Service and Recycling Units
Service units for the extraction, cleaning and transfer of refrigerant for motor vehicle air conditioning systems are currently available from various manufacturers.
Certain A/C service stations (with appropriate auxiliary device and different adapters if necessary) can also be used for flushing the refrigerant circuit → Refrigerant Circuit, Flushing with Refrigerant R134a
Classification of Extraction Systems
- The service and recycling units used in motor vehicle workshops are extraction and charging systems not requiring a permit (Group "3" ) but which are only to be operated by qualified personnel. Instructions for unit operation and maintenance can be found in the relevant manufacturers documentation.
- Extraction and charging systems of groups "1" and "2" are not used in motor vehicle workshops.
Group "3" extraction and charging systems:
Mobile extraction and charging systems for filling compressed-gas vessels permanently connected to the system
The refrigerant or refrigerant/oil mixture is transferred to compressed-gas vessels which are permanently connected to the mobile systems. In line with 3 Para. 5 No. 3 of the German pressure vessel regulations (different regulations may apply in other countries), compressed-gas vessels are classified as pressure vessels in this case.
The charging systems:
- Do not require a permit
- Do not require expert testing, as the gas is transferred to compressed-gas vessels which are classed as being pressure vessels (systems used for transfer from these pressure vessels to compressed-gas vessels for supplying to third parties do however require a permit and are subject to mandatory testing)
Charging Systems Not Requiring a Permit
Charging systems not requiring a permit are ones used for transferring compressed gases to mobile compressed-gas vessels for internal use only.
Some service units are charging systems not requiring a permit. When working with such equipment, the refrigerant is not transferred to mobile compressed-gas vessels, but rather into a permanently installed charging cylinder with visible level gauge and float switch.
Recommendation:
It is advisable to use a portable cylinder with visible level gauge and pressure relief valve for surplus refrigerant for internal use.
Attention must be paid in Germany to TRG 402 (technical regulations for compressed gases) when transferring compressed gases to other compressed-gas vessels (different regulations may apply in other countries).