Precaution for Using R32 Refrigerant
- Pay careful attention to the following precaution points and the installation work procedures.
WARNING
When connecting flare at indoor side, make sure that the flare connection is used only once, if torqued up and released, the flare must be remade. Once the flare connection was torqued up correctly and leak test was made, thoroughly clean and dry the surface to remove oil, dirt and grease by following instructions of silicone sealant. Apply neutral cure (Alkoxy type) & ammonia-free silicone sealant that is non-corrosive to copper & brass to the external of the flared connection to prevent the ingress of moisture on both the gas & liquid sides. (Moisture may cause freezing and premature failure of the connection)
The general requirement of trained and certified personnel are indicated as below:
- Knowledge of legislation, regulations and standards relating to flammable refrigerants; and,
- Detailed knowledge of and skills in handling flammable refrigerants, personal protective equipment, refrigerant leakage prevention, handling of cylinders, charging, leak detection, recovery and disposal; and,
- Able to understand and to apply in practice the requirements in the national legislation, regulations and Standards; and,
- Continuously undergo regular and further training to maintain this expertise.
CAUTION
General
- Must ensure the installation of pipe-work shall be kept to a minimum. Avoid use dented pipe and do not allow acute bending.
- Must ensure that pipe-work shall be protected from physical damage.
- Must comply with national gas regulations, state municipal rules and legislation. Notify relevant authorities in accordance with all applicable regulations.
Servicing
Qualification of workers
- Any qualified person who is involved with working on or breaking into a refrigerant circuit should hold a current valid certificate from an industry-accredited assessment authority, which authorizes their competence to handle refrigerants safely in accordance with an industry recognized assessment specification.
- Servicing shall only be performed as recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Maintenance and repair requiring the assistance of other skilled personnel shall be carried out under the supervision of the person competent in the use of flammable refrigerants.
Checks to the area
- Prior to beginning work on systems containing flammable refrigerants, safety checks are necessary to ensure that the risk of ignition is minimised.
For repair to the refrigerating system, the precautions in #2-3 to #2-7 must be followed before conducting work on the system.
Repairs to sealed components
- During repairs to sealed components, all electrical supplies shall be disconnected from the equipment being worked upon prior to any removal of sealed covers, etc.
- If it is absolutely necessary to have an electrical supply to equipment during servicing, then a permanently operating form of leak detection shall be located at the most critical point to warn of a potentially hazardous situation.
- Particular attention shall be paid to the following to ensure that by working on electrical components, the casing is not altered in such a way that the level of protection is affected. This shall include damage to cables, excessive number of connections, terminals not made to original specification, damage to seals, incorrect fitting of glands, etc.