Using post-1993 recovery equipment, to what level must the isolated section be evacuated?

Recovery requirements · EPA 608 Type II. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.

Evacuation levels by charge size and equipment date, major repairs, and system-dependent limits.

The question

A large R-22 system holds 500 pounds in total. The technician isolates a section holding 150 pounds and will open only that section. Using post-1993 recovery equipment, to what level must the isolated section be evacuated?

• A10 inches of Hg vacuum
• B4 inches of Hg vacuum
• C15 inches of Hg vacuum
• D0 inches of Hg vacuumCorrect answer

Why “0 inches of Hg vacuum” is correct

Table 1 rows apply to a high-pressure appliance or an isolated component of one, based on that component's full charge. A high-pressure isolated component holding less than 200 pounds must be evacuated to 0 inches of Hg vacuum.

Source: 40 CFR 82.156(a), Table 1; 40 CFR 82.156(a)

Why the other answers are wrong

• 10 inches of Hg vacuum — 10 inches would apply if the isolated component itself held 200 pounds or more.
• 4 inches of Hg vacuum — 4 inches is a pre-1993 level and does not apply to a high-pressure component under 200 pounds.
• 15 inches of Hg vacuum — 15 inches is a medium-pressure level; R-22 is high-pressure.

Practice more of this

More EPA 608 Type II practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.