When switching a recovery machine from R-22 to R-410A, what should be done with the machine's filter, if its…

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

Recovering liquid first, speeding recovery, and avoiding cross-contamination.

The question

When switching a recovery machine from R-22 to R-410A, what should be done with the machine's filter, if its manual calls for it?

• ALeave it in place so it can catch any leftover R-22
• BVent it before reuse
• CRinse it with liquid R-410A
• DReplace it before recovering the new refrigerantCorrect answer

Why “Replace it before recovering the new refrigerant” is correct

Recovery equipment must be used according to the manufacturer's directions. When the manual calls for a new filter at changeover, replacing it keeps the old refrigerant and contaminants from mixing into the new batch.

Source: 40 CFR 82.156(g); EPA: Test Topics

Why the other answers are wrong

• Leave it in place so it can catch any leftover R-22 — A filter holding old refrigerant can contaminate the next refrigerant.
• Vent it before reuse — Venting a filter releases refrigerant and is prohibited.
• Rinse it with liquid R-410A — Rinsing with refrigerant wastes refrigerant and is not a recognized practice.

Practice more of this

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