MIXED REFRIGERANT DISPOSAL:

With the advent of the new "Alternative Blends," (i.e., R-400 series) the probability of encountering mixed refrigerant is greatly increased.

In the refrigeration marketplace, many of the older R-12, R-500, and R-502 systems have been or are undergoing retrofits to work with the alternative refrigerants. Recovered refrigerants that do not meet the ARI purity standard of 99.95% pure cannot be reclaimed for re-sale and consequently, must be destroyed via incineration or separated. These options are costly and can be avoided through proper refrigerant handling processes. A majority of mixed refrigerant we encounter consists of R-12/R-22 and R-12/R-134a. Depending on the severity of the mixture, the refrigerant may be salvaged via separation. We have also seen an increase in recovered blends that must be destroyed.

Refrigerants are tested for purity by a Neutronics refrigerant analyzer, which provides a digital read-out of the composition of the refrigerant.

Mixed refrigerant can be avoided by ensuring that there are dedicated recovery cylinders, with proper labeling, for each type of refrigerant encountered. It is also recommended that the recovery cylinder be put in a deep vacuum prior to recovery.

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