Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPEENNE
EUROpAISCHE NORM
ICS 27.080; 27.200
EN 378-4
January 2000
English version
Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety andenvironmental requirements - Part 4: Operation, maintenance,
repair and recovery
Systemes de refrigeration et pompes a chaleur - Exigencesde securite el d'environnement - Partie 4: Fonctionnement.
maintenance. reparation et recuperation
This European Standard was approved by GEN on 10 October 1999.
Kalteanlaqen und warmeoumpen - Sicherneltstechnischeund umweltrelevante .A.nforderungen • Teil a: Betrieb,lnstandhaltunq. Instandsetzung und ROckgewinnung
CEN members are bound to comply ,",;;;h the CENICENELEC Internal Repulations which stipulate the conditions tor gi'.'ing this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such natlonalstandards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the officialversions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium. Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland. France. Germany. Greece,Iceland. Ireland. Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands. Norway, Portugal. Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDlZATIONcourrn EUROPE-EN DE NORMA LJSATIONEUROPr\ISCHES KOMITEE FOR NORMUNG
Central Secretariat: rue de Staasart, 36 8-1050 Brussels
© 2000 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.
ReI. No. EN 378-4:2000 E
Page 2EN 378-4:2000
ContentsPage
Foreword
ForewordIntroduction .1 Scope .2 Normative references3 Definitions4 Operational instructions .5 Maintenance and repair6 Requirements for recovery, reuse and disposal .Annex A (normative) Draining the oil from a system containing ammoniaAnnex B (informative) Guide specification (parameters) for recycled
refrigerants . .Annex C (informative) Handting and storage of refrigerantsAnnex D (informative) Bibliography .Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European Standard addressing
essential requirements or other provisions of EU DirectivesAnnex ZB (informative) A-deviations .
23334447
14
151618
1920
This European Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee CENfTC 182 "Refrigerating systems, safetyand environmental requirements", the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text orby endorsement, at the latest by July 2000, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by July2000.
This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and theEuropean Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements 01 EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this standard.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Intemal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the followingcountries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Hepublic. Denmark, Finland,France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
NOTE 1: It should be noted that this standard at the time of publication does not satisfy all essential safety~) requirements of the Directive 97/23/EC.
NOTE 2: This European Standard had also been proposed for inclusion in the mandate under the EU Directive 89/392/EEC (Machinery Directive). As the mandate has been given after the Standard had been acceptedby the Technical Committee for submission to formal vote and in order not to further delay its publication, itwill be reviewed within the context of the latest version of the Machinery Directive directly after the publication.
This EN 378-4 is part of a standard consisting of a series of the following parts:
Part 1 Basic requirements, definitions, classification and selection criteria
Part 2 Design, construction, testing, marking and documentation
Part 3 Installation site and personal protection
Part 4 Operation, maintenance, repair and recovery
For the 6-month enquiry, the draft standard was issued in 13 parts. After the discussion of the comments receivedduring the enquiry it was decided to rearrange the content of 12 parts and to publish the final standard in the above4 parts. The remaining part 13 will be published as a separate standard.
Annex A of this European Standard is normative, the annexes B, C, D and ZA are informative.
Page 3EN 378-4:2000
Introduction
The introduction of EN 378-1 is applicable.
Gases containing chlorine are damaging the ozone layer. These and other gases which are used as refrigerant alsocontribute to the global wanning (greenhouse) effect. Other refrigerants such as ammonia, although not contributingto environmental damage, should be treated with caution due to their toxic or flammable nature.
NOTE: Also see UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) Montreal Protocol on substances that depletethe ozone layer (latest revision)
All parties concerned (e.g. designers, manufacturers, erectors, instructors, owners, users) should take advantage ofany opportunity for reducing or etiminating emissions ot environmentally damaging refrigerants.
The elimination of emissions should be one of the principal objectives during recovery, reuse and disposal ofrefrigerants.
1 Scope
1.1 The scope of EN 378-1 is applicable.
,--).~
1.2 This Part 4 of the European Standard specifies requirements for safety and environmental aspects in relationto operation, maintenance, repair of refrigerating systems and the recovery, reuse and disposal of all types ofrefrigerant.
1.3 These requirements are intended to minimize risks of injury to persons and damage to property and theenvironment resultinq from improper handling of the refrigerants or from contaminants leading to system breakdownand resultant emission of the refrigerant.
1.4 Certain clauses and subclauses of this Part 4 are not applicable to unit systems, self contained systems andsystems built on site which operate with charges of refrigerant up to
2,5 kg of group L1 refrigerant,
1,5 kg of group t.2 refrigerant, and
1,0 kg of group L3 refrigerant.
.~~) This clause is:
clause 5.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates, by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. Thesenormative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. Fordated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this EuropeanStandard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references, the latest edition of thepublication referred to applies.
EN 378-1Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements - Part 1: Basic requirements,definitions, classification and selection criteria
EN 378-2Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements - Part 2: Design, construction,testing, marking and documentation
Page 4EN 378-4:2000
EN 378-3Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements - Part 3: Installation site andpersonal protection
1501015 11650Pertormance of refrigerant recovery and/or recycling equipment
1501015 12810Fluorocarbon refrigerants - Specifications and test methods
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard the definitions given in EN 378-1 apply.
4 Operational instructions
4.1 General
4.1.1 Care shall be taken to ensure that the personnel charged with the operation, supervision and maintenanceof the refrigerating system are adequately instructed and are competent with respect to their tasks. The installer ofthe refrigerating system shaii draw attention to the necessity of adequate instruction of operating and supervisionpersonnel.
4.1.2 Personnel in charge of the refrigerating system shall have knowledqe and experience of the mode offunctioning, operation and day-by-day monitoring of this system.
4.2 Instruction of operating personnel
Before a new refrigerating system is put into service, the person concemed shall ensure that the operating personnelare instructed on the basis of the instruction manual about the construction, supervision, operation and maintenanceof the refrigerating system as well as the safety measures to be observed and the properties and handling of therefrigerant used.
NOTE: It is advisable that the operating personnel be present during evacuation, charging with refrigerant andadjustment of the refrigerating system as well as, if possible, during assembly on site.
5 Maintenance and repair
5.1 General
5.1.1 Each refrigerating system shall be subjected to preventive maintenance in accordance with the instructlonmanual, see EN 378-2.
NOTE 1: However, the frequency of such maintenance depends on the type, size, quality, age, use, etc, ofthe system, In many cases more than one maintenance service is required in the course of one year inaccordance with legal requirements,
NOTE 2: For personal protective equipment against refrigerants see EN 378-3.
5.1.2 The parties concerned for the refrigerating system shall ensure that the system is inspected, regulartysupervised and maintained in a satisfactory manner.
5.1.3 The parties concemed for the refrigerating system shall also be responsible when the refrigerating system isused by another person. unless another division of responsibility has been agreed upon.
Page 5EN 378-4:2000
5.1.4 Regular maintenance which does not include interference with, nor adjustment of. the refrigerating system andwhich requires no specialized knowledge of refrigeration engineering can be carried out by a person of appropriatecompetence employed by the person responsible.
5.2 Maintenance
5.2.1 Maintenance shall be undertaken in such a way that:
a) accidents to personnel are minimized;
b) damage to goods is prevented;
c) the components of the system remain in good working order;
d) the purpose and availability of the system are maintained;
e) leakage of refrigerant or oil identified and remedied;
f) waste of energy is minimized.
5.2.2 lhe extent and time scheduie of maintenance shaH 3e ruBy described in the instruction manual, see EN 378-2.
52.3 When a secondary cooling or heating system is used, the heat-transfer medium shall be periodically inspectedfor its composition and for the presence of refrigerant.
5_2.4 Regular leak tests. inspections and checking of the safety equipment shall be carried out as describedEN 378-2.
5.2_5 When oil is drained from a refrigerating system it shall be carried out safely. For refrigerating systemscontaining ammonia, see normative annex A.
5.3 Repair
5.3.1 Repairs on refrigerant containing components shall be carried out in the following order, if appropriate:
a) instructing of the maintenance staff;
b) disconnecting and safeguarding of the components to be repaired (e.g. powerdrive, pressure vessel, piping);
c) emptying and evacuating, see EN 378-2;
d) cleaning and purging respectively (e.g. with nitrogen);
e) releasing for repair;
NOTE: Welding or the use of arc - and ftame-producing apparatus may require speciaf work permits.
f) carrying out the repair;
g) testing and checking of the repaired component (pressure test, leakage test, functional test), see EN 378-2;
h) replacing, evacuating and recharging with refrigerant.
Page 6EN 378-4:2000
5.3.2 Refrigerant leaks shall be identified and repaired as soon as practicable by a competent person and thesystem shall only be put into service again when all the leaks have been repaired.
5.3.3 During each periodic maintenance and following each repair, if appropriate. at least the following tasks shallbe perfonmed:
a) all safety, control and measurement devices as well as alanm systems shall be checked to verify their correctoperation and perfect working order;
b) leakage tests shall be carried out at the relevant part of the refrigerating system;
c) evacuating, see EN 378-2;
d) adjustment 01 refrigerant charge;
e) functional test of safety devices.
5.3.4 Maintenance and repair requiring the assistance of other skilled personnel (such as welders, electricians,measuring and control specialists, etc.) shall be carried out under the supervision of a person competent inrefrigeration.
5.3.5 Welding and brazing shall only be carried out by a competent person.
5.3.6 Replacements of components or changes to the refrigerating system shall be ordered and carried out by acompetent person.
5.3.7 After a pressure relief valve which discharges to atmosphere has been actuated, it shall be replaced il it is nottight.
5.4 Change of refrigerant type
In the event of a change of the refrigerant type used in the refrigerating system the following shall be observed:
a) verify the refrigerating system manufacturer permits the refrigerant type change;
b) pay special attention to the content of the gas cylinders to be sure that the correct refrigerant is added;
c) examine all materials used in the refrigerating system to ensure they are compatible with the new refrigeranttype;
d) verify the possibility of exceeding the allowable pressure;
e) verify the new refrigerant type can be used without recertifying the pressure vessels;
I) verify the motor capacity;
g) pay attention to the refrigerant classification;
h) replace or readjust, if necessary, control and safety devices;
i) verify the content of the liquid receiver,
j) prevent mixtures with residual refrigerant and residual oil;
k) amend all indications as to the refrigerant type used;
I) update the log book and documentation including machine card;
rn) ensure the original refrigerant is recovered in accordance with clause 6.
Page 7EN 378-4:2000
6 Requirements for recovery, reuse and disposal
6.1 General requirements
6.1.1 Personnel
Recovery, reuse, recycle, reclaim and disposal shall only be undertaken by competent persons, see figure 1 for therelationship between the processes.
:)
EXlstinlJ
refnger:atinc;;Beccverv
systemIRefrig!lrzntloili
Reuse
DlSposJI,I Y Recycle f--i ReC:!::':r:l ~
Figure 1: Simplified representation of the relationship between the processes
6.1.2 Parts of refrigerating systems
All parts of refrigerating systems, e.g. refrigerant, oil, heat-transfer medium, filter, drier, insulation material, shall berecovered, reused and/or disposed of property, see 6.5.
6.1.3 Refrigerants
All refrigerants shall be recovered for reuse, recycled or reclaimed for reuse or shall be disposed of property,see 6.5. CFC's, HCFC's, HFC's, PFC's, and HC's shall not be released into the atmosphere. If other refrigerants arereleased it shall be done in a controlled manner in order that any danger to persons or property is avoided.
~) NOTE: Destruction of refrigerants can require an authorized facility for destruction.
6.1.4 Handling
The method of handling of the refrigerant shall be decided before it is removed from the refrigerating system or theequipment (see atso Annex C).
Such decision will be based upon considerations that shall include:
- the history of the refrigerating system;
- the type and disposition of the refrigerant in the refrigerating system;
- the reason for removal of the refrigerant from the refrigerating system;
- the condition of the refrigerating system or the equipment and whether or not it is to be returned to service.
Page 8EN 378-4:2000
6.2 Requirements for recovery and reuse of refrigerant
6.2.1 General
The directions given regarding the treatment of recovered refrigerant before reuse shall apply to all types of
refrigerant.
Dependent on the situation. recovered refrigerant can follow anyone of the paths indicated in the flow chart shown
in figure 2.
REFRIGER....TlNGSYSTEM
T
RECOVEREDREFJlIGERANT
Purpos.: 6.1.2
Ae..... on !"hoIPutpasc:
s..me 0<'
G.netal.eu.s
sllT>da' ilVS1.m
62.' ~"" /.fReelliom Of du:pas;lU
6 . .2.5£:.5 !
Mo=....~ V".....,.-.-........
No
v.,Acid test
No
....ec Mom o~ SySl_nu:
----
...d>........ No
IA~IY$u;1
v..
I Atv\Clt C ..n1otm.' .....'
No .J:~o.al. ..""....tr ••lrncn! tOl' tt-..Reel......
6.2." 6.2.5O,"oos.1
.el"9...... n( 6.'
T"- s.me system Tl'\ao .am. SYSlemT.... "me 0<'
6.2.3.1 Of s .....oi¥ .... lun.etron - '-and Ct;ImOQ~nU
~UM'f system
S",,",corQ D., lh.1 I No lcstr'cnoo-eevetee 6.2.).2 01 t;,.. 6.2.5.J
Figure 2: Flow chart for recovered refrigerant
Page 9EN 378·4:2000
6.2.2 Recovery for general reuse
For general reuse, recovered refrigerants shall be reclaimed and comply wilh the appropriate specification for newrefrigerants.
6.2.3 Recovery for reuse in the same or similar system
6.2.3,1 For reuse in the same system
For a halocarbon refrigarant, an acid test shall be carried oul.
NOTE 1: The acid test uses the titration principle to detect any compound that ionizes as an acid. The testrequires a sample of a 100 g to 120 g and has a lower detection limit of 0,1 x 10.6 by mass.
If the acid test fails, the total refrigerant charge shall undergo a recycling or reclaiming process, and the filter drier(s)in the refrigerating system shall be replaced.
Such a test is normally not required if recovery is from a refrigerating system during its manufacture.
NOTE 2: Refrigerant recovered from a refrigerating system (e.g. removed overcharge, refrigerant taken outfor system service, local non-contaminating repair, major overhaul or replacement of a component) cannormally be returned to the same system.
when a refrigerating system has been taken out of service because of heavy contamination of the refrigerant ormotor burnout, the refrigerant shall be reclaimed or disposed of.
NOTE 3: The evacuation and charging procedures specified in this European standard should be followedwhen returning tne refrigerant to the refrigerating system.
NOTE 4: It is recommended that the refrigerant is recharged through a filter drier to remove any moisturewhich may have contaminated the fluid during recovery.
6.2.3.2 For use in a similar system
The use of recycled refrigerant in a refrigerating system which is similar in function and components shall complywith the foilowing requirements:
- the system is serviced by the competent person or company who recycled the refrigerant;
- the recycling equipment complies with the requirements of 6.2.4;
- the history of the refrigerant and the refrigerating system is known from the date of commissioning;
- the competent person or company informs the party concemed when recycled refrigerant is used and thesource from which it comes and the result of the tests or, if necessary, of the analysis.
The acid test is carried out in accordance with 6.2.3.1.
If any of the above conditions is not met or the history of the refrigerant indicates a heavy contamination of therefrigerant, e.g. motor bumout, then the refrigerant shail be either reclaimed or disposed of property.
NOTE: A recycled refrigerant should comply with the specifications in the informative annex B.
6.2.4 Requirements for refrigerant recycling equipment and procedures
Recycling equipment for halocarbon refrigerants shall comply with ISO/DIS 11650 or similar standard requirements.
Recycling equipment shall be regularty inspected to verify that equipment and instruments are weil maintained andin good order. Equipment and instruments shall be function tested and calibrated regularty.
6.2.5 Reclaim
6.2.5.1 Analysis
A refrigerant sent for reclaim shall be analysed and either reclaimed or disposed of property.
Page 10EN 378·4:2000
6.2.5.2 Specifications
After the refrigerant has been reclaimed it shall meet the specifications for new refrigerants.
NOTE: Reclaimed refrigerant can be used as new refrigerant.
6.2.5.3 Reclaiming equipment
Reclaiming equipment for halocarbon refrigerant shall comply with ISO/DIS 1281°or similar standard requirements.
6.3 Requirements for refrigerant transfer, transport and storage
6.3.' General
Appropriate safety practices shall be fol/owed during transfer of refrigerant from a refrigerating system to a refrigerantcontainer for transport or storage.
6.3.2 Refrigerant transfer
5.3.2.1 Procedure
Transfer/evacuation of the refrigerant shall be carried out as follows:
a) If the compressor of the refrigerating system cannot be used for the transfer, refrigerant recovery equipmentshall be connected to the refrigerating system in order to transfer the refrigerant either into another part of therefrigerating system or into a separate container; •
b) Before service, repair etc., which includes opening the system, the pressure of the refrigerating system or ofthe relevant parts shall be reduced to 0,05 bar absolute;
c) Before scrapping, the refrigerating system or its parts shall be evacuated down to a pressure of:
- 0,6 bar absolute for a refrigerating system with an internal volume up to and including 0,2 rrr':
- 0,3 bar absolute for a refrigerating system with an intemal volume greater than 0,2 m'.
NOTE 1: The above pressures correspond to a temperature of the refrigerant of 20 °C. For othertemperatures the pressure will need to be changed accordingly.
NOTE 2: The time required for transfer or emptying is dependent on the pressure. It should only bestopped when the pressure no longer rises and remains constant and the total system is at ambienttemperature.
6.3.2,2 Refrigerant container
The refrigerant shall only be transferred to a container suitable for the specific refrigerant involved.
The container shall be "easily" identified and marked by a colour code or otherwise as being intended to hold therefrigerant involved.
The container with recovered refrigerant shall be specially marked, e.g. "CFC R-12 - Recovered - Do not use beforeinvestigation' or 'NH, (Ammonia) - Recovered".
6,3.2.3 Disposable container
A disposable "one way" container shall not be used because of the possibility of the remaining gas content beingdischarged into the atmosphere when disposed.
Page 11EN 378-4:2000
6.3.2.4 Container filling
The refrigerant container shall not be overfilled.
When a container is filled with halocarbon refrigerant. the maximum charge shall always be observed. taking intoaccount that possible refrigerant-oil mixtures have a lower density than pure refrigerant.
The usable container capacity shall therefore be reduced for a refrigerant-oil mixture (approximately 80 % liquid byvolume), controlled by mass.
The allowable pressure of the container shall not be exceeded, even temporarily, during any operation.
NOTE: Special valves may be fitted to the refrigerant container to avoid the possibility of overfilling.
6.3.2.5 Different refrigerants
Different refrigerants shall not be mixed and shall be stored in different containers.
A refrigerant shall not be placed in a container that contains a different or an unknown refrigerant.
An unknown refrigerant already in a container is not to be vented to the atmosphere but shall be identified andreciaimed or shall be disposed of properly.
NOTE: A refrigerant adulterated with another refrigerant may make it impossible to reclaim.
6.3.3 Transport
Refrigerants shall be transported in a safe manner.
NOTE: All legal requirements, including registration, obtaining penmits etc., should be observed.
6.3.4 Storage
Refrigerants shall be stored in a safe manner (see informative annex C).
NOTE: The storage site shoufd be dry and protected from weather to minimize corrosion of refrigerantcontainers.
). 6.4 Requirements for recovery equipment
6.4.1 General
The recovery equlprnent craws rafrigeiant'oil out of t16 iefrigerating system and transfers it into a container in a safemanner and shall be leak-tight.
NOTE 1: The equipment is nonmally a mechanical system consisting of compressor, oil separator. condenserand auxiliary components.
NOTE 2: The equipment may employ replaceable core filter driers to remove moisture, acid, particles andother contaminants.
6.4.2 Operation in respect to the environment
The recovery equipment shall be operated in such a way as to minimize the risk of emission of refrigerants or oil tothe environment.
Page 12EN 378·4:2000
6.4-3 Performance
The recovery equipment shall at a corresponding temperature of 20°C be able to operate down to a final pressureof:
a) 0,6 bar absolute if used for a refrigerating system with an internaf volume up to and including 0,2 rrr':
b) 0,3 bar absolute iI used for a refrigerating system with an internal volume greater than 0,2 rrr'.
NOTE: A method for measuring the performance of this equipment is contained in ISOIDIS 11650.
6.4.4 Operation and maintenance
The recovery equipment and filters shall be operated and maintained in accordance with ISOIDIS 11650 and thespecifications of the manufacturer of the recovery equipment.
NOTE: When changing replaceable core filter driers in the recovery equipment, the section containing thefilters should be isolated and the refrigerant should be transferred into a suitable storage container prior toopening the filter shell. Any air introduced into the recovery equipment during the core change should beremoved by evacuation and not by flushing out or purging out with the refrigerant.
6.5 Requirements for disposal
6.5.1 Refrigerant not intended for reuse
Used refrigerant which is not intended for reuse shall be dealt with as waste for safe disposal. Emission shall not bemade into the environment.
6.5.2 Absorbed ammonia
After absorbing ammonia (NH,) in water the "mixture" shall be dealt with as waste for safe disposal.
6.5.3 Refrigerating machine oil
Used oil recovered from a refrigerating system which cannot be reprocessed, shall be stored in a separateappropriate container and shall be dealt with as waste for safe disposal.
6.5.4 Other components
It shall be ensured that other components of the refrigerating system containing refrigerant and oil are also disposedof property.
NOTE: When necessary, a person competent in dealing with the disposal of refrigerants and oils should beconsulted.
6.6 Requirements for documentation
All operations of recovery and reuse of refrigerant and its source shall be recorded in the log-book of therefrigerating system (see EN 378-2). If requested by the customer, a certificate shall be supplied by the refrigerantsupplier or by the service company, e.g. as defined in EN 10204.
Page 13EN 378-4:2000
Annex A (normative)
Draining the oil from a refrigerating system containing ammonia
A.1 General
Usually both the high and the low pressure sides of a refrigerating system containing ammonia are equipped withoil collectors with draining valves in order to be able to remove the entrained and accumulated oil from the system.The oil draining apertures shall be equipped with a stop valve and a quick closing valve downstream or a catch potoil collecting system which enables isolation from the part of the refrigerating system containing liquid refrigerant,safe venting of oil containing refrigerant, and isolation of the vapour line before the oil is drained off.
A.2 Draining procedure
The oil shall be carefully drained by competent personnel.
During the draining operation the room shall be effectively vented and smoking and the presence ot any other openfire shall be prohibited.
The pressure of the section from which the oil is drained shall be above atmospheric pressure, therefore drainingshall only take place during defrosting or when the r~frigErating system is at standstill.
If the dr2ining aperture is blocked, additional care is necessary.
When draining oil from compressors by means of a drain plug, it is essential to reduce the pressure in thecompressor to atmospheric pressure before removing the plug.
Two valves are provided on the oil drain, one manually operated valve and one quick closing valve. If the quickclosing valve is partly opened and no oil or refrigerant is emitted it shall be disassembled, cleaned and reinstalled.Ensure that the manually operated valve remains closed during this operation.
NOTE: It is recommended that oil is drained regularly at the points intended for this purpose to avoid,amongst other things, the disturbance of the refrigerant level control and the danger of liquid hammer whichthis entails.
Oil shall not be discharged into sewers. canals, rivers, ground or sea water.
Page 14EN 378-4:2000
Annex B (informative)
Guide specification (parameters) for recycled refrigerant
B.1 This European Standard specifies performance requirements for equipment to recycle halocarbon (and someother) refrigerants, but recognizes that for certification purposes, such equipment can only be tested against"standard contaminated refrigerant samples", see ISOIDIS 11650.
B.2 In practice, refrigerants being recovered cannot be expected at all times to reproduce only these standardcontaminants and currently it is not certain with what levels of contamination systems are coping.
B.3 This European Standard makes no direct reterence to a specification lor recycled refrigerants, the parametersfor which have, in any case, still to be determined.
8.4 However, the recoverer of refrigerant may wish to satisfy himself that the refrigerant is fit for the purposeC.) intended, since he will have to certify as such to the party concemed.
8.5 The recoverer may therefore wish to use his expertise to compare his recycled refrigerants with thespecifications for new products with the understanding that the result or analysis will not reach the specification fornew refrigerants and will not exceed the specifications given for the recycling equipment used.
B.6 Attention is drawn to the possiblity of significant property changes if mixed refrigerants are recycled inproportions different from the original mixture or if other refrigerants not in t1he original blend have contaminated themixture.
)
Page 15EN 378·4:2000
Annex C (informative)
Handling and storage of refrigerants
C.1 General
Information about handling and storage given in this annex may be used where no similar criteria exist in nationalregulations.
Losses of refrigerants to the atmosphere should be minimized during handling and storage of refrigerant.
C.2 Handling
C.2.' Refrigerant should only be charged into relrigerating systems after a pressure and leak test.
C.2.2 Refrigerant containers should not be connected to a system at a higher pressure or to piping with hydraulicpressure of liquid refrigerant where the pressure is sufficient to cause a backflow into the container.
Baokflo'N of refrigerant can result in charging errors up to an overfill of the containers. After that the pressure maybe become such that the container bursts or the safety valve. if fitted. opens.
C.2.3 Charging lines should be as short as possible and equipped with valves or self-closing connections tominimize the losses of refrigerant.
C.2.4 Refrigerant transferred to a system should be measured by either mass or volume using scales or avolumetric charging device. When charging zeotropic mixtures, the refrigerant is charged as liquid in accordancewith the refrigerant manufacturer's instructions.
When charging a system, care should be taken that its maximum permissible charge is never exceeded (see Co2.?),in view of, among other things, the danger of liquid hammer.
Charging with refrigerant should preferably be done in the low pressure part of the system. Each point downstreamfrom a closed shut-off valve in the main liquid line is regarded as a low pressure side point.
C.2.5 Before charging refrigerant into a system the content of the refrigerant containers should be checkedprecisely. The adding of an unsuitable substance may cause explosions or other accidents.
C.2.6 Refrigerant containers should be slowly and carefully opened.
Refrigerant containers should be disconnected from the system immediately upon completion of the addition orremoval of the refrigerant.
Refrigerant containers should not be knocked, dropped, thrown on the ground or exposed to thermal radiation duringthe addition or removal.
Refrigerant containers should be checked for corrosion.
C.2.7 When adding a refrigerant to a system e.g. after repair, care should be exercised to add refrigerant in smallamounts to avoid overcharging, while observing high and low side pressures.
If the maximum permissible refrigerant charge of a system has been exceeded and the necessity arises to transferpart of the refrigerant charge to refrigerant containers, the containers should be carefully weighed during transfer,taking care that the maximum charge for the container is never exceeded. The container should not be charged toa point where expansion of liquid refrigerant, as a consequence of a temperature rise, can cause a rupture. Themaximum permitted mass should be marked on the containers.
Page 16EN 378·4:2000
C.2.8 Refrigerant containers should be constructed to meet difterent requirements for refillable applicationsaccording to national regulations. This may include a properly set pressure relief device and a valve guard.
C.2.9 Refrigerant containers should not be manitolded together. This could result in uncontrolled refrigerant transferup to an overlill of the coldest container.
C.2.10 When filling retrlgerant containers, the maximum carrying capacity should not be exceeded (approximately80 % liquid by volume at approximately 20°C).
The carrying capacity is a function of the intemal volume of the container and the liquid density of the refrigerant ata reference temperature (normany-zo °C).
C.2.11 Retrlgerants should only be transferred into containers marked with the type of refrigerant, as differentrefrigerants have different allowable pressures.
C.2.12 To avoid the danger of mixing different refrigerant types and grades, e.g. recycled, the receiving containershould only have been used previously tor that grade of refrigerant. The grade should be clearly marked.
C.2.13 Transferring refrigerant from one container to another should be carried out using safe and approvedmethods.
A pressure differential should be established between the containers by either cooling the receiving container orheating the discharge container. Heating should be achieved using blanket heater equipment with a themnostat setat 55°C or less and a themnal fuse or a non self-resettinq thermal cut out, set at a temperature at which therefrigerant saturation pressure does not exceed 85 % of the container pressure relief device setting.
Under no circumstances should refrigerants be vented to the atmosphere from the receiving container in order tolower the pressure.
There should be no direct heating of refrigerant containers by open flames, radiant heaters or direct contact heatersto increase the flow velocity of the refrigerant.
C.2.14 Charging cylinders with graduated volumetric scales should be equipped with a pressure relief valve.
These cylinders should be filled in accordance with C.2.
Immersion heaters for this type of cylinder are permissible without a temperature limiting device if the power inputis limited by a current limiter, so that continuous operation of the heater results in a cylinder pressure for the subjectrefrigerant of less than 85 % of the safety valve setting regardless of the liquid level inside the cylinder.
C.3 Storage
C.3.1 Refrigerant containers should be stored in an especially provided cool space, away from fire risk, out of directsunlight and away from sources of direct heating.
Containers stored outside should be weather resistant and protected from solar radiation.
C.3.2 Mechanical damage to the container and its valve should be avoided by careful handling. Even if fitted witha valve guard, containers should not be dropped. In the storage area, containers should be effectively secured toprevent them from falling.
C.3.3 The container valve should be closed and capped when the container is not in use. Gaskets should bereplaced as required.
C.3.4 Refrigerant may be stored in the special machinery room in containers provided that the quantity ofrefrigerant does not exceed 200 kg exclUding refrigerants in components fomning part of the system.
Page 17EN 378-4:2000
Annex 0 (informative)
Bibliography
EN 292-1Safety of machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design - Part 1: Basic terminology, methodology
EN 292-2Safety of machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design - Part 2: Technical principles and specifications
EN 10204Metallic products - Types of inspection documents
ISO 817Organic refrigerants - Number designation
Page 18EN 378-4:2000
Annex ZA (informative)
Clauses of this European Standard addressing essential requirements or other provisions of EUDirectives
This European standard hasbeen prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and theEuropean Free Trade Association and supports essential requirements of EU Directive 97/23/EC of fhe EuropeanParliament and of the Council of 29 May 1997 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concemingpressure equipment.
WARNING: Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the products falling within thescope of this standard.
The following clauses of this standard are likely to support requirements of the Directive 97/23/EC.
Compliance with these clauses of this standard provides one means of confonming with the specific essentialrequirements of the Directive concemed and associated EFTA regulations.
Table ZA.1: Correspondence between this European Standard and Directive 97/23/EC
Clauses/sub-clauses of this Essential requirements (ERs)Qualifying remarkslNotes
European Standard of Directive 97/231EC
4,5,6 1.1,1.2,1.3 General
6.1.4 2.3 Provisions to ensure safehandling and operation
5 2.5 Means of draining and venting
Annex A 2.9 Provisons for filling and discharge
4 3.4 Operational instructions
Page 19EN 378-4:2000
Annex ZB (informative)
A-deviations
A-deviation: National deviation due to regulations, the alteration of which is tor the time being outside thecompetence of the CEN/CENELEC member.
This European standard faits partly under Directive 97/23/EU and 98/37/EU.
In the relevant CEN/CENELEC countries these A-deviations are valid instead of the provisions of the EuropeanStandard untii they have been removed.
Sweden has at present nationai iegislative requiremenls in conflict with some clauses of 378 Part 4. NationalregulaUons concerning pressure equipment are covered by AFS 1994:39. Tryckkart issued by the National Board ofOccupational Safety and Health.
The fo!lowing parts in EN 378-4 are in conflict:
1.45.3.15.3.55.4
Deviation
Exception for refrigerant charge and different retrigerants (AFS 1994:39 Chap. 2).Reinspection and recontrot (AFS i 994:39 Chap. 6 Section 4 and 6).Productlon control etc. (AFS 1994:39 Chap. 4 Section 4. 5. E. 7. 11. 12 and Chap. 6 Section 6).Inspection and corresponcinq selfinspection (AFS 1994:39 Chap. 6 Section 6).
