]C and a hot wire detector may be used for analysis.
8.10.2 This test shall be conducted on recycled refrigerant (taken
from the liquid phase) within 30 minutes after the proper venting of
noncondensable.
8.10.3 Samples shall be shaken for 8 hours prior to retesting while
at a temperature of 24 2.8 [deg]C (75 5 [deg]F). Known volumes of refrigerant vapor are to be
injected for separation and analysis by means of gas chromatography. A
Porapak Q column at 130 [deg]C (266 [deg]F) and a hot wire detector are
to be used for the analysis.
8.10.4 This test shall be conducted at 21 and 49 [deg]C and may be
performed in conjunction with the testing defined in Section 8.6. The
equipment shall process at least 13.6 kg of standard contaminated
refrigerant for this test.
8.11 Sample Requirements.
8.11.1 The sample shall be tested as defined in 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, and
8.10 at ambient temperatures of 10, 21, and 49 [deg]C (50, 70, and 120
[deg]F) as defined in 8.6.1.
[[Page 545]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC01MY92.106
Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of R-12
1. Scope
During service of mobile air-conditioning systems, containment of
the refrigerant is important. This procedure provides service guidelines
for technicians when repairing vehicles and operating equipment defined
in SAE J1990.
[[Page 546]]
2. References
SAE J1990, Extraction and Recycle Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-
Conditioning Systems
3. Refrigerant Recovery Procedure
3. 1 Connect the recovery unit service hoses, which shall have
shutoff valves within 12 in (30 cm) of the service ends, to the vehicle
air-conditioning system service ports.
3.2 Operate the recovery equipment as covered by the equipment
manufacturers recommended procedure.
3.2.1 Start the recovery process and remove the refrigerant from the
vehicle AC system. Operate the recovery unit until the vehicle system
has been reduced from a pressure to a vacuum. With the recovery unit
shut off for at least 5 min, determine that there is no refrigerant
remaining in the vehicle AC system. If the vehicle system has pressure,
additional recovery operation is required to remove the remaining
refrigerant. Repeat the operation until the vehicle AC system vacuum
level remains stable for 2 min.
3.3 Close the valves in the service lines and then remove the
service lines from the vehicle system. Proceed with the repair/service.
If the recovery equipment has automatic closing valves, be sure they are
properly operating.
4. Service With Manifold Gage Set
4.1 Service hoses must have shutoff valves in the high, low, and
center service hoses within 12 in (30 cm) of the service ends. Valves
must be closed prior to hose removal from the air-conditioning system.
This will reduce the volume of refrigerant contained in the service hose
that would otherwise be vented to atmosphere.
4.2 During all service operations, the valves should be closed until
connected to the vehicle air-conditioning system or the charging source
to avoid introduction of air and to contain the refrigerant rather than
vent open to atmosphere.
4.3 When the manifold gage set is disconnected from the air-
conditioning system or when the center hose is moved to another device
which cannot accept refrigerant pressure, the gage set hoses should
first be attached to the reclaim equipment to recover the refrigerant
from the hoses.
5. Recycled Refrigerant Checking Procedure for Stored Portable Auxiliary
Container
5.1 To determine if the recycled refrigerant container has excess
noncondensable gases (air), the container must be stored at a
temperature of 65 [deg]F (18.3 [deg]C) or above for a period of time, 12
h, protected from direct sun.
5.2 Install a calibrated pressure gage, with 1 psig divisions (0.07
kg), to the container and determine the container pressure.
5.3 With a calibrated thermometer, measure the air temperature
within 4 in (10 cm) of the container surface.
5.4 Compare the observed container pressure and air temperature to
determine if the container exceeds the pressure limits found on Table 1,
e.g., air temperature 70 [deg]F (21 [deg]C) pressure must not exceed 80
psig (5.62 kg/cm \2\).
Table 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Temp Temp Temp Temp Temp
[deg]F Psig [deg]F Psig [deg]F Psig [deg]F Psig [deg]F Psig
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
65 74 75 87 85 102 95 118 105 136
66 75 76 88 86 103 96 120 106 138
67 76 77 90 87 105 97 122 107 140
68 78 78 92 88 107 98 124 108 142
69 79 79 94 89 108 99 125 109 144
70 80 80 96 90 110 100 127 110 146
71 82 81 98 91 111 101 129 111 148
72 83 82 99 92 113 102 130 112 150
73 84 83 100 93 115 103 132 113 152
74 86 84 101 94 116 104 134 114 154
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 1 (Metric)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Temp Temp Temp Temp Temp
[deg]C Pres [deg]C Pres [deg]C Pres [deg]C Pres [deg]C PRres
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18.3 5.20 23.9 6.11 29.4 7.17 35.0 8.29 40.5 9.56
18.8 5.27 24.4 6.18 30.0 7.24 35.5 8.43 41.1 9.70
19.4 5.34 25.0 6.32 30.5 7.38 36.1 8.57 41.6 9.84
20.0 5.48 25.5 6.46 31.1 7.52 36.6 8.71 42.2 9.98
20.5 5.55 26.1 6.60 31.6 7.59 37.2 8.78 42.7 10.12
21.1 5.62 26.6 6.74 32.2 7.73 37.7 8.92 43.3 10.26
21.6 5.76 27.2 6.88 32.7 7.80 38.3 9.06 43.9 10.40
22.2 5.83 27.7 6.95 33.3 7.94 38.8 9.13 44.4 10.54
22.7 5.90 28.3 7.03 33.9 8.08 39.4 9.27 45.0 10.68
23.3 6.04 28.9 7.10 34.4 8.15 40.0 9.42 45.5 10.82
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pres kg/sq cm.
[[Page 547]]
5.5 If the container pressure is less than the Table 1 values and
has been recycled, limits of noncondensable gases (air) have not been
exceeded and the refrigerant may be used.
5.6 If the pressure is greater than the range and the container
contains recycled material, slowly vent from the top of the container a
small amount of vapor into the recycle equipment until the pressure is
less than the pressure shown on Table 1.
5.7 If the container still exceeds the pressure shown on Table 1,
the entire contents of the container shall be recycled.
6. Containers for Storage of Recycled Refrigerant
6.1 Recycled refrigerant should not be salvaged or stored in
disposable refrigerant containers. This is the type of container in
which virgin refrigerant is sold. Use only DOT CFR title 49 or UL
approved storage containers for recycled refrigerant.
6.2 Any container of recycled refrigerant that has been stored or
transferred must be checked prior to use as defined in section 5.
7. Transfer of Recycled Refrigerant
7.1 When external portable containers are used for transfer, the
container must be evacuated at least 27 in of vacuum (75 mm Hg absolute
pressure) prior to transfer of the recycled refrigerant. External
portable containers must meet DOT and UL standards.
7.2 To prevent on-site overfilling when transferring to external
containers, the safe filling level must be controlled by weight and must
not exceed 60% of container gross weight rating.
8. Disposal of Empty/Near Empty Containers
8.1 Since all the refrigerant may not be removed from disposable
refrigerant containers during normal system charging procedures, empty/
near empty container contents should be reclaimed prior to disposal of
the container.
8.2 Attach the container to the recovery unit and remove the
remaining refrigerant. When the container has been reduced from a
pressure to a vacuum, the container valve can be closed. The container
should be marked empty and is ready for disposal.
Rationale
Not applicable.
Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO Standard.
Not applicable.
Reference Section
SAE J1990, Extraction and Recycle Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-
Conditioning Systems
Application
During service of mobile air-conditioning systems, containment of
the refrigerant is important. This procedure provides service guidelines
for technicians when repairing vehicles and operating equipment defined
in SAE J1990.
Committee Composition
Developed by the SAE Defrost and Interior Climate Control Standards
Committee
W.J. Atkinson, Sun Test Engineering, Paradise Valley, AZ--Chairman
J.J. Amin, Union Lake, MI
H.S. Andersson, Saab Scania, Sweden
P.E. Anglin, ITT Higbie Mfg. Co., Rochester, MI
R.W. Bishop, GMC, Lockport, NY
D.Hawks, General Motors Corporation, Pontiac, MI
J.J. Hernandez, NAVISTAR, Ft. Wayne, IN
H. Kaltner, Volkswagen AG, Germany, Federal Republic
D.F. Last, GMC, Troy, MI
D.E. Linn, Volkswagen of America, Warren, MI
J.H. McCorkel, Freightliner Corp., Charlotte, NC
C.J. McLachlan, Livonia, MI
H.L. Miner, Climate Control Inc., Decatur, IL
R.J. Niemiec, General Motors Corp., Pontiac, MI
N. Novak, Chrysler Corp., Detroit, MI
S. Oulouhojian, Mobile Air Conditioning Society, Upper Darby, PA
J. Phillips, Air International, Australia
R.H. Proctor, Murray Corp., Cockeysville, MD
G. Rolling, Behr America Inc., Ft. Worth, TX
C.D. Sweet, Signet Systems Inc., Harrodsburg, KY
J.P. Telesz, General Motors Corp., Lockport, NY
Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 82--Standard for Recover Equipment
SAE J1989, Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of R-
12, as set forth under Appendix A, also applies to this Appendix B.
SAE J2209, issued June, 1992.
SAE Recommended Practice: CFC-12 (R-12) Extraction Equipment for Mobile
Automotive Air-Conditioning Systems
Foreword
CFCs deplete the stratospheric ozone layer that protects the earth
against harmful ultraviolet radiation. To reduce the emissions
[[Page 548]]
of CFCs, the 1990 Clean Air Act requires recycle of CFC-12 (R-12) used
in mobile air-conditioning systems to eliminate system venting during
service operations. SAE J1990 establishes equipment specifications for
on-site recovery and reuse of CFCs in mobile air-conditioning systems.
Establishing extraction equipment specifications for CFC-12 will provide
service facilities with equipment to assure that venting of refrigerant
will not occur.
1. Scope
The purpose of this document is to provide equipment specifications
for CFC-12 (R-12) recovery for recycling on-site or for transport off-
site to a refrigerant reclamation facility that will process it to ARI
(Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute) standard 700-93 as a
minimum. It is not acceptable that the refrigerant removed from a mobile
air-conditioning system, with this equipment, be directly returned to a
mobile air-conditioning system.
This information applies to equipment used to service automobiles,
light trucks, and other vehicles with similar CFC-12 systems.
2. References
2. Applicable Documents--The following documents form a part of this
specification to the extent specified herein.
2.1.1 SAE Publications--Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive,
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
SAE J639--Vehicle Service Coupling
SAE J1990--Extraction and Recycle Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-
Conditioning Systems
SAE J2196--Service Hose for Automotive Air-Conditioning
2.1.2 ARI Publications--Available from Air-Conditioning and
Refrigeration Institute, 1501 Wilson Boulevard, Sixth Floor, Arlington,
VA 22209.
ARI 700-93--Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants
2.1.3 CGA Publications--Available from CGA, Crystal Gateway
1, Suite 501, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA
22202.
CGA S-1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1--Cylinders for
Compressed Gases
2.1.4 DOT Specifications--Available from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
49 CFR, Section 173.304--Shippers--General Requirements for Shipments
and Packagings
2.1.5 UL Publications--Available from Underwriters Laboratories, 333
Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.
UL 1769--Cylinder Valves
3. Specifications and General Description
3.1 The equipment must be able to extract CFC-12 from a mobile air-
conditioning system.
3.2 The equipment discharge or transfer fitting shall be unique to
prevent the unintentional use of extracted CFC-12 to be used for
recharging auto air conditioners.
3.3 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive service
garage environment as defined in 6.8.
3.4 Equipment Certification--The equipment must be certified by
Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent certifying laboratory to meet
this standard.
3.5 Label Requirements--The equipment shall have a label ``Design
Certified by (company name) to meet SAE J2209 for use with CFC-12. The
refrigerant from this equipment must be processed to ARI 700-93
specifications before reuse in a mobile air-conditioning system.'' The
minimum letter size shall be bold type 3mm in height.
4. Safety Requirements
4.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state and
local requirements on equipment related to the handling of R-12
material. Safety precautions or notices or labels related to the safe
operation of the equipment shall also be prominently displayed on the
equipment and should also state ``CAUTION--SHOULD BE OPERATED BY
CERTIFIED PERSONNEL.'' The safety identification shall be located on the
front near the controls.
4.2 The equipment must comply with applicable safety standards for
electrical and mechanical requirements.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating instructions,
necessary maintenance procedures and source information for replacement
parts and repair.
5.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's name,
address and any items that require maintenance or replacement that
affect the proper operation of the equipment. Operation manuals must
cover information for complete maintenance of the equipment to assure
proper operation.
6. Functional Description
6.1 The equipment must be capable of ensuring recovery of the CFC-12
from the system being serviced, by reducing the system pressure to a
minimum of 102 mm of mercury below atmospheric. To prevent system
delayed outgassing, the unit must have a device that assures that the
refrigerant has been recovered from the air-conditioning system.
6.1.1 Testing laboratory certification of the equipment capability
is required which
[[Page 549]]
shall process contaminated refrigerant samples at specific temperatures.
6.2 The equipment must be preconditioned with 13.6 kg of the
standard contaminated CFC-12 at an ambient of 21 [deg]C before starting
the test cycle. Sample amounts are not to exceed 1.13 kg with sample
amounts to be repeated every 5 minutes. The sample method fixture
defined in Figure 1 of appendix A shall be operated at 24 [deg]C.
Contaminated CFC-12 samples shall be processed at ambient temperatures
of 10 and 49 [deg]C.
6.2.1 Contaminated CFC-12 sample.
6.2.2 Standard contaminated CFC-12 refrigerant, 13.6 Kg sample size,
shall consist of liquid CFC-12 with 100 ppm (by weight) moisture at 21
[deg]C and 45,000 ppm (by weight) mineral oil 525 suspension nominal and
770 ppm (by weight) of noncondensable gases (air).
6.3 Portable refillable containers used in conjunction with this
equipment must meet applicable DOT standards.
6.3.1 The container color must be gray with yellow top to identify
that it contains used CFC-12 refrigerant. It must be permanently marked
on the outside surface in black print at least 20 mm high ``DIRTY R-12--
DO NOT USE, MUST BE REPROCESSED''.
6.3.2 The portable refillable container shall have a SAE 3/8 inch
flare male thread connection as identified in SAE J639 CFC-12 High
Pressure Charging Valve Figure 2.
6.3.3 During operation the equipment shall provide overfill
protection to assure that the storage container liquid fill does not
exceed 80% of the tank's rated volume at 21 [deg]C per DOT standard, CFR
Title 49, section 173.304 and the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers.
6.4 Additional Storage Tank Requirements.
6.4.1 The cylinder valve shall comply with the standard for cylinder
valves, UL 1769.
6.4.2 The pressure relief device shall comply with the pressure
relief device standard part 1, CGA pamphlet S-1.1.
6.4.3 The container assembly shall be marked to indicate the first
retest date, which shall be 5 years after date of manufacture. The
marking shall indicate that retest must be performed every subsequent
five years. The marking shall be in letters at least 6 mm high.
6.5 All flexible hoses must meet SAE J2196 standard for service
hoses.
6.6 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located within 30 cm of
the connection point to the system being serviced to minimize
introduction of noncondensable gases into the recovery equipment during
connection and the release of the refrigerant during disconnection.
6.7 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from the
recovered refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount removed from
the system during processing in 30 ml units.
6.7.1 The purpose of indicating the amount of lubricant removed is
to ensure that a proper amount is returned to the mobile air-
conditioning system for compressor lubrication.
6.7.2 Refrigerant dissolved in this lubricant must be accounted for
to prevent system lubricant overcharge of the mobile air-conditioning
system.
6.7.3 Only new lubricant, as identified by the system manufacturer,
should be replaced in the mobile air-conditioning system.
6.7.4 Removed lubricant from the system and/or the equipment shall
be disposed of in accordance with applicable federal, state and local
procedures and regulations.
6.8 The equipment must be capable of continuous operation in ambient
temperatures of 10 [deg]C to 49 [deg]C and comply with 6.1.
6.9 The equipment should be compatible with leak detection material
that may be present in the mobile air-conditioning system.
7.0 For test validation, the equipment is to be operated according
to the manufacturer's instructions.
[60 FR 21688, May 2, 1995]
Appendix C to Subpart B of Part 82--Standard for Recover/Recycle
Equipment for HFC-134a Refrigerant
I. SAE J2210, issued December, 1991.
HFC-134a Recycling Equipment for Mobile Air Conditioning Systems
Foreword
The purpose of this standard is to establish the specific minimum
equipment specification required for the recycling of HFC-134a that has
been directly removed from, and is intended for reuse in, mobile air-
conditioning systems. Establishing such specifications will assure that
system operation with recycled HFC-134a will provide the same level of
performance and durability as new refrigerant.
1. Scope
The purpose of this standard is to establish specific minimum
equipment requirements for recycling HFC-134a that has been directly
removed from, and is intended for reuse in, mobile air-conditioning (A/
C) systems.
2. References
Applicable Documents--The following publications form a part of this
specification to the extent specified.
2.1.1
[[Page 550]]
SAE Publications--Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive,
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
SAE J2099--Standard of Purity for Recycled HFC-134a for Use in
Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems
SAE J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning
SAE J2197--Service Hose Fittings for Automotive Air-Conditioning
2.1.2
CGA Publications--Available from CGA, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway,
Arlington, VA 22202.
CGA Pamphlet S-1.1-Pressure Relief Device Standard
Part 1--Cylinders for Compressed Gases
2.1.3
DOT Publications--Available from the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
DOT Standard, 49 CFR 173.304--Shippers-General Requirements for
Shipments and Packagings
2.1.4
UL Publications--Available from Underwriters Laboratories, 333
Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.
UL 1769--Cylinder Valves
UL 1963--Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Equipment
3. Specification and General Description
3.1 The equipment must be able to remove and process HFC-134a from
mobile A/C systems to the purity level specified in SAE J2099.
3.2 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive service
garage environment and be capable of continuous operation in ambients
from 10 to 49 [deg]C (50 to 120 [deg]F).
3.3 The equipment must be certified that it meets this specification
by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or an equivalent certifying
laboratory.
3.4 The equipment shall have a label which states ``Design Certified
by (Certifying Agent) to meet SAE J2210'' in bold-type letters a minimum
of 3 mm in height.
4. Refrigerant Recycling Equipment Requirements
4.1 Moisture and Acid--The equipment shall incorporate a desiccant
package that must be replaced before saturation with moisture, and whose
mineral acid capacity is at least 5% by weight of the dry desiccant.
4.1.1 The equipment shall be provided with a moisture detection
means that will reliably indicate when moisture in the HFC-134a reaches
the allowable limit and desiccant replacement is required.
4.2 Filter--The equipment shall incorporate an in-line filter that
will trap particulates of 15 micron spherical diameter or greater.
4.3 Noncondensable Gases
4.3.1 The equipment shall either automatically purge noncondensables
(NCGs) if the acceptable level is exceeded or incorporate a device that
indicates to the operator that the NCG level has been exceeded. NCG
removal must be part of the normal operation of the equipment and
instructions must be provided to enable the task to be accomplished
within 30 minutes.
4.3.2 Refrigerant loss from noncondensable gas purging during the
testing described in Section 8 shall not exceed 5% by weight of the
total contaminated refrigerant removed from the test system.
4.4 Recharging and Transfer of Recycled Refrigerant--Recycled
refrigerant for recharging and transfer shall be taken from the liquid
phase only.
5. Safety Requirements
5.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state, and
local requirements on equipment related to handling HFC-134a material.
Safety precautions or notices related to safe operation of the equipment
shall be prominently displayed on the equipment and should also state
``CAUTION--SHOULD BE OPERATED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL''.
5.2 HFC-134a has been shown to be nonflammable at ambient
temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, tests under controlled
conditions have indicated that, at pressures above atmospheric and with
air concentrations greater than 60% by volume, HFC-134a can form
combustible mixtures. While it is recognized that an ignition source is
also required for combustion to occur, the presence of combustible
mixtures is a potentially dangerous situation and should be avoided.
5.3 Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should any equipment be pressure tested
or leak tested with air/HFC-134a mixtures. Do not use compressed air
(shop air) for leak detection in HFC-134a systems.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating instructions,
including proper attainment of vehicle system vacuum (i.e., when to stop
the extraction process), filter/desiccant replacement, and purging of
noncondensable gases (air). Also to be included are any other necessary
maintenance procedures, source information for replacement parts and
repair, and safety precautions.
6.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's name,
address, the type of refrigerant it is designed to recycle, a service
telephone number, and the part number for the replacement filter/drier.
[[Page 551]]
7. Functional Description
7.1 The equipment must be capable of ensuring removal of refrigerant
from the system being serviced by reducing the system pressure to a
minimum of 102 mm (4 in) of mercury below atmospheric pressure (i.e.,
vacuum).
7.2 During operation, the equipment shall provide overfill
protection to assure that the liquid fill of the storage container
(which may be integral or external) does not exceed 80% of the tank's
rated volume at 21.1 [deg]C (70 [deg]F) per Department of Transportation
(DOT) Standard, 49 CFR 173.304 and the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers.
7.3 Portable refillable tanks or containers used in conjunction with
this equipment must be labeled ``HFC-134a'', meet applicable DOT or
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standards, and shall incorporate fittings
per SAE J2197.
7.3.1 The cylinder valve shall comply with the standard for cylinder
valves, UL 1769.
7.3.2 The pressure relief device shall comply with the Pressure
Relief Device Standard Part 1--Cylinders for Compressed Gases, CGA
Pamphlet S-1.1.
7.3.3 The tank assembly shall be marked to indicate the first retest
date which shall be 5 years after the date of manufacture. The marking
shall indicate that retest must be performed every subsequent 5 years.
The marking shall be in letter at least 6 mm (\1/4\ in) high.
7.4 All flexible hoses must comply with SAE J2196.
7.5 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located within 30 cm (12
in) of the connection point to the system being serviced as identified
in J2196. All service fittings must comply with SAE J2197.
7.6 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from the
removed refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount of lubricant
removed during the process, in 30 mL (1 fl oz) units. Refrigerant
dissolves in lubricants and, as a result, increases the volume of the
recovered lubricant sample. This creates the illusion that more
lubricant has been recovered than actually has been. The equipment
lubricant measuring system must take into account such dissolved
refrigerant to prevent overcharging the vehicle system with lubricant.
(Note: Use only new lubricant to replace the amount removed during the
recycling process. Used lubricant should be discarded per applicable
federal, state, and local requirements.)
8. Testing
This test procedure and its requirements are to be used to determine
the ability of the recycling equipment to adequately recycle
contaminated refrigerant.
8.1 The equipment shall be able to clean the contaminated
refrigerant in section 8.3 to the purity level defined in SAE J2099.
8.2 The equipment shall be operated in accordance with the
manufacturer's operating instructions.
8.3 Contaminated HFC-134a Sample.
8.3.1 The standard contaminated refrigerant shall consist of liquid
HFC-134a with 1300 ppm (by weight) moisture (equivalent to saturation at
38 [deg]C [100 [deg]F]), 45,000 ppm (by weight) HFC-134a compatible
lubricant, and 1000 ppm (by weight) of noncondensable gases (air).
8.3.1.1 The HFC-134a compatible lubricant referred to in section
8.3.1 shall be ICI DGLF 118, or equivalent, which shall contain no more
than 1000 ppm by weight of moisture.
8.4 Test Cycle
8.4.1 The equipment must be preconditioned by processing 13.6 kg (30
lb) of the standard contaminated HFC-134a at an ambient of 21 [deg]C (70
[deg]F) before starting the test cycle. 1.13 kg (2.5 lb) samples are to
be processed at 5 min intervals. The test fixture, depicted in Figure 1
to Appendix A, shall be operated at 21 [deg]C (70 [deg]F).
8.4.2 Following the preconditioning procedure per section 8.4.1,
18.2 kg (40 lb) of standard contaminated HFC-134a are to be processed by
the equipment.
8.5 Sample Requirements
8.5.1 Samples of the standard contaminated refrigerant from section
8.3.1 shall be processed as required in section 8.6 and shall be
analyzed after said processing as defined in sections 8.7, 8.8, and
section 8.9. Note exception for non-condensable gas determination in
section 8.9.4.
8.6 Equipment Operating Ambient
8.6.1 The HFC-134a is to be cleaned to the purity level, as defined
in SAE J2099, with the equipment operating in a stable ambient of 10,
21, and 49 [deg]C (50, 70, 120 [deg]F) while processing the samples as
defined in section 8.4.
8.7 Quantitative Determination of Moisture
8.7.1 The recycled liquid phase sample of HFC-134a shall be analyzed
for moisture content via Karl Fischer coulometric titration, or an
equivalent method. The Karl Fischer apparatus is an instrument for
precise determination of small amounts of water dissolved in liquid and/
or gas samples.
8.7.2 In conducting this test, a weighed sample of 30 to 130 g is
vaporized directly into the Karl Fischer anolyte. A coulometric
titration is conducted and the results are reported as parts per million
moisture (weight).
8.8 Determination of Percent Lubricant
8.8.1 The amount of lubricant in the recycled HFC-134a sample shall
be determined via gravimetric analysis. The methodology must account for
the hygroscopicity of the lubricant.
[[Page 552]]
8.8.2 Following venting of noncondensable gases in accordance with
the manufacturer's operating instructions, the refrigerant container
shall be shaken 5 min prior to extracting samples for testing.
8.8.3 A weighed sample of 175 to 225 g of liquid HFC-134a is allowed
to evaporate at room temperature. The percent lubricant is calculated
from weights of the original sample and the residue remaining after
evaporation.
8.9 Noncondensable Gases
8.9.1 The amount of noncondensable gases shall be determined by gas
chromatography. A sample of vaporized refrigerant liquid shall be
separated and analyzed by gas chromatography. A Porapak Q column at 130
[deg]C (266 [deg]F) and a hot wire detector may be used for the
analysis.
8.9.2 This test shall be conducted on liquid phase samples of
recycled refrigerant taken from a full container as defined in section
7.2 within 30 minutes following the proper venting of noncondensable
gases.
8.9.3 The liquid phase samples in section 8.9.2 shall be vaporized
completely prior to gas chromatographic analysis.
8.9.4 This test shall be conducted at 21 and 49 [deg]C (50 and 120
[deg]F) and may be performed in conjunction with the testing defined in
section 8.6. The equipment shall process at least 13.6 kg (30 lb) of
standard contami nated refrigerant for this test).
Rationale
Not applicable.
Relationship of Standard to ISO Standard
Not applicable.
Application
The purpose of this standard is to establish the specific minimum
equipment requirements for recycling HFC-134a that has been directly
removed from, and is intended for reuse in, mobile air-conditioning (A/
C) systems.
Reference Section
SAE J2099--Standard of Purity for Recycled HFC-134a for Use in Mobile
Air-Conditioning Systems
SAE J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning
SAE J2197--Service Hose Fittings for Automotive Air-Conditioning
CGA Pamphlet S-1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1--Cylinders
for Compressed Gases
UL 1769--Cylinder Valves
UL 1963--Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Equipment
DOT Standard, 49 CFR 173.304--Shippers--General Requirements for
Shipment and Packagings
II. SAE J2211, issued December, 1991.
Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of HFC-134a
1. Scope
Refrigerant containment is an important part of servicing mobile
air-conditioning systems. This procedure provides guidelines for
technicians for servicing mobile air-conditioning systems and operating
refrigerant recycling equipment designed for HFC-134a (described in SAE
J2210).
2. References
2.1 Applicable Documents-The following publications form a part of
this specification to the extent specified. The latest issue of SAE
publications shall apply.
2.1.1 SAE Publications--Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive,
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
SAE J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning
SAE J2197--Service Hose Fittings for Automotive Air-Conditioning
SAE J2210--Refrigerant Recycling Equipment for HFC-134a Mobile Air-
Conditioning Systems
SAE J2219--Concerns to the Mobile Air-Conditioning Industry
2.2 Definitions
2.2.1 Recovery/Recycling (R/R) Unit--Refers to a single piece of
equipment that performs both functions of recovery and recycling of
refrigerants per SAE J2210.
2.2.2 Recovery--Refers to that portion of the R/R unit operation
that removes the refrigerant from the mobile air-conditioning system and
places it in the R/R unit storage container.
2.2.3 Recycling--Refers to that portion of the R/R unit operation
that processes the refrigerant for reuse on the same job site to the
purity specifications of SAE J2099.
3. Service Procedure
3.1 Connect the recycling unit service hoses, which shall have
shutoff devices (e.g., valves) within 30 cm (12 in) of the service ends,
to the vehicle air-conditioning (A/C) service ports. Hoses shall conform
to SAE J2196 and fittings shall conform to SAE J2197.
3.2 Operate the recycling equipment per the equipment manufacturer's
recommended procedure.
3.2.1 Verify that the vehicle A/C system has refrigerant pressure.
Do not attempt to recycle refrigerant from a discharged system as this
will introduce air (noncondensable gas) into the recycling equipment
which must later be removed by purging.
3.2.2 Begin the recycling process by removing the refrigerant from
the vehicle A/C system. Continue the process until the system pressure
has been reduced to a minimum
[[Page 553]]
of 102mm (4 in) of mercury below atmospheric pressure (i.e., vacuum). If
A/C components show evidence of icing, the component can be gently
heated to facilitate refrigerant removal. With the recycling unit shut
off for at least 5 minutes, check A/C system pressure. If this pressure
has risen above vacuum (0 psig), additional recycler operation is
required to remove the remaining refrigerant. Repeat the operation until
the system pressure remains stable at vacuum for 2 minutes.
3.3 Close the valves in the service lines and then remove the
service lines from the vehicle system. If the recovery equipment has
automatic closing valves, be sure they are operating properly. Proceed
with the repair/service.
3.4 Upon completion of refrigerant removal from the A/C system,
determine the amount of lubricant removed during the process and
replenish the system with new lubricant, which is identified on the A/C
system label. Used lubricant should be discarded per applicable federal,
state, and local requirements.
4. Service With a Manifold Gauge Set
4.1 High-side, low-side, and center service hoses must have shutoff
devices (e.g., valves) within 30 cm (12 in) of the service ends. Valves
must be closed prior to hose removal from the A/C system to prevent
refrigerant loss to the atmosphere.
4.2 During all service operations, service hose valves should be
closed until connected to the vehicle A/C system or to the charging
source to exclude air and/or contain the refrigerant.
4.3 When the manifold gauge set is disconnected from the A/C system,
or when the center hose is moved to another device that cannot accept
refrigerant pressure, the gauge set hoses should be attached to the
recycling equipment to recover the refrigerant from the hoses.
5. Supplemental Refrigerant Checking Procedure for Stored Portable
Containers
5.1 Certified recycling equipment and the accompanying recycling
procedure, when properly followed, will deliver use-ready refrigerant.
In the event that the full recycling procedure was not followed or the
technician is unsure about the noncondensable gas content of a given
tank of refrigerant, this procedure can be used to determine whether the
recycled refrigerant container meets the specification for
noncondensable gases (air). (Note: The use of refrigerant with excess
air will result in higher system operating pressures and may cause A/C
system damage.)
5.2 The container must be stored at a temperature of 18.3 [deg]C (65
[deg]F) or above for at least 12 hours, protected from direct sunlight.
5.3 Install a calibrated pressure gauge, with 6.9 kPa (1 psig)
divisions, on the container and read container pressure.
5.4 With a calibrated thermometer, measure the air temperature
within 10 cm (4 in) of the container surface.
5.5 Compare the observed container pressure and air temperature to
the values given in Tables 1 and 2 to determine whether the container
pressure is below the pressure limit given in the appropriate table. For
example, at an air temperature of 21 [deg]C (70 [deg]F) the container
pressure must not exceed 524 kPa (76 psig).
5.6 If the refrigerant in the container has been recycled and the
container pressure is less than the limit in Tables 1 and 2, the
refrigerant may be used.
5.7 If the refrigerant in the container has been recycled and the
container pressure exceeds the limit in Tables 1 and 2, slowly vent,
from the top of the container, a small amount of vapor into the recycle
equipment until the pressure is less than the pressure shown in Tables 1
and 2.
5.8 If, after shaking the container and letting it stand for a few
minutes, the container pressure still exceeds the pressure limit shown
in Tables 1 and 2, the entire contents of the container shall be
recycled.
Table 1--Maximum Allowable Container Pressure (Metric)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Temp, C(F) kPa Temp, C(F) kPa Temp, C(F) kPa Temp, C(F) kPa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18 (65)...................................................... 476 26 (79) 621 34 (93) 793 42 (108) 1007
19 (66)...................................................... 483 27 (81) 642 35 (95) 814 43 (109) 1027
20 (68)...................................................... 503 28 (82) 655 36 (97) 841 44 (111) 1055
21 (70)...................................................... 524 29 (84) 676 37 (99) 876 45 (113) 1089
22 (72)...................................................... 545 30 (86) 703 38 (100) 889 46 (115) 1124
23 (73)...................................................... 552 31 (88) 724 39 (102) 917 47 (117) 1158
24 (75)...................................................... 572 32 (90) 752 40 (104) 945 48 (118) 1179
25 (77)...................................................... 593 33 (91) 765 41 (106) 979 49 (120) 1214
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 554]]
Table 2--Maximum Allowable Container Pressure (English)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Temp, F psig Temp, F psig Temp, F psig Temp, F psig
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
65........................................................... 69 79 90 93 115 107 144
66........................................................... 70 80 91 94 117 108 146
67........................................................... 71 81 93 95 118 109 149
68........................................................... 73 82 95 96 120 110 151
69........................................................... 74 83 96 97 122 111 153
70........................................................... 76 84 98 98 125 112 156
71........................................................... 77 85 100 99 127 113 158
72........................................................... 79 86 102 100 129 114 160
73........................................................... 80 87 103 101 131 115 163
74........................................................... 82 88 105 102 133 116 165
75........................................................... 83 89 107 103 135 117 168
76........................................................... 85 90 109 104 137 118 171
77........................................................... 86 91 111 105 139 119 173
78........................................................... 88 92 113 106 142 120 176
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Containers for Storage of Recycled Refrigerant
6.1 Recycled refrigerant should not be salvaged or stored in
disposable containers (this is one common type of container in which new
refrigerant is sold). Use only DOT 49 CFR or UL approved storage
containers, specifically marked for HFC-134a, for recycled refrigerant.
6.2 Any container of recycled refrigerant that has been stored or
transferred must be checked prior to use as defined in Section 5.
6.3 Evacuate the tanks to at least 635 mm Hg (25 in Hg) below
atmospheric pressure (vacuum) prior to first use.
7. Transfer of Recycled Refrigerant
7.1 When external portable containers are used for transfer, the
container must be evacuated to at least 635 mm (25 in Hg) below
atmospheric pressure (vacuum) prior to transfer of the recycled
refrigerant to the container. External portable containers must meet DOT
and UL standards.
7.2 To prevent on-site overfilling when transferring to external
containers, the safe filling level must be controlled by weight and must
not exceed 60% of the container gross weight rating.
8. Safety Note for HFC-134a
8.1 HFC-134a has been shown to be nonflammable at ambient
temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, recent tests under
controlled conditions have indicated that, at pressures above
atmospheric and with air concentrations greater than 60% by volume, HFC-
134a can form combustible mixtures. While it is recognized that an
ignition source is also required for combustion to occur, the presence
of combustible mixtures is a potentially dangerous situation and should
be avoided.
8.2 Under NO CIRCUMSTANCE should any equipment be pressure tested or
leak tested with air/HFC-134a mixtures. Do not use compressed air (shop
air) for leak detection in HFC-134a systems.
9. Disposal of Empty/Near Empty Containers
9.1 Since all refrigerant may not have been removed from disposable
refrigerant containers during normal system charging procedures, empty/
near empty container contents should be recycled prior to disposal of
the container.
9.2 Attach the container to the recycling unit and remove the
remaining refrigerant. When the container has been reduced from a
pressure to vacuum, the container valve can be closed and the container
can be removed from the unit. The container should be marked ``Empty'',
after which it is ready for disposal.
III. SAE J2099, issued December, 1991.
Standard of Purity for Recycled HFC-134a for Use in Mobile Air
Conditioning Systems
Foreword
The purpose of this standard is to establish the minimum level of
purity required for recycled HFC-134a removed from, and intended for
reuse in, mobile air-conditioning systems.
1. Scope
This standard applies to HFC-134a refrigerant used to service motor
vehicle passenger compartment air-conditioning systems designed or
retrofitted to use HFC-134a. Hermetically sealed, refrigerated cargo
systems are not covered by this standard.
2. References
2.1 Applicable Documents--The following publications form a part of
this specification to the extent specified. The latest issue of SAE
publications shall apply.
2.1.1 SAE publications--Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive,
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
[[Page 555]]
SAE J2210--HFC-134a Recycling Equipment for Mobile Air-Conditioning
Systems
SAE J2211--Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of HFC-
134a
3. Purity Specification
The refrigerant referred to in this standard shall have been
directly removed from, and intended to be returned to, a mobile air-
conditioning system. Contaminants in this recycled refrigerant shall be
limited to moisture, refrigerant system lubricant, and noncondensable
gases, which, when measured in the refrigerant liquid phase, shall not
exceed the following levels:
3.1 Moisture--50 ppm by weight
3.2 Lubricant--500 ppm by weight
3.3 Noncondensable Gases (Air)--150 ppm by weight
4. Requirements for Recycle Equipment Used in Direct Mobile Air-
Conditioning Service Operations
4.1 Such equipment shall meet J2210, which covers additional
moisture, acid, and filter requirements.
5. Operation of the Recycle Equipment
Recycle equipment operation shall be in accord with SAE J2211.
Application
This Standard applies to HFC-134a refrigerant used to service motor
vehicle passenger compartment air-conditioning systems designed or
retrofitted to use HFC-134a. Hermetically sealed, refrigerated cargo
systems are not covered by this standard.
Reference Section
SAE J2210--HFC-134a Recycling Equipment for Mobile Air-Conditioning
Systems
SAE J2211--Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of HFC-
134a.
[62 FR 68048, Dec. 30, 1997]
Appendix D to Subpart B of Part 82--Standard for HFC-134a Recover-Only
Equipment
SAE J2211, Recommended Service Procedure for Containment of HFC-
134a, as set forth under Appendix C of this subpart, also applies to
this Appendix D
SAE J1732, issued December, 1994.
HFC-134a (R-134a) Extraction Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-
Conditioning Systems
Foreword
Appendix C established equipment specifications for on-site recovery
and reuse of HFC-134a in air-conditioning systems. These specifications
are for HFC-134a extraction only equipment that are intended to be used
in conjunction with the on-site recycling equipment currently used at
service facilities, or allow for off-site refrigerant reclamation.
1. Scope
The purpose of this standard is to provide equipment specification
for only the recovery of HFC-134a refrigerant to be returned to a
refrigerant reclamation facility that will process it to ARI Standard
700-93 or allow for recycling of the recovered refrigerant to SAE J2210
specifications by using Design Certified equipment of the same
ownership. It is not acceptable that refrigerant removed from a mobile
air conditioning system with this equipment be directly returned to a
mobile air-conditioning system.
This information applies to equipment used to service automobiles,
light trucks, and other vehicles with similar HFC-134a air conditioning
systems.
2. References
2.1 Applicable Documents--The following publications form a part of
this specification to the extent specified.
2.1.1 SAE Publications--Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive,
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
SAE J639--Vehicle Service Coupling
SAE J2210--HFC-134a Recycling Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air
Conditioning Systems
SAE J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning
SAE J2197--Service Hose Fittings for Automotive Air-Conditioning
2.1.2 ARI Publication--Available from Air Conditioning and
Refrigerant Institute, 1501 Wilson Blvd. Sixth Floor, Arlington, VA
22209.
ARI 700-93--Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants
2.1.3 CGA Publications--Available from CGA, 1235 Jefferson Davis
Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
CGA Pamphlet S-1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard
Part 1--Cylinders for Compressed Gases
2.1.4 DOT Publications--Available from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
DOT Standard, 49 CFR 49 173.304--Shippers-General Requirements for
Shipments and Packagings
2.1.5 UL Publications--Available from Underwriters Laboratories, 333
Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.
UL 1769--Cylinder Valves
[[Page 556]]
3. Specification and General Description
3.1 The equipment must be able to extract HFC-134a from a mobile
air-conditioning system.
3.2 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive service
garage environment as defined in section 6.8.
3.3 Equipment Certification--The equipment shall be certified by
Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent certifying laboratory to meet
this standard.
3.4 Label Requirements--The equipment shall have a label ``Design
Certified by (Company Name) to meet SAE J1732 for use only with HFC-
134a. The refrigerant from this equipment must be processed to ARI 700-
93 specifications or to SAE J2210 specifications by using Design
Certified equipment of the same ownership.'' The minimum letter size
shall be bold type 3 mm in height.
4. Safety Requirements
4.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state, and
local requirements on equipment related to the handling of HFC-134a
material. Safety precautions or notices or labels related to the safe
operation of the equipment shall also be prominently displayed on the
equipment and should state ``CAUTION--SHOULD BE OPERATED BY CERTIFIED
PERSONNEL.'' The safety identification shall be located on the front
near the controls.
4.2 The equipment must comply with applicable safety standards for
electrical and mechanical requirements.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating instructions
that include information required by SAE J1629, necessary maintenance
procedures, and source information for replacement parts and repair.
5.1.1 The instruction manual shall include the following information
on the lubricant removed. Only new lubricant, as identified by the
system manufacturer, should be replaced in the mobile air conditioning
system. Removed lubricant from the system and/or the equipment shall be
disposed of in accordance with the applicable federal, state, and local
procedures and regulations.
5.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's name,
address, the type of refrigerant it is designed to extract, a service
telephone number, and any items that require maintenance or replacement
that affect the proper operation of the equipment. Operation manuals
must cover information for complete maintenance of the equipment to
assure proper operation.
6. Functional Description
6.1 The equipment must be capable of ensuring removal of refrigerant
from the system being serviced by reducing the system pressure to a
minimum of 102 mm (4 in) of mercury below atmospheric pressure (i.e.,
vacuum). To prevent system delayed outgassing, the unit must have a
device that assures the refrigerant has been recovered from the air-
conditioning system.
6.1.1 Testing laboratory certification of the equipment capability
is required which shall process contaminated refrigerant samples at
specific temperatures.
6.2 The equipment must be preconditioned by processing 13.6 kg (30
lb) of the standard contaminated HFC-134a at an ambient of 21 [deg]C (70
[deg]F) before starting the test cycle. Sample amounts are not to exceed
1.13 kg (2.5 lb) with sample amounts to be repeated every 5 minutes. The
test fixture shown in Figure 1 to Appendix A of this subpart shall be
operated at 21 [deg]C. Contaminated HFC-134a samples shall be processed
at ambient temperatures of 10 and 49 [deg]C, without equipment shutting
due to any safety devices employed in this equipment.
6.2.1 Contaminated HFC-134a sample
6.2.2 Standard contaminated HFC-134a refrigerant, 13.6 kg sample
size, shall consist of liquid HFC-134a with 1300 ppm (by weight)
moisture at 21 [deg]C and 45,000 ppm (by weight) of oil (polyalkylene
glycol oil with 100 cs viscosity at 40 [deg]C or equivalent) and 1000
ppm by weight of noncondensable gases (air).
6.3 Portable refillable containers used in conjunction with this
equipment must meet applicable DOT Standards.
6.3.1 The container color must be blue with a yellow top to identify
that it contains used HFC-134a refrigerant. It must be permanently
marked on the outside surface in black print at least 20 mm high ``DIRTY
HFC-134a--DO NOT USE, MUST BE REPROCESSED''.
6.3.2 The portable refillable container shall have a \1/2\ inch ACME
thread.
6.3.3 During operation, the equipment shall provide overfill
protection to assure that the storage container liquid fill does not
exceed 80% of the tank's rated volume at 21 [deg]C per DOT Standard, 49
CFR 173.304 and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
6.4 Additional Storage Tank Requirements
6.4.1 The cylinder valve shall comply with UL 1769.
6.4.2 The pressure relief device shall comply with CGA Pamphlet S-
1.1.
6.4.3 The container assembly shall be marked to indicate the first
retest date, which shall be 5 years after date of manufacture. The
marking shall indicate that retest must be performed every subsequent 5
years. The markings shall be in letters at least 6 mm high.
6.5 All flexible hoses must meet SAE J2196 for service hoses.
[[Page 557]]
6.6 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located within 30 cm (12
in) of the connection point to the system being serviced to minimize
introduction of noncondensable gases into the recovery equipment during
connection and the release of the refrigerant during disconnection.
6.7 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from
recovered refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount removed from
the simulated automotive system during processing in 30 mL units.
6.7.1 The purpose of indicating the amount of lubricant removed is
to ensure that a proper amount of new lubricant is returned to the
mobile air conditioning system for compressor lubrication.
6.7.2 Refrigerant dissolved in this lubricant must be accounted for
to prevent system lubricant overcharge of the mobile air-conditioning
system.
6.8 The equipment must be capable of continuous operation in ambient
temperatures of 10 [deg]C to 49 [deg]C and comply with 6.1 and 6.2.
7. For test validation, the equipment is to be operated according to
the manufacturer's instructions.
Application
The purpose of this standard is to provide equipment specification
for only the recovery of HFC-134a refrigerant to be returned to a
refrigerant reclamation facility that will process it to ARI Standard
700-93 or allow for the recycling of the recovered refrigerant to SAE
J2210 specifications by using Design Certified equipment of the same
ownership. It is not acceptable that the refrigerant removed from a
mobile air-conditioning system with this equipment be directly returned
to a mobile air-conditioning system.
This information applies to equipment used to service automobiles,
light trucks, and other vehicles with similar HFC-134a air-conditioning
systems.
Reference Section
SAE J639--Vehicle Service Coupling
SAE J2210--HFC-134a Recycling Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air
Conditioning Systems
SAE J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning
ARI 700-93--Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants
CGA Pamphlet S-1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1--Cylinders
for Compressed Gases
UL 1769--Cylinder Valves
49 CFR 173.304--Shippers--General Requirements for Shipment and
Packagings
[62 FR 68052, Dec. 30, 1997]
Appendix E to Subpart B of Part 82--The Standard for Automotive
Refrigerant Recycling Equipment Intended for Use With Both CFC-12 and
HFC-134a
SAE J2211, Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of HFC-
134a, as set forth under Appendix C of this subpart, and SAE J1989,
Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of CFC-12, as set
forth under Appendix A of this subpart, also apply to this Appendix E of
this subpart.
SAE J1770, issued December, 1995.
Automotive Refrigerant Recycle Equipment Intended for Use With Both CFC-
12 and HFC-134a
Foreword
The purpose of this standard is to establish specific minimum
equipment requirements for automotive refrigerant recycling equipment
intended for use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a in a common refrigerant
circuit. Establishing such specifications will assure that this
equipment does not cross contaminate refrigerant above specified limits
when used under normal operating conditions.
1. Scope
The purpose of this standard is to establish the specific minimum
equipment intended for use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a in a common
refrigerant circuit that has been directly removed from, and is intended
for reuse in, mobile air-conditioning (A/C) systems. This standard does
not apply to equipment used for CFC-12 and HFC-134a having a common
enclosure with separate circuits for each refrigerant.
2. References
2.1 Applicable Documents--The following publications form a part of
this specification to the extent specified. The latest issue of SAE
publications shall apply.
2.1.1 SAE Publications--Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive,
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
SAE J2099--Standard of Purity for Recycled HFC-134a for Use in Mobile
Air-Conditioning Systems
SAE 1991--Standard of Purity for Use in Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems
SAE J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning
SAE J2197--Service Hose Fittings for Automotive Air-Conditioning
SAE J2210--HFC-134a (R-134a) Recycling Equipment for Mobile A/C Systems
SAE J1990--Extraction and Recycling Equipment for Mobile A/C Systems
2.1.2 Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Publications--Available from
CGA, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
[[Page 558]]
CGA Pamphlet S-1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard
Part 1--Cylinders for Compressed Gases
2.1.3 DOT Publications--Available from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
2.1.4 UL Publications--Available from Underwriters Laboratories, 333
Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.
UL 1769--Cylinder Valves
UL 1963--Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Equipment
3. Specification and General Description
3.1 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive service
garage environment and be capable of continuous operation in ambients
from 10 to 49 [deg]C.
3.2 The equipment must be certified that it meets this specification
by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), or by an equivalent Nationally
Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).
3.3 The equipment shall have a label which states ``Design Certified
by (Certifying Agent) to meet SAE J1770 for recycling CFC-12 and HFC-
134a using common refrigerant circuits'', in bold-type letters a minimum
of 3 mm in height.
4. Equipment Requirements
4.1 General
4.1.1 The equipment shall be capable of preventing cross
contamination to the level required by Section 9.2.1.G before an
operation involving a different refrigerant can begin. The equipment
must prevent initiation of the recovery operation if the equipment is
not set up properly.
4.1.2 If an operator action is required to clear the unit prior to
reconnecting for a different refrigerant, the equipment shall be
provided with a means which indicates which refrigerant was last
processed.
4.1.3 Means shall be provided to prevent recovery from both an CFC-
12 and HFC-134a mobile air conditioning system concurrently.
4.1.4 Transfer of recycled refrigerant--Recycled refrigerant for
recharging and transfer shall be taken from the liquid phase only.
4.2 Seat Leakage Test
4.2.1 Valves, including electrically operated solenoid valves, that
are used to isolate CFC-12 and HFC-134a refrigerant circuits, shall have
a seat leakage rate not exceeding 15 g/yr (\1/2\ oz/yr) before and after
100,000 cycles of operation. This Endurance Test shall be conducted with
HFC-134a at maximum operating pressure as determined by sections 8.1 and
8.2. The Seat Leakage Test shall be performed at 1.5 times this pressure
at an ambient of 24 [deg]C.
4.3 Interlocks
4.3.1 Electrical interlock devices used to prevent cross
contamination of refrigerant shall be operated for 100,000 cycles and
there shall be no failure that would permit cross contamination of
refrigerant. Solid state inter lock devices shall comply with the
Transient Overvoltage Test and the Fast Transient (Electric Noise) Test
contained in the Standard for Tests for Safety Related Controls
Employing Solid-State Devices, UL 991.
4.4 Noncondensable Gases
4.4.1 The equipment shall either automatically purge noncondensables
(NCGs) if the acceptable level is exceeded or incorporate a device that
indicates to the operator the NCG level has been exceeded. A pressure
gauge used to indicate an NCG level shall be readable in 1 psig
increments. NCG removal must be part of the normal operation of the
equipment and instructions must be provided to enable the task to be
accomplished within 30 minutes.
4.4.2 Refrigerant loss from noncondensable gas purging, oil removal,
and refrigerant clearing shall not exceed more than 5 percent by weight
of the total amount of refrigerant through the equipment as detailed in
Sections 8.1, 8.2, and 9.2.
4.5 Filter
4.5.1 A 15 micron filter, or other equivalent means, to remove
particulates of 15 micrometers spherical diameter or greater shall be
located before any manual electrically operated valves that may cause
cross contamination.
4.6 Moisture and Acid
4.6.1 The equipment shall incorporate a desiccant package that must
be replaced before saturated with moisture, and whose acid capacity is
at least 5% by weight of the dry desiccant.
4.6.2 The equipment shall be provided with a moisture detection
means that will reliably indicate when moisture in the HFC-134a exceeds
50 ppm, or in the CFC-12 exceeds 15 ppm, and requires the filter/drier
replacement.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating instructions,
including proper attainment of vehicle system vacuum (i.e., when to stop
the extraction process, and also to stop the extraction process if it is
noticed that the A/C system being serviced has a leak), filter/desiccant
replacement, and purging of noncondensable gases (air). The instructions
shall indicate that the correct sequence of operation be followed so
that the equipment can properly remove contaminates to the acceptable
level. Also to be included are any other necessary maintenance
procedures, source information for replacement parts and repair, and
safety precautions.
[[Page 559]]
5.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's name,
address, the type of refrigerant (CFC-12 and HFC-134a), a service
telephone number, and the part number for the replacement filter/drier.
Operation manuals must cover information for complete maintenance of the
equipment to assure proper operation.
6. Safety Requirements
6.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state, and
local requirements on equipment related to handling CFC-12 and HFC-134a
material. Safety precautions or notices related to the safe operation of
the equipment shall be prominently displayed on the equipment and should
also state ``CAUTION--SHOULD BE OPERATED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL''.
6.2 HFC-134a has been shown to be nonflammable at ambient
temperature and atmospheric pressure. The following statement shall be
in the operating manual: ``Caution: HFC-134a service equipment or
vehicle A/C systems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with
compressed air. Some mixtures of air and HFC-134a have been shown to be
combustible at elevated pressures (when contained in a pipe or tank).
These mixtures may be potentially dangerous, causing injury or property
damage. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from
refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.''
7. Functional Description
7.1 General
7.1.1 The equipment must be capable of ensuring recovery of the CFC-
12 and HFC-134a from the system being serviced, by reducing the system
to a minimum of 102 mm of mercury below atmospheric pressure (i.e.,
vacuum).
7.1.2 The equipment must be compatible with leak detection material
that may be present in the mobile A/C system.
7.2 Shut Off Device
7.2.1 To prevent overcharge, the equipment must be equipped to
protect the tank used to store the recycled refrigerant with a shutoff
device and a mechanical pressure relief valve.
7.3 Storage Tanks
7.3.1 Portable refillable tanks or containers shall be supplied with
this equipment and must be labeled ``HFC-134a'' or ``CFC-12'' as
appropriate, meet applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) or
NRTL's Standards and be adaptable to existing refrigerant service and
charging equipment.
7.3.2 The cylinder valve shall comply with the Standard for Cylinder
Valves, UL 1769.
7.3.3 The pressure relief device shall comply with the Pressure
Relief Device Standard Part 1--Cylinders for Compressed Gases, CGA
Pamphlet S-1.1.
7.3.4 The tank assembly shall be marked to indicate the first retest
date, which shall be 5 years after the date of manufacture. The marking
shall indicate that retest must be performed every subsequent 5 years.
The marking shall be in letters at least 6 mm high.
7.4 Overfill Protection
7.4.1 During operation, the equipment must provide overfill
protection to assure that during filling or transfer, the tank or
storage container cannot exceed 80% of volume at 21.1 [deg]C of its
maximum rating as defined by DOT standards, 49 CFR 173.304 and American
Society of Mechanical Engineers.
7.5 Hoses and Connections
7.5.1 Separate inlet and outlet hoses with fittings and separate
connections shall be provided for each refrigerant circuit.
7.5.2 All flexible hoses and fittings must meet SAE J2196 (for CFC-
12) and SAE J2197 (for HFC-134a).
7.5.3 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located within 30 cm
of the connection point to the system being serviced.
7.6 Lubricant Separation
7.6.1 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from the
removed refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount of lubricant
removed during the process, in 30 mL (1 fl oz) units. Refrigerant
dissolves in lubricant and, as a result, increases the volume of the
recovered lubricant sample. This creates the illusion that more
lubricant has been recovered that actually has been. The equipment
lubricant measuring system must take into account such dissolved
refrigerant removed from the A/C system being serviced to prevent
overcharging the vehicle system with lubricant.
(Note: Use only new lubricant to replace the amount removed the
recycling process. Used lubricant should be discarded per applicable
federal, state and local requirements.)
7.6.2 The equipment must be provided with some means, such as a
lockout device, which will prevent initiation of the recovery operation
after switching to the other refrigerant, if the lubricant has not been
drained from the oil separator.
8. Testing
8.0 Equipment shall be tested in sequence as noted in sections 8.1,
8.2 and 9.2. The filter/drier may be replaced only as noted by section
4.6.2.
8.1 CFC-12 Recycling Cycle
8.1.1 The maximum operating pressure of the equipment shall be
determined when recycling CFC-12 while conducting the following tests.
This pressure is needed for the Seat Leakage Test, Section 4.2.
8.1.2 The equipment must be preconditioned with 13.6 kg of the
standard contaminated CFC-12 (see section 8.1.2a) at an ambient of 21
[deg]C before starting the test
[[Page 560]]
cycle. Sample amounts shall be 1.13 kg with sample amounts to be
repeated every 5 minutes. The sample method fixture, defined in Figure 1
to Appendix A, shall be operated at 21 [deg]C.
8.1.2a Standard contaminated CFC-12 refrigerant shall consist of
liquid CFC-12 with 100 ppm (by weight) moisture at 21 [deg]C and 45,000
ppm (by weight) mineral oil 525 suspension viscosity nominal and 770 ppm
by weight of noncondensable gases (air).
8.1.3 The high moisture contaminated sample shall consist of CFC-12
vapor with 1000 ppm (by weight) moisture.
8.1.4 The high oil contaminated sample shall consist of CFC-12 with
200,000 ppm (by weight) mineral oil 525 suspension viscosity nominal.
8.1.5 After preconditioning as stated in section 8.1.2, the test
cycle is started, processing the following contaminated samples through
the equipment.
A. 13.6 kg (1.13 kg per batch) of standard contaminated CFC-12.
B. 1 kg of high oil contaminated CFC-12.
C. 4.5 kg (1.13 kg per batch) of standard contaminated CFC-12.
D. 1 kg of high moisture contaminated CFC-12.
8.1.6 The CFC-12 is to be cleaned to the minimum purity level, as
defined in SAE J1991, with the equipment operating in a stable ambient
of 10, 21, and 49 [deg]C and processing the samples as defined in
section 8.1.5.
8.2 HFC-134a Recycling Cycle
8.2.1 The maximum operating pressure of the equipment shall be
determined when recycling HFC-134a while conducting the following tests.
This pressure is needed for the Seat Leakage Test, Section 4.2.
8.2.2 The equipment must be preconditioned by processing 13.6 kg of
the standard contaminated HFC-134a (see section 8.2.2a) at an ambient of
21 [deg]C before starting the test cycle. 1.13 kg samples are to be
processed at 5 minute intervals. The text fixture shown in Figure 1 to
Appendix A shall be operated at 21 [deg]C.
8.2.2a The standard contaminated refrigerant shall consist of liquid
HFC-134a with 1300 ppm (by weight) moisture (equivalent to saturation at
38[deg][100 [deg]F]), 45,000 ppm (by weight) HFC-134a compatible
lubricant, and 1000 ppm (by weight) of noncondensable gases (air).
8.2.2b The HFC-134a compatible lubricant referred to in section
8.2.2a shall be a polyalkylene glycol based synthetic lubricant or
equivalent, which shall contain no more than 1000 ppm by weight of
moisture.
8.2.3 Following the preconditioning procedure per section 8.2.2,
18.2 kg of standard contaminated HFC-134a are to be processed by the
equipment at each stable ambient temperature of 10, 21, and 49 [deg]C.
8.2.4 The HFC-134a is to be cleaned to the purity level, as defined
in SAE J2099.
9. Refrigerant Cross Contamination Test
9.1 General
9.1.1 For test validation, the equipment is to be operated according
to the manufacturer's instruction.
9.1.2 The equipment shall clean the contaminated CFC-12 refrigerant
to the minimum purity level as defined in Appendix A, when tested in
accordance with the requirements in section 8.1.
9.1.3 The equipment shall clean the contaminated HFC-134a
refrigerant to the purity level defined in Appendix C, when tested in
accordance with the requirements in section 8.2.
9.2 Test Cycle
9.2.1 The following method shall be used after the tests and
requirements in Sections 8.1 and 8.2, respectively, are completed.
Following the manufacturer's instructions, the equipment shall be
cleared of HFC-134a, prior to beginning step A. The only refrigerant
used for this is noted in steps A, C, and E of section 9.2.1. The test
fixture shown in Figure 1 to Appendix A shall be used and the test shall
be conducted at 10, 21, and 49 [deg]C ambients.
A. A 1.13 kg standard contaminated sample of CFC-12 (see section
8.1.2a) shall be processed by the equipment.
B. Follow manufacturer's instructions to clear the equipment of CFC-
12 before processing HFC-134a.
C. Process a 1.13 kg, standard contaminated sample of HFC-134a (see
section 8.2.2a) through the equipment.
D. Follow manufacturer's instructions to clear the equipment of HFC-
134a before processing CFC-12.
E. Process a 1.13 kg standard contaminated sample of CFC-12 (see
section 8.1.2a) through the equipment.
F. Follow manufacturer's instructions to clear the equipment of CFC-
12.
G. The amount of cross contaminated refrigerant, as determined by
gas chromatography, in samples processed during steps C and E of section
9.2.1., shall not exceed 0.5 percent by weight.
10. Sample Analysis
10.1 General
10.1.1 The processed contaminated samples shall be analyzed
according to the following procedure.
10.2 Quantitative Determination of Moisture
10.2.1 The recycled liquid phase sample of refrigerant shall be
analyzed for moisture content via Karl Fischer coulometer titration or
an equivalent method. The Karl
[[Page 561]]
Fischer apparatus is an instrument for precise determination of small
amounts of water dissolved in liquid and/or gas samples.
10.2.2 In conducting the test, a weighed sample of 30 to 130 g is
vaporized directly into the Karl Fischer anolyte. A coulometer titration
is conducted and the results are calculated and displayed as parts per
million moisture (weight).
10.3 Determination of Percent Lubricant
10.3.1 The amount of lubricant in the recycled sample of
refrigerant/lubricant is to be determined by gravimetric analysis.
10.3.2 Following venting of noncondensable, in accordance with the
manufacturer's operating instructions, the refrigerant container shall
be shaken for 5 minutes prior to extracting samples for test.
10.3.3 A weighed sample of 175 to 225 g of liquid refrigerant/
lubricant is allowed to evaporate at room temperature. The percent
lubricant is to be calculated from the weight of the original sample and
the residue remaining after the evaporation.
10.4 Noncondensable Gas
10.4.1 The amount of noncondensable gas is to be determined by gas
chromatography. A sample of vaporized refrigerant liquid shall be
separated and analyzed by gas chromatography. A Propak Q column at 130
[deg]C and a hot wire detector may be used for analysis.
10.4.2 This test shall be conducted on liquid phase samples of
recycled refrigerant taken from a full container as defined in 7.4
within 30 minutes following the proper venting of noncondensable gases.
10.4.3 The samples shall be shaken for at least 15 minutes prior to
testing while at a temperature of 24 [deg]C 2.8
[deg]C.
10.5 Refrigerant Cross Contamination
10.5.1 The amount of cross contamination of CFC-12 in HFC-134a or
HFC-134a in CFC-12 shall not exceed 0.5 percent by weight as determined
by gas chromatography. A sample of vaporized refrigerant liquid shall be
separated and analyzed by gas chromatography. A 1% SP-1000 on Carbopack
B (60/80 mesh) column may be used for the analysis.
[62 FR 68053, Dec. 30, 1997]
Appendix F to Subpart B of Part 82--Standard for Recover-Only Equipment
That Extracts a Single, Specific Refrigerant Other Than CFC-12 or HFC-
134a
Foreword
These specifications are for equipment that recover, but does not
recycle, any single, specific automotive refrigerant other than CFC-12
or HFC-134a, including a blend refrigerant.
1. Scope
The purpose of this standard is to provide equipment specifications
for the recovery of any single, specific refrigerant other than CFC-12
or HFC-134a, including a blend refrigerant, which are either (1) to be
returned to a refrigerant reclamation facility that will process the
refrigerant to ARI Standard 700-93 or equivalent new product
specifications at a minimum, or (2) to be recycled in approved
refrigerant recycling equipment, or (3) to be destroyed. This standard
applies to equipment used to service automobiles, light trucks, and
other vehicles with similar air conditioning systems.
2. References
2.1 Applicable Documents--The following publications form a part of
this specification to the extent specified. The latest issue of SAE
publications shall apply.
2.1.1 SAE Publications--Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive,
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001. SAE J639--Vehicle Service Coupling. SAE
J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning (fittings modified)
2.1.2 ARI Publication--Available from Air Conditioning and
Refrigeration Institute, 1501 Wilson Boulevard, Sixth Floor, Arlington,
VA 22209. ARI 700-93--Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants.
2.1.3 Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Publications--Available from
CGA, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202. CGA Pamphlet S-
1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1--Cylinders for Compressed
Gases.
2.1.4 DOT Publications--Available from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
DOT Standard, 49 CFR 173.304--Shippers--General Requirements for
Shipments and Packagings.
2.1.5 UL Publications--Available from Underwriters Laboratories, 333
Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.
UL 1769--Cylinder Valves.
UL 1963--Refrigerant Recovery Recycling Equipment.
3. Specifications and General Description
3.1 The equipment must be able to extract from a mobile air
conditioning system the refrigerant other than CFC-12 or HFC-134a to
which the equipment is dedicated.
3.2 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive service
garage environment as defined in section 6.8.
3.3 The equipment discharge or transfer fitting shall be unique to
prevent the unintentional use of the extracted refrigerant for
recharging auto air conditioners.
[[Page 562]]
3.4 Equipment Certification-The equipment shall be certified by
Underwriters Laboratories or an--equivalent certifying laboratory to
meet this standard.
3.5 Label Requirements--The equipment shall have a label ``Designed
Certified by (Company Name) to meet EPA requirements for use only with
(the applicable refrigerant). The refrigerant from this equipment must
be processed to ARI 700-93 specifications or equivalent new product
specifications before reuse in a mobile air-conditioning system.'' The
minimum letter size shall be bold type 3 mm in height.
4. Safety Requirements
4.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state, and
local requirements on equipment related to the handling of the
applicable refrigerant material. Safety precautions or notices or labels
related to the safe operation of the equipment shall also be prominently
displayed on the equipment and should state ``CAUTION--SHOULD BE
OPERATED BY CERTIFIED PERSONNEL.'' The safety identification shall be
located on the front near the controls.
4.2 The equipment must comply with applicable safety standards for
electrical and mechanical requirements.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating instructions
that include information equivalent to that required by SAE J1629,
necessary maintenance procedures, and source information for replacement
parts and repair.
5.1.1 The instruction manual shall include the following information
on the lubricant removed: Only new lubricant, as identified by the
system manufacturer, should be replaced in the air conditioning system.
Removed lubricant from the system and/or the equipment shall be disposed
on in accordance with the applicable federal, state, and local
procedures and regulations.
5.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's name,
address, the type of refrigerant it is designed to extract, a service
telephone number, and any items that require maintenance or replacement
that affect the proper operation of the equipment. Operation manuals
must cover information for complete maintenance of the equipment to
assure proper operation.
6.1 Functional Description
6.1 The equipment must be capable of ensuring removal of refrigerant
from the system being serviced by reducing the system pressure to a
minimum of 102 mm (4 in) of mercury below atmospheric pressure (i.e., to
a vacuum). To prevent system delayed outgassing, the unit must have a
device that assures that the refrigerant has been recovered from the
air-conditioning system.
6.1.1 Testing laboratory certification of the equipment capability
is required which shall process contaminated refrigerant samples at
specific temperatures.
6.2 The equipment must be preconditioned by processing 13.6 kg (30
lb) of the standard contaminated refrigerant at an ambient of 21 [deg]C
(70 [deg]F) before starting the test cycle. Sample amounts are not to
exceed 1.13 kg (2.5 lb) with sample amounts to be processed at 5 min.
intervals. The test method fixture, depicted in Figure 1 to appendix A
of this subpart, shall be operated at 21 [deg]C (70 [deg]F).
Contaminated refrigerant samples shall be processed at ambient
temperatures of 10 and 49 [deg]C, without equipment shutting due to any
safety devices employed in this equipment.
6.2.1 Standard contaminated refrigerant, 13.6 kg (30 lb) sample
size, shall consist of liquid refrigerant with 1000 ppm (by weight)
moisture at 21 [deg]C and 45,000 ppm (by weight) of oil (total of one-
third mineral oil 525 suspension nominal, one-third PAG with 100 cSt
viscosity at 40 [deg]C or equivalent, and one-third POE with 68 cSt
viscosity at 40 [deg]C or equivalent) and 1000 ppm by weight of
noncondensable gases (air). Refrigerant shall be identified prior to the
recovery process to 2% of the original
manufacturer's formulation submitted to, and accepted by, EPA under its
Significant New Alternatives Policy program, with the exception that any
flammable components shall be identified to 1%.
6.3 Portable refillable containers used in conjunction with this
equipment must meet applicable DOT Standards.
6.3.1 The container color must be gray with a yellow top to identify
that it contains used refrigerant. It must be permanently marked on the
outside surface in black print at least 20 mm high ``DIRTY [NAME OF
REFRIGERANT]--DO NOT USE, MUST BE PROCESSED''.
6.3.2 The portable refillable container shall have a unique thread
connection for the specific refrigerant.
6.3.3 During operation, the equipment shall provide overfill
protection to assure that the storage container liquid fill does not
exceed 80% of the tank's rated volume at 21 [deg]C per DOT Standard, 49
CFR 173.304, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
6.4 Additional Storage Tank Requirements
6.4.1 The cylinder valve shall comply with UL 1769.
6.4.2 The pressure relief device shall comply with CGA Pamphlet S-
1.1.
6.4.3 The container assembly shall be marked to indicate the first
retest date, which shall be 5 years after date of manufacture. The
marking shall indicate that retest must be performed every subsequent 5
years.
[[Page 563]]
The marking shall be in letters at least 6 mm high.
6.5 All flexible hoses must meet SAE J2196 for service hoses except
that fittings shall be unique to the applicable refrigerant.
6.6 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located within 30 cm of
the connection point to the system being serviced to minimize
introduction of noncondensable gases into the recovery equipment during
connection and the release of the refrigerant during disconnection.
6.7 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from the
recovered refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount removed from
the simulated automotive system during processing in 30 mL units.
6.7.1 The purpose of indicating the amount of lubricant is to ensure
that a proper amount of new lubricant is returned to the mobile air
conditioning system for compressor lubrication.
6.7.2 Refrigerant dissolved in this lubricant must be accounted for
to prevent system lubricant overcharge of the mobile air-conditioning
system.
6.8 The equipment must be capable of continuous operation in
temperatures of 10 to 49 [deg]C and must comply with 6.1 and 6.2.
7. For test validation, the equipment is to be operated according to
the manufacturer's instructions.
Application
The purpose of this standard is to provide equipment specifications
for the recovery of any refrigerant other than CFC-12 or HFC-134a for
return to a refrigerant reclamation facility that will process it to ARI
Standard 700-93 (or for recycling in other EPA approved recycling
equipment, in the event that EPA in the future designates a standard for
equipment capable of recycling refrigerants other than CFC-12 or HFC-
134a).
Reference Section
SAE J639--Vehicle Service Coupling
SAE J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning
ARI 700-93--Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants
CGA Pamphlet S-1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1--Cylinders
for Compressed Gases
UL 1769--Cylinder Valves
49 CFR 173.304--Shippers--General Requirements for Shipment and
Packagings
[62 FR 68055, Dec. 30, 1997]