Recovery Procedures
A2L refrigerant recovery procedures including equipment compatibility, flammability precautions during recovery, cylinder management, and disposal requirements for low-GWP refrigerants.
- Perform recovery of A2L refrigerants with appropriate flammability safety precautions
- Select recovery equipment rated for the specific low-GWP refrigerant
- Apply EPA recovery level requirements to A2L refrigerant systems
- Manage recovered A2L refrigerant cylinders including labeling, storage, and disposition
Lesson 1
Recovery Equipment for A2L Refrigerants
What Changes for A2L Recovery
The recovery process for A2L refrigerants follows the same fundamental steps as A1 (R-410A) recovery, with modifications for flammability safety. The EPA recovery level requirements are identical - refrigerant must be recovered to the same vacuum levels regardless of whether it is A1 or A2L.
The key differences are in equipment selection and workspace safety:
Recovery Machine Compatibility
Not all recovery machines are rated for A2L refrigerants. The concern is twofold:
- Internal seals and oils in the recovery machine must be compatible with the specific A2L refrigerant (especially important for blends containing HFO components like R-1234yf)
- Electrical components inside the recovery machine may produce arcs that could ignite A2L vapor in certain failure scenarios
Recovery machines specifically designed or approved for A2L service have:
- Sealed or arc-proof internal electrical components
- Compatible seals and lubricants for HFO/HFC blends
- Appropriate pressure ratings (similar to R-410A for most A2L refrigerants)
Verify Before You Recover
Before connecting your recovery machine to an A2L system, check the machine's manual or manufacturer's website for a list of approved refrigerants. Using a recovery machine on a refrigerant it was not designed for can damage the machine's seals and oil, contaminate the recovered refrigerant, and in the worst case create an ignition risk with A2L vapor.
Hoses and Fittings
Recovery hoses for A2L work are the same pressure rating as R-410A hoses (800 psig) because R-32 and R-454B operate at similar pressures. However, keep hoses dedicated to specific refrigerant families to prevent cross-contamination. A hose used for R-410A recovery may retain residual oil and refrigerant that would contaminate an R-454B recovery.
EPA recovery levels for A2L are the same as A1 - 10 inches Hg vacuum for high-pressure systems under 200 lbs. Recovery machines must be specifically rated for the A2L refrigerant being recovered. Use dedicated hoses and fittings for each refrigerant type to prevent cross-contamination.