(a) The purpose of the regulations in this subpart B is to implement section 609 of the Clean Air Act, as amended (Act) regarding the servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners (MVACs), and to implement section 608 of the Act regarding certain servicing, maintenance, repair and disposal of air conditioners in MVACs and MVAC-like appliances (as that term is defined in 40 CFR 82.152).

(b) These regulations apply to any person performing service on a motor vehicle for consideration when this service involves the refrigerant in the motor vehicle air conditioner.

[57 FR 31261, July 14, 1992, as amended at 62 FR 68046, Dec. 30, 1997]

(a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this subpart part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can obtain the material from the sources listed in paragraph (b) of this section. You may inspect a copy of the approved material at U.S. EPA's Air and Radiation Docket; EPA West Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email [email protected] or go to www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

(b) SAE International. SAE Customer Service, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001 USA; Email: [email protected]; Telephone: 1-877-606-7323 (U.S. and Canada only) or 1-724-776-4970 (outside the U.S. and Canada); internet address: http://store.sae.org/dlabout.htm.

(1) SAE J2843 TM. R-1234yf (HFO-1234yf) Recovery/Recycling/Recharging Equipment for Flammable Refrigerants for Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems. Revised July 2019; IBR approved for § 82.36(a).

(2) SAE J2851. Recovery Equipment for Contaminated R-134a or R-1234yf Refrigerant from Mobile Automotive Air Conditioning Systems. Revised February 2015; IBR approved for § 82.36(a).

(3) SAE J3030. Automotive Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling/Recharging Equipment Intended for use with Both R-1234yf and R-134a. Issued July 2015 (Note: SAE J3030 heading says “revised”); IBR approved for § 82.36(a).

[86 FR 15595, Mar. 24, 2021]

(a) Approved independent standards testing organization means any organization which has applied for and received approval from the Administrator pursuant to § 82.38.

(b) Approved refrigerant recycling equipment means equipment certified by the Administrator or an organization approved under § 82.38 as meeting either one of the standards in § 82.36. Such equipment extracts and recycles refrigerant or extracts refrigerant for recycling on-site or reclamation off-site.

(c) Motor vehicle as used in this subpart means any vehicle which is self-propelled and designed for transporting persons or property on a street or highway, including but not limited to passenger cars, light duty vehicles, and heavy duty vehicles. This definition does not include a vehicle where final assembly of the vehicle has not been completed by the original equipment manufacturer.

(d) Motor vehicle air conditioners means mechanical vapor compression refrigeration equipment used to cool the driver's or passenger's compartment of any motor vehicle. This definition is not intended to encompass the hermetically sealed refrigeration systems used on motor vehicles for refrigerated cargo and the air conditioning systems on passenger buses using HCFC-22 refrigerant.

(e) Properly using. (1) Properly using means using equipment in conformity with the regulations set forth in this subpart, including but not limited to the prohibitions and required practices set forth in § 82.34, and the recommended service procedures and practices for the containment of refrigerant set forth in § 82.36(a) and appendices A, B, C, D, E, and F to this subpart, as applicable. In addition, this term includes operating the equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's guide to operation and maintenance and using the equipment only for the controlled substance for which the machine is designed. For equipment that extracts and recycles refrigerant, properly using also means to recycle refrigerant before it is returned to a motor vehicle air conditioner or MVAC-like appliance, including to the motor vehicle air conditioner or MVAC-like appliance from which the refrigerant was extracted. For equipment that only recovers refrigerant, properly using includes the requirement to recycle the refrigerant on-site or send the refrigerant off-site for reclamation.

(2) Refrigerant from reclamation facilities that is used for the purpose of recharging motor vehicle air conditioners must be at or above the standard of purity developed by the Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI 700-93) (which is codified at 40 CFR part 82, subpart F, appendix A, and is available at 4301 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 425, Arlington, Virginia 22203). Refrigerant may be recycled off-site only if the refrigerant is extracted using recover only equipment, and is subsequently recycled off-site by equipment owned by the person that owns both the recover only equipment and owns or operates the establishment at which the refrigerant was extracted. In any event, approved equipment must be used to extract refrigerant prior to performing any service during which discharge of refrigerant from the motor vehicle air conditioner can reasonably be expected. Intentionally venting or disposing of refrigerant to the atmosphere is an improper use of equipment.

(3) Notwithstanding any other terms of this paragraph (e), approved refrigerant recycling equipment may be transported off-site and used to perform service involving refrigerant at other locations where such servicing occurs. Any such servicing involving refrigerant must meet all of the requirements of this subpart B that would apply if the servicing occurred on-site.

(4) Facilities that charge MVACs or MVAC-like appliances with refrigerant but do not perform any other service involving refrigerant (i.e., perform “top-offs” only) are considered to be engaged in “service involving refrigerant” and are therefore subject to any and all requirements of this subsection that apply to facilities that perform a wider range of refrigerant servicing. For facilities that charge MVACs, this includes the requirement to purchase approved refrigerant recycling equipment. For facilities that only charge MVAC-like appliances, this does not include the requirement to purchase approved refrigerant recycling equipment, but does include the requirement to be properly trained and certified by a technician certification program approved by the Administrator pursuant to either § 82.40 or § 82.161(a)(5).

(5) All persons opening (as that term is defined in § 82.152) MVAC-like appliances must have at least one piece of approved recovery or recycling equipment available at their place of business.

(f) Refrigerant means any class I or class II substance used in a motor vehicle air conditioner. Class I and class II substances are listed in part 82, subpart A, appendix A. Effective November 15, 1995, refrigerant shall also include any substitute substance.

(g) Service for consideration means being paid to perform service, whether it is in cash, credit, goods, or services. This includes all service except that done for free.

(h) Service involving refrigerant means any service during which discharge or release of refrigerant from the MVAC or MVAC-like appliance to the atmosphere can reasonably be expected to occur. Service involving refrigerant includes any service in which an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance is charged with refrigerant but no other service involving refrigerant is performed (i.e., a “top-off”).

(i) Motor vehicle disposal facility means any commercial facility that engages in the disposal (which includes dismantling, crushing or recycling) of MVACs or MVAC-like appliances, including but not limited to automotive recycling facilities, scrap yards, landfills and salvage yards engaged in such operations. Motor vehicle repair and/or servicing facilities, including collision repair facilities, are not considered motor vehicle disposal facilities.

[57 FR 31261, July 14, 1992, as amended at 60 FR 21687, May 2, 1995; 62 FR 68046, Dec. 30, 1997; 86 FR 15595, Mar. 24, 2021]

(a) No person repairing or servicing MVACs for consideration, and no person repairing or servicing MVAC-like appliances, may perform any service involving the refrigerant for such MVAC or MVAC-like appliance:

(1) Without properly using equipment approved pursuant to § 82.36;

(2) Unless any such person repairing or servicing an MVAC has been properly trained and certified by a technician certification program approved by the Administrator pursuant to § 82.40; and

(3) Unless any such person repairing or servicing an MVAC-like appliance has been properly trained and certified by a technician certification program approved by the Administrator pursuant to either § 82.40 or § 82.161(a)(5).

(b) Effective November 15, 1992, no person may sell or distribute, or offer for sale or distribution, any class I or class II substance that is suitable for use as a refrigerant in motor vehicle air-conditioner and that is in a container which contains less than 20 pounds of such refrigerant to any person unless that person is properly trained and certified under § 82.40 or intended the containers for resale only, and so certifies to the seller under § 82.42(b)(3).

(c) No technician training programs may issue certificates unless the program complies with all of the standards in § 82.40(a).

(d) Motor vehicle disposal facilities. (1) Any refrigerant that is extracted from an MVAC or an MVAC-like appliance (as that term is defined in § 82.152) bound for disposal and located at a motor vehicle disposal facility may not be subsequently used to charge or recharge an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance, unless, prior to such charging or recharging, the refrigerant is either:

(i) Recovered, and reclaimed in accordance with the regulations promulgated under § 82.32(e)(2) of this subpart B; or

(ii) (A) Recovered using approved refrigerant recycling equipment dedicated for use with MVACs and MVAC-like appliances, either by a technician certified under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, or by an employee, owner, or operator of, or contractor to, the disposal facility; and

(B) Subsequently recycled by the facility that charges or recharges the refrigerant into an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance, properly using approved refrigerant recycling equipment in accordance with any applicable recommended service procedures set forth in the appendices to this subpart B.

(2) Any refrigerant the sale of which is restricted under subpart F that is extracted from an MVAC or an MVAC-like appliance bound for disposal and located at a motor vehicle disposal facility but not subsequently reclaimed in accordance with the regulations promulgated under subpart F, may be sold prior to its subsequent re-use only to a technician certified under paragraph (a)(2) of this section. Any technician certified under paragraph (a)(2) of this section who obtains such a refrigerant may subsequently re-use such refrigerant only in an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance, and only if it has been reclaimed or properly recycled.

(e) Refrigerant handling equipment manufactured or imported for use during the maintenance, service or repair of MVACs for consideration cannot be introduced into interstate commerce unless meeting the requirements of § 82.36.

[57 FR 31261, July 14, 1992, as amended at 62 FR 68047, Dec. 30, 1997; 72 FR 63494, Nov. 9, 2007]

(a)(1) Refrigerant recycling equipment must be certified by the Administrator or an independent standards testing organization approved by the Administrator under § 82.38 to meet the following standard:

(2) Equipment that recovers and recycles CFC-12 refrigerant must meet the standards set forth in appendix A of this subpart (Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of CFC-12, Extraction and Recycle Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-Conditioning Systems, and Standard of Purity for Use in Mobile Air Conditioning Systems).

(3) Equipment that recovers but does not recycle CFC-12 refrigerant must meet the standards set forth in appendix B of this subpart (Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of CFC-12 and Extraction Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-Conditioning Systems).

(4) Effective January 1, 2008, equipment that recovers and recycles HFC-134a refrigerant and equipment that recovers and recycles HFC-134a refrigerant and recharges systems with HFC-134a refrigerant must meet the standards set forth in Appendix C of this subpart based upon J2788—HFC-134a (R-134a) Recovery/Recycling Equipment and Recovery/Recycling/Recharging for Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems.

(5) Effective October 31, 2008, equipment that recovers but does not recycle HFC-134a refrigerant must meet the standards set forth in Appendix D of this subpart based upon J2810—HFC-134a (R-134a) Recovery Equipment Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems.

(6) Equipment that recovers and recycles both CFC-12 and HFC-134a using common circuitry must meet the standards set forth in appendix E of this subpart (Automotive Refrigerant Recycling Equipment Intended for Use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a, Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of CFC-12, and Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of HFC-134a).

(7) Equipment that recovers but does not recycle refrigerants other than CFC-12, HFC-134a, and HFO-1234yf must meet the standards set forth in appendix F of this subpart (Recover-Only Equipment that Extracts a Single, Specific Refrigerant Other Than CFC-12, HFC-134a, or HFO-1234yf).

(8) Equipment that recovers and recycles HFO-1234yf refrigerant from MVACs and recharges MVAC systems with HFO-1234yf refrigerant must meet the standards set forth in SAE J2843 (incorporated by reference, see § 82.31).

(9) Equipment that recovers but does not recycle contaminated HFC-134a and/or HFO-1234yf refrigerant from MVACs must meet the standards set forth in SAE J2851 (incorporated by reference, see § 82.31).

(10) Equipment that recovers, recycles, and recharges both HFO-1234yf and R-134a from MVACs must meet the standards set forth in SAE J3030 (incorporated by reference, see § 82.31).

(b)(1) Refrigerant recycling equipment that has not been certified under paragraph (a) of this section shall be considered approved if it is substantially identical to the applicable equipment certified under paragraph (a) of this section, and:

(i) For equipment that recovers and recycles CFC-12 refrigerant, it was initially purchased before September 4, 1991;

(ii) For equipment that recovers but does not recycle CFC-12 refrigerant, it was initially purchased before April 22, 1992;

(iii) For equipment that recovers and recycles HFC-134a refrigerant, it was initially purchased before March 6, 1996;

(iv) For equipment that recovers but does not recycle HFC-134a refrigerant, it was initially purchased before March 6, 1996;

(v) For equipment that recovers but does not recycle any single, specific refrigerant other than CFC-12 or HFC-134a, it was initially purchased before March 6, 1996; and

(vi) For equipment that recovers and recycles HFC-134a and CFC-12 refrigerant using common circuitry, it was initially purchased before March 6, 1996.

(2) Equipment manufacturers or owners may request a determination by the Administrator by submitting an application and supporting documents that indicate that the equipment is substantially identical to approved equipment to: MVACs Recycling Program Manager, Stratospheric Protection Division (6205J), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, Attn: Substantially Identical Equipment Review. Supporting documents must include process flow sheets, lists of components and any other information that would indicate that the equipment is capable of processing the refrigerant to the standards in appendix A, B, C, D, E or F of this subpart, as applicable. Authorized representatives of the Administrator may inspect equipment for which approval is being sought and request samples of refrigerant that has been extracted and/or recycled using the equipment. Equipment that fails to meet appropriate standards will not be considered approved.

(3) Refrigerant recycling equipment that recovers or recovers and recycles CFC-12 refrigerant and has not been certified under paragraph (a) or approved under paragraphs(b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section shall be considered approved for use with an MVAC-like appliance if it was manufactured or imported before November 15, 1993, and is capable of reducing the system pressure to 102 mm of mercury vacuum under the conditions set forth in appendix A of this subpart.

(c) The Administrator will maintain a list of approved equipment by manufacturer and model. Persons interested in obtaining a copy of the list should send written inquiries to the address in paragraph (b) of this section.

[57 FR 31261, July 14, 1992, as amended at 60 FR 21687, May 2, 1995; 62 FR 68047, Dec. 30, 1997; 72 FR 63494, Nov. 9, 2007; 73 FR 34647, June 18, 2008; 86 FR 15595, Mar. 24, 2021]

(a) Any independent standards testing organization may apply for approval by the Administrator to certify equipment as meeting the standards in § 82.36(a) and appendices A, B, C, D, E, and F to this subpart, as applicable. The application shall be sent to: MVACs Recycling Program Manager, Stratospheric Protection Division (6205T), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460.

(b) Applications for approval must document the following:

(1) That the organization has the capacity to accurately test whether refrigerant recycling equipment complies with the applicable standards. In particular, applications must document:

(i) The equipment present at the organization that will be used for equipment testing;

(ii) The expertise in equipment testing and the technical experience of the organization's personnel;

(iii) Thorough knowledge of the standards as they appear in the applicable appendices of this subpart; and

(iv) The test procedures to be used to test equipment for compliance with applicable standards, and why such test procedures are appropriate for that purpose.

(2) That the organization has no conflict of interest and will receive no financial benefit based on the outcome of certification testing; and

(3) That the organization agrees to allow the Administrator access to verify the information contained in the application.

(c) If approval is denied under this section, the Administrator shall give written notice to the organization setting forth the basis for his or her determination.

(d) If at any time an approved independent standards testing organization is found to be conducting certification tests for the purposes of this subpart in a manner not consistent with the representations made in its application for approval under this section, the Administrator reserves the right to revoke approval.

[57 FR 31261, July 14, 1992, as amended at 60 FR 21687, May 2, 1995; 62 FR 68048, Dec. 30, 1997; 86 FR 15595, Mar. 24, 2021]

(a) Any technician training and certification program may apply for approval, in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph, by submitting to the Administrator at the address in § 82.38(a) verification that the program meets all of the following standards:

(1) Training. Each program must provide adequate training, through one or more of the following means: on-the-job training, training through self-study of instructional material, or on-site training involving instructors, videos or a hands-on demonstration.

(2) Test subject material. The certification tests must adequately and sufficiently cover the following:

(i) The standards established for the service and repair of MVACs and MVAC-like appliances as set forth in § 82.36(a) and appendices A, B, C, D, E, and F to this subpart. These standards relate to the recommended service procedures for the containment of refrigerant, extraction equipment, extraction and recycle equipment, and the standard of purity for refrigerant in motor vehicle air conditioners.

(ii) Anticipated future technological developments, such as the introduction of HFC-134a in new motor vehicle air conditioners.

(iii) The environmental consequences of refrigerant release and the adverse effects of stratospheric ozone layer depletion.

(iv) As of August 13, 1992, the requirements imposed by the Administrator under section 609 of the Act.

(3) Test administration. Completed tests must be graded by an entity or individual who receives no benefit based on the outcome of testing; a fee may be charged for grading. Sufficient measures must be taken at the test site to ensure that tests are completed honestly by each technician. Each test must provide a means of verifying the identification of the individual taking the test. Programs are encouraged to make provisions for non-English speaking technicians by providing tests in other languages or allowing the use of a translator when taking the test. If a translator is used, the certificate received must indicate that translator assistance was required.

(4) Proof of certification. Each certification program must offer individual proof of certification, such as a certificate, wallet-sized card, or display card, upon successful completion of the test. Each certification program must provide a unique number for each certified technician.

(b) In deciding whether to approve an application, the Administrator will consider the extent to which the applicant has documented that its program meets the standards set forth in this section. The Administrator reserves the right to consider other factors deemed relevant to ensure the effectiveness of certification programs. The Administrator may approve a program which meets all of the standards in paragraph (a) of this section except test administration if the program, when viewed as a whole, is at least as effective as a program that does meet all the standards. Such approval shall be limited to training and certification conducted before August 13, 1992. If approval is denied under this section, the Administrator shall give written notice to the program setting forth the basis for his determination.

(c) Technical revisions. Directors of approved certification programs must conduct periodic reviews of test subject material and update the material based upon the latest technological developments in motor vehicle air conditioner service and repair. A written summary of the review and any changes made must be submitted to the Administrator every two years.

(d) Recertification. The Administrator reserves the right to specify the need for technician recertification at some future date, if necessary.

(e) If at any time an approved program is conducted in a manner not consistent with the representations made in the application for approval of the program under this section, the Administrator reserves the right to revoke approval.

(f) Authorized representatives of the Administrator may require technicians to demonstrate on the business entity's premises their ability to perform proper procedures for recovering and/or recycling refrigerant. Failure to demonstrate or failure to properly use the equipment may result in revocation of the technician's certificate by the Administrator. Technicians whose certification is revoked must be recertified before servicing or repairing any motor vehicle air conditioners.

[57 FR 31261, July 14, 1992, as amended at 60 FR 21688, May 2, 1995; 62 FR 68048, Dec. 30, 1997; 86 FR 15595, Mar. 24, 2021]

(a) Certification requirements. (1) No later than January 1, 1993, any person repairing or servicing motor vehicle air conditioners for consideration shall certify to the Administrator that such person has acquired, and is properly using, approved equipment and that each individual authorized to use the equipment is properly trained and certified. Certification shall take the form of a statement signed by the owner of the equipment or another responsible officer and setting forth:

(i) The name of the purchaser of the equipment;

(ii) The address of the establishment where the equipment will be located; and

(iii) The manufacturer name and equipment model number, the date of manufacture, and the serial number of the equipment. The certification must also include a statement that the equipment will be properly used in servicing motor vehicle air conditioners, that each individual authorized by the purchaser to perform service is properly trained and certified in accordance with § 82.40, and that the information given is true and correct.

(A) Owners or lessees of recycling or recovery equipment having their places of business in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont must send their certifications to: CAA section 609 Enforcement Contact; EPA Region I; Mail Code 04-2; 5 Post Office Square—Suite 100, Boston, MA 02109-3912.

(B) Owners or lessees of recycling or recovery equipment having their places of business in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands must send their certifications to: CAA section 609 Enforcement Contact; EPA Region II (2DECA-AC); 290 Broadway, 21st Floor; New York, NY 10007-1866.

(C) Owners or lessees of recycling or recovery equipment having their places of business in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia must send their certifications to: CAA section 609 Enforcement Contact; EPA Region III—Wheeling Operations Office; Mail Code 3AP12; 303 Methodist Building; 11th and Chapline Streets; Wheeling, WV 26003.

(D) Owners or lessees of recycling or recovery equipment having their places of business in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee must send their certifications to: CAA section 609 Enforcement Contact; EPA Region IV (APT-AE); Atlanta Federal Center; 61 Forsyth Street, SW.; Atlanta, GA 30303.

(E) Owners or lessees of recycling or recovery equipment having their places of business in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin must send their certifications to: CAA section 609 Enforcement Contact, EPA Region V (AE17J); 77 West Jackson Blvd.; Chicago, IL 60604-3507.

(F) Owners or lessees of recycling or recovery equipment having their places of business in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas must send their certifications to: CAA Section 609 Enforcement Contact, EPA Region 6, 1201 Elm Street, Suite 500, Mail Code 6ECDAP, Dallas, Texas 75270-2102.

(G) Owners or lessees of recycling or recovery equipment having their places of business in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska must send their certifications to: CAA section 609 Enforcement Contact; EPA Region 7; Mail Code APCO/APDB/ACES; 11201 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, Kansas 66219.

(H) Owners or lessees of recycling or recovery equipment having their places of business in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming must send their certifications to: CAA section 609 Enforcement Contact, EPA Region VIII, Mail Code 8ENF-T, 999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, CO 80202-2466.

(I) Owners or lessees of recycling or recovery equipment having their places of business in American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada must send their certifications to: CAA section 609 Enforcement Contact; EPA Region IX; Mail Code AIR-5; 75 Hawthorne Street; San Francisco, CA 94105.

(J) Owners or lessees of recycling or recovery equipment having their places of business in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington must send their certifications to: CAA section 609 Enforcement Contact; EPA Region X (OAQ-107); 1200 Sixth Avenue; Seattle, WA 98101.

(b) Recordkeeping requirements. (1) Any person who owns approved refrigerant recycling equipment certified under § 82.36(a)(2) must maintain records of the name and address of any facility to which refrigerant is sent.

(2) Any person who owns approved refrigerant recycling equipment must retain records demonstrating that all persons authorized to operate the equipment are currently certified under § 82.40.

(3) Any person who sells or distributes any class I or class II substance that is suitable for use as a refrigerant in a motor vehicle air conditioner and that is in a container of less than 20 pounds of such refrigerant must verify that the purchaser is properly trained and certified under § 82.40. The seller must have a reasonable basis for believing that the information presented by the purchaser is accurate. The only exception to these requirements is if the purchaser is purchasing the small containers for resale only. In this case, the seller must obtain a written statement from the purchaser that the containers are for resale only and indicate the purchasers name and business address. Records required under this paragraph must be retained for a period of three years.

(4) All records required to be maintained pursuant to this section must be kept for a minimum of three years unless otherwise indicated. Entities which service motor vehicle air conditioners for consideration must keep these records on-site.

(5) All entities which service motor vehicle air conditioners for consideration must allow an authorized representative of the Administrator entry onto their premises (upon presentation of his or her credentials) and give the authorized representative access to all records required to be maintained pursuant to this section.

(c) Public notification. Any person who conducts any retail sales of a class I or class II substance that is suitable for use as a refrigerant in a motor vehicle air conditioner, and that is in a container of less than 20 pounds of refrigerant, must prominently display a sign where sales of such containers occur which states:

“It is a violation of federal law to sell containers of Class I and Class II refrigerant of less than 20 pounds of such refrigerant to anyone who is not properly trained and certified to operate approved refrigerant recycling equipment.” [57 FR 31261, July 14, 1992, as amended at 60 FR 21688, May 2, 1995; 72 FR 63494, Nov. 9, 2007; 76 FR 49673, Aug. 11, 2011; 78 FR 37977, June 25, 2013; 84 FR 34070, July 17, 2019; 84 FR 44230, Aug. 23, 2019]

Standard of Purity for Use in Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems Foreword

Due to the CFC's damaging effect on the ozone layer, recycle of CFC-12 (R-12) used in mobile air-conditioning systems is required to reduce system venting during normal service operations. Establishing recycle specifications for R-12 will assure that system operation with recycled R-12 will provide the same level of performance as new refrigerant.

Extensive field testing with the EPA and the auto industry indicate that reuse of R-12 removed from mobile air-conditioning systems can be considered, if the refrigerant is cleaned to a specific standard. The purpose of this standard is to establish the specific minimum levels of R-12 purity required for recycled R-12 removed from mobile automotive air-conditioning systems.

1. Scope

This information applies to refrigerant used to service automobiles, light trucks, and other vehicles with similar CFC-12 systems. Systems used on mobile vehicles for refrigerated cargo that have hermetically sealed, rigid pipe are not covered in this document.

2. References SAE J1989, Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of R-12 SAE J1990, Extraction and Recycle Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-Conditioning Systems ARI Standard 700-88 3. Purity Specification

The refrigerant in this document shall have been directly removed from, and intended to be returned to, a mobile air-conditioning system. The contaminants in this recycled refrigerant 12 shall be limited to moisture, refrigerant oil, and noncondensable gases, which shall not exceed the following level:

3.1 Moisture: 15 ppm by weight.

3.2 Refrigerant Oil: 4000 ppm by weight.

3.3 Noncondensable Gases (air): 330 ppm by wright.

4. Refrigeration Recycle Equipment Used in Direct Mobile Air-Conditioning Service Operations Requirement

4.1 The equipment shall meet SAE J1990, which covers additional moisture, acid, and filter requirements.

4.2 The equipment shall have a label indicating that it is certified to meet this document.

5. Purity Specification of Recycled R-12 Refrigerant Supplied in Containers From Other Recycle Sources

Purity specification of recycled R-12 refrigerant supplied in containers from other recycle sources, for service of mobile air-conditioning systems, shall meet ARI Standard 700-88 (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute).

6. Operation of the Recycle Equipment

This shall be done in accordance with SAE J1989.

Rationale

Not applicable.

Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO Standard

Not applicable.

Reference Section SAE J1989, Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of R-12 SAE J1990, Extraction and Recycle Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-Conditioning Systems ARI Standard 700-88 Application

This information applies to refrigerant used to service automobiles, light trucks, and other vehicles with similar CFC-12 systems. Systems used on mobile vehicles for refrigerated cargo that have hermetically sealed, rigid pipe are not covered in this document.

Committee Composition Developed by the SAE Defrost and Interior Climate Controls Standards Committee W.J. Atkinson, Sun Test Engineering, Paradise Valley, AZ—Chairman J.J. Amin, Union Lake, MI H.S. Andersson, Saab Scania, Sweden P.E. Anglin, ITT Higbie Mfg. Co., Rochester, MI R.W. Bishop, GMC, Lockport, NY D. Hawks, General Motors Corporation, Pontiac, MI J.J. Hernandez, NAVISTAR, Ft. Wayne, IN H. Kaltner, Volkswagen AG, Germany, Federal Republic D.F. Last, GMC, Troy, MI D.E. Linn, Volkswagen of America, Warren, MI J.H. McCorkel, Freightliner Corp., Charlotte, NC C.J. McLachlan, Livonia, MI H.L. Miner, Climate Control Inc., Decatur, IL R.J. Niemiec, General Motors Corp., Pontiac, MI N. Novak, Chrysler Corp., Detroit, MI S. Oulouhojian, Mobile Air Conditioning Society, Upper Darby, PA J. Phillips, Air International, Australia R.H. Proctor, Murray Corp., Cockeysville, MD G. Rolling, Behr America Inc., Ft. Worth, TX C.D. Sweet, Signet Systems Inc., Harrodsburg, KY J.P. Telesz, General Motors Corp., Lockport, NY Extraction and Recycle Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air Conditioning Systems SAE Recommended Practice, SAE J1990 (1991) 1 0. Foreword

Due to the CFC's damaging effect on the ozone layer, recycle of CFC-12 (R-12) used in mobile air-conditioning systems is required to replace system venting during normal service operations. Establishing recycle specifications for R-12 will provide the same level of performance as new refrigerant.

1 This standard is appropriate for equipment certified after February 1, 1992. This equipment may be marked design certified for compliance with SAE J1990 (1991). The standard for approval for equipment certified on or before February 1, 1992 is SAE J1990 (1989). This equipment may be marked design certified for compliance with SAE J1990 (1989). Both types of equipment are considered approved under the requirements of this regulation.

Extensive field testing with the EPA and the auto industry indicates that R-12 can be reused, provided that it is cleaned to specifications in SAE J1991. The purpose of this document is to establish the specific minimum equipment specification required for recycle of R-12 that has been directly removed from mobile systems for reuse in mobile automotive air-conditioning systems.

1. Scope

The purpose of this document is to provide equipment specifications for CFC-12 (R-12) recycling equipment. This information applies to equipment used to service automobiles, light trucks, and other vehicles with similar CFC-12 air-conditioning systems. Systems used on mobile vehicles for refrigerated cargo that have hermetically sealed systems are not covered in this document. The equipment in this document is intended for use with refrigerant that has been directly removed from, and intended to be returned to, a mobile air-conditioning system. Should other revisions due to operational or technical requirements occur, this document may be amended.

2. References

2.1 Applicable Documents:

2.1.1 SAE Publications—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J1991—Standard of Purity for Use in Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems SAE J2196—Service Hose for Automotive Air-Conditioning

2.1.2 CGA Publications—Available from CGA, Crystal Gateway #1, Ste. 501, 1235 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA 22202

CGA Pamphlet S-1.1—Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1—Cylinders for Compressed Gases 3. Specification and General Description

3.1 The equipment must be able to extract and process CFC-12 from mobile air-conditioning systems. The equipment shall process the contaminated R-12 samples as defined in 8.4 and shall clean the refrigerant to the level as defined in SAE J1991.

3.2 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive service environment and be capable of continuous operation in ambients from 10 to 49 °C.

3.3 The equipment must be certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent certifying laboratory.

3.4 The equipment shall have a label “Design Certified by (Company Name) to Meet SAE J1991”. The minimum letter size shall be bold type 3 mm in height.

4. Refrigeration Recycle Equipment Requirements

4.1 Moisture and Acid—The equipment shall incorporate a desiccant package that must be replaced before saturated with moisture and whose mineral acid capacity is at least 5% by weight of total system dry desiccant.

4.1.1 The equipment shall be provided with a moisture detection device that will reliably indicate when moisture in the CFC-12 exceeds the allowable level and requires the filter/dryer replacement.

4.2 Filter—The equipment shall incorporate an in-line filter that will trap particulates of 15 µm or greater.

4.3 Noncondensable Gas.

4.3.1 The equipment shall either automatically purge noncondensables (NCGs) if the acceptable level is exceeded or incorporate a device to alert the operator that NCG level has been exceeded. NCG removal must be part of normal operation of the equipment and instructions must be provided to enable the task to be accomplished within 30 minutes.

4.3.2 Refrigerant loss from noncondensable gas purging during testing described in Section 8 shall not exceed five percent (5%) by weight of the total contaminated refrigerant removed from the test system.

4.3.3 Transfer of Recycled Refrigerant—Recycled refrigerant for recharging and transfer shall be taken from the liquid phase only.

5. Safety Requirements

5.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements on equipment related to the handling of R-12 material. Safety precautions or notices related to the safe operation of the equipment shall be prominently displayed on the equipment and should also state “Caution—Should Be Operated By Qualified Personnel”.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating instructions, necessary maintenance procedures, and source information for replacement parts and repair.

6.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's name, address and any items that require maintenance or replacement that affect the proper operation of the equipment. Operation manuals must cover information for complete maintenance of the equipment to assure proper operation.

7. Functional Description

7.1 The equipment must be capable of ensuring recovery of the R-12 from the system being service, by reducing the system pressure below atmospheric to a minimum of 102 mm of mercury.

7.2 To prevent overcharge, the equipment must be equipped to protect the tank used to store the recycled refrigerant with a shutoff device and a mechanical pressure relief valve.

7.3 Portable refillable tanks or containers used in conjunction with this equipment must meet applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standards and be adaptable to existing refrigerant service and charging equipment.

7.4 During operation, the equipment shall provide overfill protection to assure the storage container, internal or external, liquid fill does not exceed 80% of the tank's rated volume at 21.1 °C (70 °F) per DOT standards, CFR title 49, § 173.304 and American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

7.4.1 Additional Storage Tank Requirements.

7.4.1.1 The cylinder valve shall comply with the standard for cylinder valves, UL 1769.

7.4.1.2 The pressure relief device shall comply with the Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1—Cylinders for Compressed Gases, CGA Pamphlet S-1.1.

7.4.1.3 The tank assembly shall be marked to indicate the first retest date, which shall be 5 years after date of manufacture. The marking shall indicate that retest must be performed every subsequent 5 years. The marking shall be in letters at least 1/4 in high.

7.5 All flexible hoses must meet SAE J2196 hose specification effective January 1, 1992.

7.6 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located within 30 cm (12 in) of the connection point to the system being serviced to minimize introduction of noncondensable gases into the recovery equipment and the release of the refrigerant when being disconnected.

7.7 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from the recovered refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount removed during the process, in 30 ml units. Refrigerant dissolves in lubricant sample. This creates the illusion that more lubricant has been recovered than actually has been. The equipment lubricant measuring system must take in account such dissolved refrigerant to prevent overcharging the vehicle system with lubricant. Note: Use only new lubricant to replace the amount removed during the recycle process. Used lubricant should be discarded per applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

7.8 The equipment must be capable of continuous operation in ambient of 10 to 49 °C (50 to 120 °F).

7.9 The equipment should be compatible with leak detection material that may be present in the mobile AC system.

8. Testing

This test procedure and the requirement are used for evaluation of the equipment for its ability to clean the contaminated R-12 refrigerant.

8.1 The equipment shall clean the contaminated R-12 refrigerant to the minimum purity level as defined in SAE J1991, when tested in accordance with the following conditions:

8.2 For test validation, the equipment is to be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

8.3 The equipment must be preconditioned with 13.6 kg (30 lb) of the standard contaminated R-12 at an ambient of 21 °C (70 °F) before starting the test cycle. Sample amounts are not to exceed 1.13 kg (2.5 lb) with sample amounts to be repeated every 5 min. The sample method fixture, defined in Fig. 1, shall be operated at 24 °C (75 °F).

8.4 Contaminated R-12 Samples.

8.4.1 Standard contaminated R-12 refrigerant shall consist of liquid R-12 with 100 ppm (by weight) moisture at 21 °C (70 °F) and 45,000 ppm (by weight) mineral oil 525 suspension nominal and 770 ppm by weight of noncondensable gases (air).

8.4.2 High moisture contaminated sample shall consist of R-12 vapor with 1,000 ppm (by weight) moisture.

8.4.3 High oil contaminated sample shall consist of R-12 with 200,000 ppm (by weight) mineral oil 525 suspension viscosity nominal.

8.5 Test Cycle.

8.5.1 After preconditioning as stated in 8.3, the test cycle is started, processing the following contaminated samples through the equipment:

8.5.1.1 3013.6 kg (30 lb) of standard contaminated R-12.

8.5.1.2 1 kg (2.2 lb) of high oil contaminated R-12.

8.5.1.3 4.5 kg (10 lb) of standard contaminated R-12.

8.5.1.4 1 kg (2.2 lb) of high moisture contaminated R-12.

8.6 Equipment Operating Ambient.

8.6.1 The R-12 is to be cleaned to the minimum purity level, as defined in SAE J1991, with the equipment operating in a stable ambient of 10, 21, and 49 °C (50, 70, and 120 °F) and processing the samples as defined in 8.5.

8.7 Sample Analysis.

8.7.1 The processed contaminated sample shall be analyzed according to the following procedure.

8.8 Quantitative Determination of Moisture.

8.8.1 The recycled liquid phase sample of CFC-12 shall be analyzed for moisture content via Karl Fischer coulometer titration or an equivalent method. The Karl Fischer apparatus is an instrument for precise determination of small amounts of water dissolved in liquid and/or gas samples.

8.8.2 In conducting the test, a weighed sample of 30 to 130 grams is vaporized directly into the Karl Fischer analyte. A coulometer titration is conducted and the results are calculated and displayed as parts per million moisture (weight).

8.9 Determination of Percent Lubricant.

8.9.1 The amount of oil in the recycled sample of CFC-12 is to be determined by gravimetric analysis.

8.9.2 Following venting of noncondensable, in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions, the refrigerant container shall be shaken for 5 minutes prior to extracting samples for test.

8.9.3 A weighted sample of 175 to 225 grams of liquid CFC-12 is allowed to evaporate at room temperature. The percent oil is to be calculated from the weight of the original sample and the residue remaining after the evaporation.

8.10 Noncondensable Gas.

8.10.1 The amount of noncondensable gas is to be determined by gas chromatography. A sample of vaporized refrigerant liquid shall be separated and analyzed by gas chromatography. A Porapak Q column at 130 °C and a hot wire detector may be used for analysis.

8.10.2 This test shall be conducted on recycled refrigerant (taken from the liquid phase) within 30 minutes after the proper venting of noncondensable.

8.10.3 Samples shall be shaken for 8 hours prior to retesting while at a temperature of 24 ±2.8 °C (75 ±5 °F). Known volumes of refrigerant vapor are to be injected for separation and analysis by means of gas chromatography. A Porapak Q column at 130 °C (266 °F) and a hot wire detector are to be used for the analysis.

8.10.4 This test shall be conducted at 21 and 49 °C and may be performed in conjunction with the testing defined in Section 8.6. The equipment shall process at least 13.6 kg of standard contaminated refrigerant for this test.

8.11 Sample Requirements.

8.11.1 The sample shall be tested as defined in 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, and 8.10 at ambient temperatures of 10, 21, and 49 °C (50, 70, and 120 °F) as defined in 8.6.1.

Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of R-12 1. Scope

During service of mobile air-conditioning systems, containment of the refrigerant is important. This procedure provides service guidelines for technicians when repairing vehicles and operating equipment defined in SAE J1990.

2. References SAE J1990, Extraction and Recycle Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-Conditioning Systems 3. Refrigerant Recovery Procedure

3. 1 Connect the recovery unit service hoses, which shall have shutoff valves within 12 in (30 cm) of the service ends, to the vehicle air-conditioning system service ports.

3.2 Operate the recovery equipment as covered by the equipment manufacturers recommended procedure.

3.2.1 Start the recovery process and remove the refrigerant from the vehicle AC system. Operate the recovery unit until the vehicle system has been reduced from a pressure to a vacuum. With the recovery unit shut off for at least 5 min, determine that there is no refrigerant remaining in the vehicle AC system. If the vehicle system has pressure, additional recovery operation is required to remove the remaining refrigerant. Repeat the operation until the vehicle AC system vacuum level remains stable for 2 min.

3.3 Close the valves in the service lines and then remove the service lines from the vehicle system. Proceed with the repair/service. If the recovery equipment has automatic closing valves, be sure they are properly operating.

4. Service With Manifold Gage Set

4.1 Service hoses must have shutoff valves in the high, low, and center service hoses within 12 in (30 cm) of the service ends. Valves must be closed prior to hose removal from the air-conditioning system. This will reduce the volume of refrigerant contained in the service hose that would otherwise be vented to atmosphere.

4.2 During all service operations, the valves should be closed until connected to the vehicle air-conditioning system or the charging source to avoid introduction of air and to contain the refrigerant rather than vent open to atmosphere.

4.3 When the manifold gage set is disconnected from the air-conditioning system or when the center hose is moved to another device which cannot accept refrigerant pressure, the gage set hoses should first be attached to the reclaim equipment to recover the refrigerant from the hoses.

5. Recycled Refrigerant Checking Procedure for Stored Portable Auxiliary Container

5.1 To determine if the recycled refrigerant container has excess noncondensable gases (air), the container must be stored at a temperature of 65 °F (18.3 °C) or above for a period of time, 12 h, protected from direct sun.

5.2 Install a calibrated pressure gage, with 1 psig divisions (0.07 kg), to the container and determine the container pressure.

5.3 With a calibrated thermometer, measure the air temperature within 4 in (10 cm) of the container surface.

5.4 Compare the observed container pressure and air temperature to determine if the container exceeds the pressure limits found on Table 1, e.g., air temperature 70 °F (21 °C) pressure must not exceed 80 psig (5.62 kg/cm 2).

5.5 If the container pressure is less than the Table 1 values and has been recycled, limits of noncondensable gases (air) have not been exceeded and the refrigerant may be used.

5.6 If the pressure is greater than the range and the container contains recycled material, slowly vent from the top of the container a small amount of vapor into the recycle equipment until the pressure is less than the pressure shown on Table 1.

5.7 If the container still exceeds the pressure shown on Table 1, the entire contents of the container shall be recycled.

6. Containers for Storage of Recycled Refrigerant

6.1 Recycled refrigerant should not be salvaged or stored in disposable refrigerant containers. This is the type of container in which virgin refrigerant is sold. Use only DOT CFR title 49 or UL approved storage containers for recycled refrigerant.

6.2 Any container of recycled refrigerant that has been stored or transferred must be checked prior to use as defined in section 5.

7. Transfer of Recycled Refrigerant

7.1 When external portable containers are used for transfer, the container must be evacuated at least 27 in of vacuum (75 mm Hg absolute pressure) prior to transfer of the recycled refrigerant. External portable containers must meet DOT and UL standards.

7.2 To prevent on-site overfilling when transferring to external containers, the safe filling level must be controlled by weight and must not exceed 60% of container gross weight rating.

8. Disposal of Empty/Near Empty Containers

8.1 Since all the refrigerant may not be removed from disposable refrigerant containers during normal system charging procedures, empty/near empty container contents should be reclaimed prior to disposal of the container.

8.2 Attach the container to the recovery unit and remove the remaining refrigerant. When the container has been reduced from a pressure to a vacuum, the container valve can be closed. The container should be marked empty and is ready for disposal.

Rationale

Not applicable.

Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO Standard.

Not applicable.

Reference Section SAE J1990, Extraction and Recycle Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-Conditioning Systems Application

During service of mobile air-conditioning systems, containment of the refrigerant is important. This procedure provides service guidelines for technicians when repairing vehicles and operating equipment defined in SAE J1990.

Committee Composition Developed by the SAE Defrost and Interior Climate Control Standards Committee W.J. Atkinson, Sun Test Engineering, Paradise Valley, AZ—Chairman J.J. Amin, Union Lake, MI H.S. Andersson, Saab Scania, Sweden P.E. Anglin, ITT Higbie Mfg. Co., Rochester, MI R.W. Bishop, GMC, Lockport, NY D.Hawks, General Motors Corporation, Pontiac, MI J.J. Hernandez, NAVISTAR, Ft. Wayne, IN H. Kaltner, Volkswagen AG, Germany, Federal Republic D.F. Last, GMC, Troy, MI D.E. Linn, Volkswagen of America, Warren, MI J.H. McCorkel, Freightliner Corp., Charlotte, NC C.J. McLachlan, Livonia, MI H.L. Miner, Climate Control Inc., Decatur, IL R.J. Niemiec, General Motors Corp., Pontiac, MI N. Novak, Chrysler Corp., Detroit, MI S. Oulouhojian, Mobile Air Conditioning Society, Upper Darby, PA J. Phillips, Air International, Australia R.H. Proctor, Murray Corp., Cockeysville, MD G. Rolling, Behr America Inc., Ft. Worth, TX C.D. Sweet, Signet Systems Inc., Harrodsburg, KY J.P. Telesz, General Motors Corp., Lockport, NY

SAE J1989, Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of R-12, as set forth under Appendix A, also applies to this Appendix B.

SAE J2209, issued June, 1992.

SAE Recommended Practice: CFC-12 (R-12) Extraction Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-Conditioning Systems Foreword

CFCs deplete the stratospheric ozone layer that protects the earth against harmful ultraviolet radiation. To reduce the emissions of CFCs, the 1990 Clean Air Act requires recycle of CFC-12 (R-12) used in mobile air-conditioning systems to eliminate system venting during service operations. SAE J1990 establishes equipment specifications for on-site recovery and reuse of CFCs in mobile air-conditioning systems. Establishing extraction equipment specifications for CFC-12 will provide service facilities with equipment to assure that venting of refrigerant will not occur.

1. Scope

The purpose of this document is to provide equipment specifications for CFC-12 (R-12) recovery for recycling on-site or for transport off-site to a refrigerant reclamation facility that will process it to ARI (Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute) standard 700-93 as a minimum. It is not acceptable that the refrigerant removed from a mobile air-conditioning system, with this equipment, be directly returned to a mobile air-conditioning system.

This information applies to equipment used to service automobiles, light trucks, and other vehicles with similar CFC-12 systems.

2. References

2. Applicable Documents—The following documents form a part of this specification to the extent specified herein.

2.1.1 SAE Publications—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J639—Vehicle Service Coupling SAE J1990—Extraction and Recycle Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-Conditioning Systems SAE J2196—Service Hose for Automotive Air-Conditioning

2.1.2 ARI Publications—Available from Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, 1501 Wilson Boulevard, Sixth Floor, Arlington, VA 22209.

ARI 700-93—Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants

2.1.3 CGA Publications—Available from CGA, Crystal Gateway #1, Suite 501, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.

CGA S-1.1—Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1—Cylinders for Compressed Gases

2.1.4 DOT Specifications—Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

49 CFR, Section 173.304—Shippers—General Requirements for Shipments and Packagings

2.1.5 UL Publications—Available from Underwriters Laboratories, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.

UL 1769—Cylinder Valves 3. Specifications and General Description

3.1 The equipment must be able to extract CFC-12 from a mobile air-conditioning system.

3.2 The equipment discharge or transfer fitting shall be unique to prevent the unintentional use of extracted CFC-12 to be used for recharging auto air conditioners.

3.3 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive service garage environment as defined in 6.8.

3.4 Equipment Certification—The equipment must be certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent certifying laboratory to meet this standard.

3.5 Label Requirements—The equipment shall have a label “Design Certified by (company name) to meet SAE J2209 for use with CFC-12. The refrigerant from this equipment must be processed to ARI 700-93 specifications before reuse in a mobile air-conditioning system.” The minimum letter size shall be bold type 3mm in height.

4. Safety Requirements

4.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements on equipment related to the handling of R-12 material. Safety precautions or notices or labels related to the safe operation of the equipment shall also be prominently displayed on the equipment and should also state “CAUTION—SHOULD BE OPERATED BY CERTIFIED PERSONNEL.” The safety identification shall be located on the front near the controls.

4.2 The equipment must comply with applicable safety standards for electrical and mechanical requirements.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating instructions, necessary maintenance procedures and source information for replacement parts and repair.

5.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's name, address and any items that require maintenance or replacement that affect the proper operation of the equipment. Operation manuals must cover information for complete maintenance of the equipment to assure proper operation.

6. Functional Description

6.1 The equipment must be capable of ensuring recovery of the CFC-12 from the system being serviced, by reducing the system pressure to a minimum of 102 mm of mercury below atmospheric. To prevent system delayed outgassing, the unit must have a device that assures that the refrigerant has been recovered from the air-conditioning system.

6.1.1 Testing laboratory certification of the equipment capability is required which shall process contaminated refrigerant samples at specific temperatures.

6.2 The equipment must be preconditioned with 13.6 kg of the standard contaminated CFC-12 at an ambient of 21 °C before starting the test cycle. Sample amounts are not to exceed 1.13 kg with sample amounts to be repeated every 5 minutes. The sample method fixture defined in Figure 1 of appendix A shall be operated at 24 °C. Contaminated CFC-12 samples shall be processed at ambient temperatures of 10 and 49 °C.

6.2.1 Contaminated CFC-12 sample.

6.2.2 Standard contaminated CFC-12 refrigerant, 13.6 Kg sample size, shall consist of liquid CFC-12 with 100 ppm (by weight) moisture at 21 °C and 45,000 ppm (by weight) mineral oil 525 suspension nominal and 770 ppm (by weight) of noncondensable gases (air).

6.3 Portable refillable containers used in conjunction with this equipment must meet applicable DOT standards.

6.3.1 The container color must be gray with yellow top to identify that it contains used CFC-12 refrigerant. It must be permanently marked on the outside surface in black print at least 20 mm high “DIRTY R-12—DO NOT USE, MUST BE REPROCESSED”.

6.3.2 The portable refillable container shall have a SAE 3/8 inch flare male thread connection as identified in SAE J639 CFC-12 High Pressure Charging Valve Figure 2.

6.3.3 During operation the equipment shall provide overfill protection to assure that the storage container liquid fill does not exceed 80% of the tank's rated volume at 21 °C per DOT standard, CFR Title 49, section 173.304 and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

6.4 Additional Storage Tank Requirements.

6.4.1 The cylinder valve shall comply with the standard for cylinder valves, UL 1769.

6.4.2 The pressure relief device shall comply with the pressure relief device standard part 1, CGA pamphlet S-1.1.

6.4.3 The container assembly shall be marked to indicate the first retest date, which shall be 5 years after date of manufacture. The marking shall indicate that retest must be performed every subsequent five years. The marking shall be in letters at least 6 mm high.

6.5 All flexible hoses must meet SAE J2196 standard for service hoses.

6.6 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located within 30 cm of the connection point to the system being serviced to minimize introduction of noncondensable gases into the recovery equipment during connection and the release of the refrigerant during disconnection.

6.7 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from the recovered refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount removed from the system during processing in 30 ml units.

6.7.1 The purpose of indicating the amount of lubricant removed is to ensure that a proper amount is returned to the mobile air-conditioning system for compressor lubrication.

6.7.2 Refrigerant dissolved in this lubricant must be accounted for to prevent system lubricant overcharge of the mobile air-conditioning system.

6.7.3 Only new lubricant, as identified by the system manufacturer, should be replaced in the mobile air-conditioning system.

6.7.4 Removed lubricant from the system and/or the equipment shall be disposed of in accordance with applicable federal, state and local procedures and regulations.

6.8 The equipment must be capable of continuous operation in ambient temperatures of 10 °C to 49 °C and comply with 6.1.

6.9 The equipment should be compatible with leak detection material that may be present in the mobile air-conditioning system.

7.0 For test validation, the equipment is to be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[60 FR 21688, May 2, 1995]

Foreword

This Appendix establishes the specific minimum equipment requirements for the recovery/recycling of HFC-134a that has been directly removed from, and is intended for reuse in, mobile air-conditioning systems and recovery/recycling and system recharging of recycled, reclaimed or virgin HFC-134a. Establishing such specifications will ensure that system operation with recycled HFC-134a will provide the same level of performance and durability as new refrigerant.

1. Scope

The purpose of this SAE Standard is to establish the specific minimum equipment performance requirements for recovery and recycling of HFC-134a that has been directly removed from, and is intended for reuse in, mobile air-conditioning (A/C) systems. It also is intended to establish requirements for equipment used to recharge HFC-134a to an accuracy level that meets Section 9 of this document and SAE J2099. The requirements apply to the following types of service equipment and their specific applications.

a. Recovery/Recycling Equipment,

b. Recovery/Recycling—Refrigerant Charging,

c. Refrigerant Recharging Equipment Only.

1.1 Improved refrigerant recovery equipment is required to ensure adequate refrigerant recovery to reduce emissions and provide for accurate recharging of mobile air conditioning systems. Therefore, 12 months following the publication date of this standard, requirements in this standard supplements and supersedes, SAE J2210.

2. References 2.1 Applicable Publications

The following publications form a part of this specification to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the latest issue of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE Publications

Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, Tel: 877-606-7323 (inside USA and Canada) or 724-776-4970 (outside USA), www.sae.org.

SAE J2099 Standard of Purity for Recycled HFC-134a (R-134a) for Use in Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems SAE J2196 Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning SAE J2197 Service Hose Fittings for Automotive Air-Conditioning SAE J2296 Retest of Refrigerant Container 2.1.2 CGA Publications

Available from CGA, 4221 Walney Road, 5th Floor, Chantilly VA 20151-2923, Tel: 703-788-2700, http://www.cganet.com.

CGA Pamphlet S-1.1 Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1—Cylinders for Compressed Gases 2.1.3 DOT Publications

Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9320.

OT Standard, CFR Title 49, Section 173.304 Shippers—General Requirements for Shipments and Packagings 2.1.4 UL Publications

Available from Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096, Tel: 847-272-8800, http://www.ul.com.

UL 1769 Cylinder Valves UL 1963 Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Equipment 3. Specification and General Description

3.1 The equipment must be able to remove and process HFC-134a (R-134a) from mobile A/C systems to the purity level specified in SAE J2099.

3.2 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive service garage environment and be capable of continuous operation in ambients from 10 °C to 49 °C (50 °F to 120 °F). If it is designed to recharge a system, and it uses a scale for this purpose, the scale must demonstrate the ability to maintain accuracy per the test in 10.2.

3.3 The equipment must be certified that it meets this specification by an EPA listed certifying laboratory.

3.4 The equipment shall have a label, which states, “Certified by (Certifying Agent) to Meet SAE J2788 superseding SAE J2210” in bold-type letters a minimum of 3 mm ( 1/8 in) in height.

4. Refrigerant Recycling Equipment Requirements 4.1 Moisture and Acid

The equipment shall incorporate a desiccant package that must be replaced before saturation with moisture, and whose mineral acid capacity is at least 5% by weight of the dry desiccant.

4.1.1 The equipment shall be provided with a means of indicating when the filter desiccant moisture capacity has reached the allowable limit and desiccant replacement is required. This may include a reliable means of detecting moisture level or an algorithm based on the amount refrigerant recovered. The user must be clearly alerted to replace the filter prior to the full saturation. Warnings shall be displayed on screens and (printed on printouts where applicable). The warnings must explain that the machine is approaching the end of filter life. The manufacturer must incorporate a lockout when the end of filter life is reached.

4.1.2 The manufacturer shall use an identification system to ensure that a new filter has been installed to reset the machine for operation.

4.2 Filter

The equipment shall incorporate an in-line filter that will trap particulates of 15 micron spherical diameter or greater.

4.3 Scale (if used)

The scale must maintain accuracy when moved, as per the test in Section 10.

4.4 Purging Noncondensable Gases

4.4.1 The equipment shall automatically purge noncondensables (NCGs), which are primarily air, if the acceptable level is exceeded. NCG removal must be part of the normal operation of the equipment and instructions must be provided to enable the task to be accomplished within 30 min (to reach the refrigerant purity level specified in SAE J2099).

4.4.2 Refrigerant loss from noncondensable gas purging during the testing described in Section 8 shall be minimized by a method that initiates a purge when the machine has not been in use for a period long enough for air-refrigerant separation in the tank to have occurred.

4.5 Recharging and Transfer of Recycled Refrigerant

Recycled refrigerant for recharging and transfer shall be taken from the liquid phase only.

5. Safety Requirements

5.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements on equipment related to handling HFC-134a material. Safety precautions or notices related to safe operation of the equipment shall be prominently displayed on the equipment and should also state “CAUTION—SHOULD BE OPERATED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.”

5.2 Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should any equipment be pressure tested or leak tested with air/HFC-134a mixtures.

Do not use compressed air (shop air) or leak detection in systems containing HFC-134a.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1 The equipment manufacturer shall provide a warning in the instruction manual regarding the possibility of refrigerant contamination in the mobile A/C system being serviced.

6.1.1 If recovery/recycle equipment has refrigerant identification equipment, the refrigerant identification equipment shall meet the requirements of SAE J1771.

6.1.2 Recovery/recycling equipment not having refrigerant identification capability shall have instructions in the equipment manual covering possible contamination problems to the equipment and the contamination of the existing recycled refrigerant in the container in the equipment.

6.2 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating instructions, including proper attainment of vehicle system vacuum (i.e., when to stop the extraction process), filter/desiccant replacement, and purging of noncondensable gases (air). Also to be included are any other necessary maintenance procedures, source information for replacement parts and, repair and safety precautions.

6.2.1 The manual shall identify the proper maintaining of hose and seals to prevent the addition of excess air, due to leaks, during the recovery process, which would increase the NCG level in the recovered refrigerant.

6.3 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's name, address, the type of refrigerant it is designed to recycle, a service telephone number, and the part number for the replacement filter/drier.

7. Functional Description

The ability of the equipment to meet the refrigerant recovery and recharge specifications of this section shall be determined by the test procedures of Section 10.

7.1 The equipment must be capable of continuous operation in ambient temperatures of 10 °C (50 °F) to 49 °C (120 °F). Continuous is defined as completing recovery/recycle and recharge (if applicable) operations with no more than a brief reset period between vehicles, and shall not include time delays for allowing a system to outgas (which shall be part of the recovery period provided by this standard). Continuous may include time out for an air purge if necessary, although it is understood that extended equipment-off time is preferred to allow NCG and refrigerant separation in the supply tank for optimum results.

7.1.1 The equipment shall be capable of removing a minimum of 95.0% of the refrigerant from the test system in 30 minutes or less, without external heating, or use of any device (such as shields, reflectors, special lights, etc.) which could heat components of the system. The recovery procedures shall be based on 21 to 24 °C (70 to 75 °F) ambient temperature. The test system for qualifying shall be a 1.4 kg (3.0 lbs) capacity orifice tube/accumulator system in a 2005 Chevrolet Suburban with front and rear A/C, or the test option described in 10.5, and shall be determined by accurately weighing the recovery machine with the resolution and accuracy of within 3 g (.006 lb) in the range of the machine's weight. The laboratory shall maintain records of the vehicle, including its VIN (vehicle identification number).

7.1.2 However, the preceding shall not preclude a brief period of engine operation at fast idle (up to 15 minutes, up to 2000 rpm) to circulate refrigerant and oil, and provide some engine and warm-up of A/C refrigeration components. The laboratory shall monitor coolant temperature per the vehicle engine coolant temperature sensor, and coolant temperature shall not be allowed to exceed 105 °C (221 °F). The time required shall not be included in the total time of 30 minutes set forth in 7.1.1.

7.1.3 The refrigerant that is recovered, following oil separation, shall be measured and the quantity displayed, accurate to within ±30 g (1.0 oz). The equipment must include a provision for checking the accuracy, per the requirements of 9.1.

7.2 During recovery operation, the equipment shall provide overfill protection to assure that the liquid fill of the storage container (which may be integral or external) does not exceed 80% of the tank's rated volume at 21 °C per Department of Transportation (DOT) Standard, CFR Title 49, Section 173.304 and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

7.3 Portable refillable tanks or containers used in conjunction with this equipment must be labeled “HFC-134a (R-134a),” meet applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standards, and shall incorporate fittings per SAE J2197.

7.3.1 The cylinder valve shall comply with the standard for cylinder valves, UL 1769.

7.3.2 The pressure relief device shall comply with the Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1—Cylinders for Compressed Gases, CGA Pamphlet S-1.1.

7.3.3 The tank assembly shall be marked to indicate the first retest date, which shall be 5 years after the date of manufacture. The marking shall indicate that retest must be performed every subsequent 5 years. SAE J2296 provides an inspection procedure. The marking shall be in letters at least 6 mm ( 1/4 in) high.

7.3.4 ASME tanks as defined in UL-1963 may be used and are exempt from the retest requirements.

7.3.5 If the machine is designed for recharging, and the marketer permits use of a non-refillable refrigerant tank, the machine shall include a way to ensure refrigerant remaining in the tank (called the “heel”) to no more than 2% of tank rated capacity when the tank is indicated to be empty. This may be done by the machine marketer as follows:

• Specify a non-venting procedure, to minimize the amount of unused refrigerant remaining in the tank. The machine shall include any devices required for the procedure, other than ordinary service shop tools and supplies, and include in the operator's manual, any instructions.

• Provide an automatic or (with instructions in the operator's manual) semi-automatic non-venting procedure with the machine.

The laboratory shall test for the 2% capability. For testing purposes it may use a refillable tank, minimum 15 lb capacity (6.8 kg) containing a minimum of 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) refrigerant. The test is as follows:

a. Weigh the tank at the start of the test, on a scale accurate to plus/minus 3 grams, to ensure it contains sufficient refrigerant.

b. Operate the machine to remove refrigerant from the tank, charging into a holding container until the tank is indicated to be empty. Continue with the marketer's recommended procedure for the 2% capability.

c. Weigh the tank, on a scale accurate to plus/minus 3 grams.

d. Using the recovery compressor and/or a vacuum pump, draw the tank into a vacuum of 9 to 10 inches Mercury (225 to 250 mm Mercury). The tank must hold that vacuum with a decay of less than 10% in 10 minutes. If vacuum decays 10% or more, the procedure shall be repeated as necessary to ensure the tank is empty.

e. Weigh the tank on a scale accurate to plus/minus 3 grams. The difference in weight from Steps 3 to 5 shall be within 2% of the weight of the amount of refrigerant that is the tanks rated capacity.

f. This test may be performed at the conclusion of testing in 10.4 or 10.5. If the machine passes or has passed all other testing in this standard, the marketer may make modifications in procedure and/or machine operation and retest once at a later date, within 90 days. If the machine fails the retest, the machine must be completely retested per this standard, or may be certified per the following alternative. The marketer of the machine may specify use of a non-refillable refrigerant tank that provides for recycling and/or disposal of the residual refrigerant, in either case in a manner that does not vent. Or the marketer may exclude use of a one-way container, in the machine's operating instructions.

7.4 All flexible hoses must comply with SAE J2196.

7.5 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located at the connection point to the system being serviced. Any hoses or lines connected to refrigerant containers on or in the machine also shall have shutoff devices at the connection points, so that the containers may be changed without loss of refrigerant. A tank that is a permanent installation is exempt from this requirement.

7.6 The equipment shall separate oil from the refrigerant, measure the amount accurate to 20 ml (0.7 oz.), so the technician has an accurate basis for adding oil to the system.

7.6.1 This statement shall be predominately identified in the equipment service manual.

Note:

Use only new lubricant to replace the amount removed during the recycling process. Used lubricant should be discarded per applicable federal, state and local requirements.

8. Testing

This test procedure and its requirements are to be used to determine the ability of the recycling equipment to adequately recycle contaminated refrigerant.

8.1 The equipment shall be able to clean the contaminated refrigerant in § 8.3 to the purity level defined in SAE J2099.

8.2 The equipment shall be operated in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions.

8.3 Contaminated HFC-134a (R-134a) Sample

8.3.1 The standard contaminated refrigerant shall consist of liquid HFC-134a with 1300 ppm (by weight) moisture (equivalent to saturation at 38 °C, 100 °F), 45000 ppm (by weight) HFC-134a compatible lubricant, and 1000 ppm (by weight) of noncondensable gases (air).

8.3.1.1 The HFC-134a compatible lubricant referred to in 8.3.1, shall be polyalkylene glycol (PAG), ISO 100 such as UCLN or PAG ISO 46-55, such as Idemitsu or equivalent, which shall contain no more than 1000 ppm by weight of moisture.

8.3.1.2 Although the test lubricant is a PAG, to conform to that used in the test vehicle system, the equipment manufacturer also shall ensure that it is compatible with polyol ester lubricant, such as ND 11 as used in electrically driven compressors in some hybrid vehicles.

8.4 Test Cycle

8.4.1 The equipment must be preconditioned by processing 13.6 kg (30 lb) of the standard contaminated HFC-134a at an ambient of 21 to 24 °C (70 to 75 °F) before starting the test cycle. 1.13 kg (2.56 lb) samples are to be processed at 5 min intervals. The test fixture, depicted in Figure 1, shall be operated at 21 to 24 °C (70 to 75 °F).

8.4.2 Following the preconditioning procedure per 8.4.1, 18.2 kg (40 lb) of standard contaminated HFC-134a are to be processed by the equipment.

8.5 Sample Requirements

8.5.1 Samples of the standard contaminated refrigerant from 8.3.1 shall be processed as required in 8.6 and shall be analyzed after said processing as defined in 8.7, 8.8, and 8.9. Note exception for noncondensable gas determination in 8.9.4.

8.6 Equipment Operating Ambient

8.6.1 The HFC-134a is to be cleaned to the purity level, as defined in SAE J2099, with the equipment operating in a stable ambient of 10, 21, and 49 °C (50, 70 and 120 °F) while processing the samples as defined in 8.4.

8.7 Quantitative Determination of Moisture

8.7.1 The recycled liquid phase sample of HFC-134a shall be analyzed for moisture content via Karl Fischer coulometric titration, or an equivalent method. The Karl Fischer apparatus is an instrument for precise determination of small amounts of water dissolved in liquid and/or gas samples.

8.7.2 In conducting this test, a weighed sample of 30 to 130 g is vaporized directly into the Karl Fischer anolyte. A coulometric titration is conducted and the results are reported as parts per million moisture (weight).

8.8 Determination of Percent Lubricant 8.8.1 The amount of lubricant in the recycled HFC-134a sample shall be determined via gravimetric analysis. The methodology must account for the hygroscopicity of the lubricant.

8.8.2 Following venting of noncondensable gases in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions, the refrigerant container shall be shaken for 5 min prior to extracting samples for testing.

8.8.3 A weighed sample of 175 to 225 g of liquid HFC-134a is allowed to evaporate at room temperature. The percent lubricant is calculated from weights of the original sample and the residue remaining after evaporation.

8.9 Noncondensable Gases—Testing for Amount

8.9.1 The amount of noncondensable gases shall be determined by gas chromatography. A sample of vaporized refrigerant liquid shall be separated and analyzed by gas chromatography. A Porapak Q column at 130 °C (266 °F) and a hot wire detector may be used for the analysis.

8.9.2 This test shall be conducted on liquid phase samples of recycled refrigerant taken from a full container as defined in 7.2 within 30 min following the proper venting of noncondensable gases.

8.9.3 The liquid phase samples in 8.9.2 shall be vaporized completely prior to gas chromatographic analysis.

8.9.4 This test shall be conducted at 10 and 49 °C (50 and 120 °F) and may be performed in conjunction with the testing defined in 8.6. The equipment shall process at least 13.6 kg (30 lb) of standard contaminated refrigerant for this test.

8.9.5 The equipment shall be capable of charging refrigerant into systems with various lubrication types and shall deliver less than 1% by weight residual oil during system charge if the machine permits oil charging with refrigerant (due to residual oil in the service hoses and recovery unit refrigerant circuit from prior recovery, diagnostics and oil injection. This shall be determined during SAE J2099 testing.)

9. Recharging the System

9.1 It is the responsibility of the equipment manufacturer to ensure that the vacuum removal performance leaves the system 98% free of NCGs before recharging, following recovery and recycle under the provisions of this document.

The equipment must be capable of both indicating and recharging the system to within 15 g (0.50 oz) of vehicle manufacturer's specifications. The laboratory shall test for this capability by choosing a charge amount that is within the range of the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. The equipment must indicate and charge the system with that chosen amount, within ±15 g (0.5 oz).

Example:If 500 g is chosen, the actual and indicated charge must be 485 to 515 g, with any difference between actual and indicated charge within the laboratory scale accuracy requirements of this standard. If a scale is used in the machine, the equipment manufacturer shall provide a method or service for the technician to check scale accuracy, and include any necessary accuracy-checking device (such as a calibration weight(s)) with the machine. If a mass flow system is used for charge determination, it must maintain accuracy equal to the 15 g (0.50 oz) specification. The equipment manufacturer shall provide a method for checking accuracy and include any necessary accuracy testing device(s) with the machine. If the accuracy testing device(s) for a scale or mass flow machine includes a consumable, the manufacturer shall include a quantity of replacement or refill devices for five years of periodic testing as recommended.

9.2 If any other system is used for charge determination, such as a positive displacement pump, the equipment manufacturer shall provide a method and any needed device(s) to check accuracy that is/are appropriate for its method of operation, including any temperature-compensating trim if used.

10. Equipment Test Procedure by Laboratory for Recovery/Recycling and Recovery/Recycling/Recharging Machines

10.1 Preliminary: Ambient (in shop) temperature shall be 21 to 24 °C (70 to 75 °F). Test vehicle shall be “overnight cold” (not run for at least eight hours).

10.2 The machine must have a self-contained provision for checking accuracy of the indicated amount of refrigerant recovered in liquid or vapor or mixture form(s) from a vehicle system and (if applicable) charged into a vehicle, and adjusting if necessary, to meet requirements of 9.1, 9.2. Therefore: If the machine uses a scale for that purpose, check the accuracy of that scale and make any adjustment if necessary. If an alternative method of measuring refrigerant is used, follow the equipment manufacturer's procedure for ensuring accuracy. Next, move the machine, such as by rolling it, along the floor, a minimum of 20 feet (6.1 meters) within 10 seconds. Follow with the test procedure in 10.3, then 10.4 or 10.5.

10.3 Test Procedure

If desired, this test procedure may be preceded by engine/system operation for up to 15 minutes, up to 2000 rpm.

1. You must start with an empty system, using this method: (a) Operate machine to recover refrigerant, per equipment manufacturer's instructions. (b) Deep-vacuum system to a minimum of 710 mm (28 in) of mercury. (c) Monitor vacuum for decay, checking every 20 minutes. If decay exceeds 75 mm (3 in), deep vacuum the system again. When system holds 710 mm (28 in) 75 mm (3 in) of mercury vacuum for three hours, it is considered empty.

2. Place machine on a platform scale with the capacity to weigh the recovery/recycle/recharge machine, and with the resolution and accuracy of within ±3 g (.006 lb) in the range of the machine's weight. Weight should include the machine's service hoses draped over the machine, and with the machine's oil reservoir removed. If necessary to add oil to vehicle system as a result of a system operation preparatory to the recovery process, inject the needed quantity through the service valve at this time.

3. Record weight of machine in as weight A.

4. Reconnect service hoses to the test vehicle.

5. Follow the equipment manufacturer's specified procedure for charging the vehicle manufacturer's recommended amount of refrigerant into the system. Note: if this does not apply to the machine under test, i.e. a recovery/recycling only machine, the use of charging equipment that meets this standard and the platform scale shall be used to verify the accuracy of the charge.

6. Disconnect the service hoses from the test vehicle and drape them on the machine. Check and record the weight of the machine. Record this weight as weight B. The difference between weight A and weight B should be equal to the recommended charge that was installed per the machine's display, within 15 g (0.5 oz). If the difference is greater than 15 g (±3 g), the machine fails the charge accuracy test, and no other tests shall be performed at that time. The manufacturer must document changes made to improve accuracy and furnish them to the laboratory prior to a new test. Exception: If the maximum deviation is no more than a total of 20 g, the calibration of the scale or other measuring system may be rechecked and readjusted once, and the entire test repeated just once.

10.4 Recovery Test Using a Vehicle

1. Following a successful system charge, the system and engine shall be run for 15 minutes at 2000 rpm to circulate oil and refrigerant, following which engine and system shall rest for eight hours. Then the laboratory may begin the recovery test. If the machine manufacturer specifies, operate the engine/system for up to 15 minutes, at up to 2000 rpm, then shut off engine/system.

2. If the machine has an automatic air purge, disable it. Check the weight of the machine with the platform scale (service hoses draped over machine, oil reservoir removed). Record the number as Weight C. Reinstall oil reservoir if it had been removed in the recovery procedure.

3. Start timer. Connect service hoses to system of test vehicle and perform recovery per the equipment manufacturer's instructions. The vehicle system service valves' cores must remain in the fittings for this procedure.

4. When recovery is completed, including from service hoses if that is part of the recommended procedure, disconnect hoses and drape over machine. Stop timer. The elapsed time shall be 30.0 minutes or less. If it is in excess of this time, the machine fails the test and no retest is allowed. The manufacturer must document changes made to the machine to improve its performance before a new test is allowed, and furnish them to the laboratory.

5. If the recovery is completed in no more than the 30.0 minutes, measure the oil level in the reservoir, remove the reservoir and then determine the amount of refrigerant recovered, as detailed in Nos. 6 and 7: As measured by the machine and also by noting the weight of the platform scale, which shall be recorded as Weight D.

6. The platform scale shall indicate that a minimum of 95% of the amount charged into the system has been recovered. If the platform scale indicates a lower percentage has been recovered, the machine fails the recovery test.

7. The machine display shall indicate that a minimum of 95.0% of the amount charged into the system has been recovered, within a tolerance of ±30 g (1 oz) when compared with the platform scale (Weight D minus Weight C). The 30 g (1 oz) tolerance may produce a machine display reading that is below the 95.0% recovery. If a greater difference between machine and platform scale occurs, the machine fails the recovery test.

10.5 Recovery Test Fixture Test Option

If an equipment manufacturer chooses, as an alternative to the actual vehicle, it may certify to SAE J2788 with a laboratory fixture that is composed entirely of all the original equipment parts of a single model year for the 3.0 lb capacity front/rear A/C system in the 2005-07 Chevrolet Suburban. All parts must be those OE-specified for one model year system and no parts may be eliminated or bypassed from the chosen system, or reproduced by a non-OE source. No parts may be added and/or relocated from the OE position in the 2005-07 Suburban. No parts may be modified in any way that could affect system performance for testing under this standard, except adding refrigerant line bends and/or loops to make the system more compact. Reducing the total length of the lines, however, is not permitted. The fixture system shall be powered by an electric motor, run at a speed not to exceed 2000 rpm, and for this test option, no system warm-up or equivalent procedure may be used. The certifying laboratory shall maintain records of all parts purchased, including invoices and payments. The assembly of the parts shall, as an outside-the-vehicle package, duplicate the OE system and its routing, including bends, except for permitted additions of bends and/or loops in refrigerant lines. Aside from the absence of engine operation and the limitations posed by the standard and the use of the electric motor, the test shall otherwise be the same as the test on the Suburban, including test temperature.

[72 FR 63495, Nov. 9, 2007]

Foreword

This Appendix establishes the specific minimum equipment requirements for the recovery of HFC-134a that has been directly removed from, motor vehicle air-conditioning systems.

1. Scope

The purpose of this SAE Standard is to provide minimum performance and operating feature requirements for the recovery of HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant to be returned to a refrigerant reclamation facility that will process it to the appropriate ARI 700 Standard or allow for recycling of the recovered refrigerant to SAE J2788 specifications by using SAE J2788-certified equipment. It is not acceptable that the refrigerant removed from a mobile air-conditioning (A/C) system with this equipment be directly returned to a mobile A/C system.

This information applies to equipment used to service automobiles, light trucks, and other vehicles with similar HFC-134a (R-134a) A/C systems.

1.1 Improved refrigerant recovery equipment is required to ensure adequate refrigerant recovery to reduce emissions and provide for accurate recharging of mobile air conditioning systems. Therefore, 12 months following the publication date of this standard, it supersedes SAE J1732.

2. References 2.1 Applicable Publications

The following publications form a part of the specification to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the latest revision of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE Publications

Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, Tel: 877-606-7323 (inside USA and Canada) or 724-776-4970 (outside USA), http://www.sae.org.

SAE J639 Safety Standards for Motor Vehicle Refrigerant Vapor Compressions Systems.

SAE J1739 Potential Failure Mode and Effects Analysis in Design (Design FMEA) and Potential Failure Mode and Effects Analysis in Manufacturing and Assembly Processes (Process FMEA) and Effects Analysis for Machinery (Machinery FMEA).

SAE J1771 Criteria for Refrigerant Identification Equipment for Use with Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems.

SAE J2196 Service Hose for Automotive Air Conditioning.

SAE J2296 Retest of Refrigerant Container.

SAE J2788 HFC-134a (R-134a) Recovery/Recycling Equipment and Recovery/Recycling/Recharging for Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems.

2.1.2 ARI Publication

Available from Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, 4100 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22203, Tel: 703-524-8800, http://www.ari.org.

ARI 700 Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants.

2.1.3 CGA Publication

Available from Compressed Gas Association, 4221 Walney Road, 5th Floor, Chantilly, VA 20151-2923, Tel: 703-788-2700, http://www.cganet.com.

CGA S-1.1 Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1—Cylinders for Compressed Gases.

2.1.4 DOT Specification

Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9320.

CFR 49, Section 173.304 Shippers—General Requirements for Shipments and Packagings.

2.1.5 UL Publication

Available from Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096, Tel: 847-272-8800, http://www.ul.com.

UL 1769 Cylinder Valves.

3. Specifications and General Description

3.1 The equipment must be able to recover (extract) HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant from a mobile A/C system per the test procedure of sections 7 and 8.

3.2 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive service garage environment as defined in 6.8.

3.3 Equipment Certification

The equipment shall be certified by an EPA-listed laboratory to meet this standard. SAE J2810.

3.4 Label Requirements

The equipment shall have a label with bold type, minimum 3 mm high, saying “Design Certified by (certifying agent, EPA listed laboratory) to meet SAE J2810 for use only with HFC-134a (R-134a). If it is to be re-used in an A/C system, the refrigerant recovered with this equipment must be processed to the appropriate ARI 700 specifications or to specifications by using equipment certified to perform to SAE J2788.”

3.5 SAE J1739

Potential Failure Mode and Effects Analysis in Design (Design FMEA), Potential Failure Mode and Effects Analysis in Manufacturing and Assembly Processes (Process FMEA), and Potential Failure Mode and Effects Analysis for Machinery (Machinery FMEA) shall be applied to the design and development of service equipment.

4. Safety Requirements

4.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements on equipment related to the handling of HFC-134a (R-134a) material. Safety precautions or notices, labels, related to the safe operation of the equipment shall also be prominently displayed on the equipment and should state “CAUTION—SHOULD BE OPERATED ONLY BY CERTIFIED PERSONNEL.” The safety identification shall be located on the front near the controls.

4.2 The equipment must comply with applicable safety standards for the electrical and mechanical systems.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating instructions that include information required by SAE J639, necessary maintenance procedures, and source information for replacement parts and repair.

5.1.1 The instruction manual shall include the following information on the lubricant removed. Only new lubricant, as identified by the system manufacturer, should be replaced in the mobile A/C system. Removed lubricant from the system and/or the equipment shall be disposed of in accordance with the applicable federal, state, and local procedures and regulations.

5.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's name, address, the type of refrigerant it is designed to extract (R-134a), a service telephone number, and any items that require maintenance or replacement that affect the proper operation of the equipment. Operation manuals must cover information for complete maintenance of the equipment to assure proper operation.

5.3 The equipment manufacturer shall provide a warning in the instruction manual regarding the possibility of refrigerant contamination from hydrocarbons, leak sealants and refrigerants other than R-134a in the mobile A/C system being serviced.

5.4 Recovery equipment having refrigerant identification equipment shall meet the requirements of SAE J1771.

5.5 Recovery equipment not having refrigerant identification capability shall have instructions warning the technician that failure to verify that the system contains only R-134a potentially exposes him or her to danger from flammable refrigerants and health hazards from toxic refrigerants. The instructions also shall alert to possible contamination problems to the recovery equipment from sealants and refrigerants other than R-134a, and to the fact that a refrigerant other than R-134a would require special handling by someone with specific expertise and equipment.

6. Function Description

6.1 The equipment must be capable of continuous operation in ambient temperatures of 10 °C (50 °F) to 49 °C (120 °F). Continuous is defined as completing recovery operation with no more than a brief reset between servicing vehicles, and shall not include time delays for allowing a system to outgas (which shall be part of the recovery period provided by this standard).

6.1.1 The equipment shall demonstrate ability to recovery a minimum of 95.0% of the refrigerant from the test vehicle in 30.0 minutes or less, without prior engine operation (for previous eight hours minimum), external heating or use of any device (such as shields, reflectors, special lights, etc.), which could heat components of the system. The recovery procedure shall be based on a test at 21 °C to 24 °C (70 °F to 75 °F) ambient temperature. The test system for qualifying shall be a 1.4 kg (3.0 lbs) capacity orifice tube/accumulator system in a 2005-07 Chevrolet Suburban with front and rear A/C or the test option described in section 9.

6.1.2 The equipment shall demonstrate ability to recover a minimum of 85% of the refrigerant from the test vehicle or system of 6.1.1. in 30.0 minutes or less, at an ambient temperature of 10 °C to 13 °C (50 °F to 55 °F), subject to the same restrictions regarding engine operation and external heating.

6.1.3 During recovery operation, the equipment shall provide overfill protection so that the liquid fill of the storage container does not exceed 80% of the tank's rated volume at 21 °C (70 °F). This will ensure that the container meets Department of Transportation (DOT) Standard, CFR Title 49, section 173.304 and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

6.1.4 Portable refillable tanks or containers used in conjunction with this equipment must be labeled “HFC-134a (R-134a) and meet applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standards, and incorporate fittings per SAE J2197.

6.1.5 The cylinder valves shall comply with the standard for cylinder valves UL 1769.

6.1.6 The pressure relief device shall comply with the Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1—Cylinders for Compressed Gasses CGA Pamphlet S-1.1.

6.1.7 The tank assembly shall be marked to indicate the first retest date, which shall be five years from the date of manufacture. The marking shall indicate that retest must be performed every subsequent five years. SAE J2296 provides an inspection procedure. The marking shall be in letters at least 6 mm (0.25 in) high. If ASME tanks, as defined in UL-1963, are used, they are exempt from the retest requirements.

6.2 If the marketer permits use of a refillable refrigerant tank, a method must be provided (including any necessary fittings) for transfer to a system that ensures proper handling (recycling or other, environmentally-legal disposal).

Restricting the equipment to use of non-refillable tanks eliminates compliance with this provision.

6.3 Prior to testing under this standard, the equipment must be preconditioned with a minimum of 13.6 kg of the standard contaminated HFC-134a (R-134a) at an ambient of 21 °C before starting the test cycle. Sample amounts are not to exceed 1.13 kg with sample amounts to be repeated every 5 min. The test fixture shown in Figure 1 shall be operated at 21 °C. Contaminated HFC-134a (R-134a) samples shall be processed at ambient temperatures of 10 °C and 49 °C (50 °F to 120 °F), without the equipment shutting down due to any safety devices employed in this equipment.

6.3.1 Contaminated HFC-134a (R-134a) sample shall be standard contaminated HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant, 13.6 kg sample size, consisting of liquid HFC-134a (R-134a) with 1300 ppm (by weight) moisture at 21 °C (70 °F) and 45 000 ppm (by weight) of oil (polyalkylene glycol oil with 46-160 cst viscosity at 40 °C) and 1000 ppm by weight of noncondensable gases (air).

6.3.2 Portable refillable containers used in conjunction with this equipment must meet applicable DOT Standards. The color of the container must be blue with a yellow top to indicate the container holds used HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant. The container must be permanently marked on the outside surface in black print at least 20 mm high, “CONTAMINATED HFC-134a (R-134a)—DO NOT USE, MUST BE REPROCESSED.”

Figure 1—Test Fixture

6.3.3 The portable refillable container shall have a 1/2 in ACME thread.

6.4 Additional Storage Tank Requirements.

6.4.1 The cylinder valve shall comply with UL 1769.

6.4.2 The pressure relief device shall comply with CGA Pamphlet S-1.1.

6.5 All flexible hoses must meet SAE J2196 for service hoses.

6.6 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located at the connection points to the system being serviced to minimize introduction of noncondensable gases into the recovery equipment during connection and the release of the refrigerant during disconnection.

6.7 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from recovered refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount removed from the simulated automotive system during processing in 20 mL (0.7 fl oz) units.

6.7.1 The purpose of indicating the amount of lubricant removed is to ensure that a proper amount of new lubricant is returned to the mobile A/C system for compressor lubrication, if the system is to be charged with equipment meeting SAE J2788.

6.7.2 Refrigerant dissolved in this lubricant must be accounted for to prevent lubricant overcharge of the mobile A/C system.

6.8 The equipment must be capable of continuous operation in ambient temperatures of 10 °C to 49 °C (50 °F to120 °F) and comply with 6.1 to 6.4 of this standard.

6.9 For test validation, the equipment is to be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Test Procedure A at 21 °C to 24 °C (70 °F to 75 °F).

The test vehicle (2005-2007 Chevrolet Suburban with rear A/C system—1.4 kg/ 3.0 lb) or laboratory fixture per section 10.5 of SAE J2788, shall be prepared as for SAE J2788, section 10.3, following Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, and then the following:

7.1 Using a machine certified to SAE J2788 and with the machine on a platform scale with accuracy to within plus/minus 3.0 grams at the weight of the machine, charge the system to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended amount of refrigerant (1.4 kg-3.0 lb). The actual charge amount per the reading on the platform scale shall be used as the basis for the recovery efficiency of the recovery-only machine being tested to this standard. Run the engine (or operate test fixture with electric motor) for up to 15 minutes at up to 2000 rpm to circulate oil and refrigerant. The system then must rest for eight hours.

7.2 Place the recovery machine on the platform scale and record the weight with the hoses draped over the machine. Ambient temperature shall be within the range of 21 °C to 24 °C (70 °F to 75 °F) for this test, which shall be performed without the immediately prior engine operation permitted by SAE J2788, Section 10.3, Step No.1. The only permitted engine operation is as specified in 7.1.

7.3 Start the timer. Connect the service hoses to the system of the test vehicle and perform the recovery per the equipment manufacturer's instructions. The vehicle system's service valve cores must remain in the fittings for this procedure.

7.4 When recovery is completed, including from the service hoses if that is part of the recommended procedure, disconnect the hoses and drape over the machine. Stop the timer. The elapsed time shall be no more than 30 minutes.

7.5 Remove the oil reservoir, empty and reinstall. The platform scale shall indicate that a minimum of 95.0% of the refrigerant has been recovered, based on the charge amount indicated by the platform scale. If the machine has recovered the minimum of 95.0% within the 30.0 minutes, the next test shall be performed. If it fails this test, the marketer of the equipment must document changes to the equipment to upgrade performance before a retest is allowed. If it passes, the laboratory can proceed to Test Procedure B-10 °C to 13 °C (50 °F to 55 °F).

8. Test Procedure B at 10 °C to 13 °C (50 °F to 55 °F).

The test vehicle (2005-2007 Chevrolet Suburban front/rear A/C system (1.4 kg/3.0 lb) or test fixture per section 10.5 of SAE J2788, shall be prepared as per 7.0 and 7.1 of this standard, and then the following:

8.1 Place the recovery machine on the platform scale and record the weight with the hoses draped over the machine.

Ambient temperature at this time shall be no higher than 10 °C to13 °C (50 °F to 55 °F).

8.2 Start the timer. Connect the service hoses to the system of the test vehicle and perform the recovery per the equipment manufacturer's instructions. This also shall be performed without the immediately prior engine operation permitted by SAE J2788, section 10.4, Step No. 1. The vehicle system's service valve cores must remain in the fittings for this procedure.

8.3 When recovery is completed, including from the service hoses if that is part of the recommended procedure, disconnect the hoses and drape over the machine. Stop the timer. The elapsed time shall be no more than 30 minutes.

8.4 Remove the oil reservoir, empty and reinstall. The platform scale shall indicate that a minimum of 85.0% of the refrigerant has been recovered, based on the charge amount indicated by the platform scale. If the machine has recovered the minimum of 85.0% within the 30 minutes, it has passed the test procedure and if it meets all other requirements of this standard, it is certified.

9. Test Option

As in SAE J2788, Section 10.5, as an alternative to a 2005-2007 Chevrolet Suburban with rear A/C (1.4 kg-3.0 lb) system, a laboratory test fixture may be used to certify to SAE J2810 the fixture must be composed entirely of all the original equipment parts of a single model year for the 1.4 kg (3.0 lb) capacity system. All parts must be those OE-specified for one model year system and no parts may be eliminated or bypassed from the chosen system or reproduced from a non-OE source. No parts may be added and/or relocated from the OE position in the 2005-07 Suburban. No parts may be modified in any way that could affect system performance for testing under this standard, except adding refrigerant line bends and/or loops to make the system more compact. Reducing the total length of the lines, however, is not permitted.

The fixture systems for this standard shall not be powered by an electric motor during recovery, although a motor can be used, run at a speed not to exceed 2000 rpm, as part of the preparatory process, including installation of the charge.

[73 FR 34647, June 18, 2008]

SAE J2211, Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of HFC-134a, as set forth under Appendix C of this subpart, and SAE J1989, Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of CFC-12, as set forth under Appendix A of this subpart, also apply to this Appendix E of this subpart.

SAE J1770, issued December, 1995.

Automotive Refrigerant Recycle Equipment Intended for Use With Both CFC-12 and HFC-134a Foreword

The purpose of this standard is to establish specific minimum equipment requirements for automotive refrigerant recycling equipment intended for use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a in a common refrigerant circuit. Establishing such specifications will assure that this equipment does not cross contaminate refrigerant above specified limits when used under normal operating conditions.

1. Scope

The purpose of this standard is to establish the specific minimum equipment intended for use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a in a common refrigerant circuit that has been directly removed from, and is intended for reuse in, mobile air-conditioning (A/C) systems. This standard does not apply to equipment used for CFC-12 and HFC-134a having a common enclosure with separate circuits for each refrigerant.

2. References

2.1 Applicable Documents—The following publications form a part of this specification to the extent specified. The latest issue of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE Publications—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J2099—Standard of Purity for Recycled HFC-134a for Use in Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems SAE 1991—Standard of Purity for Use in Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems SAE J2196—Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning SAE J2197—Service Hose Fittings for Automotive Air-Conditioning SAE J2210—HFC-134a (R-134a) Recycling Equipment for Mobile A/C Systems SAE J1990—Extraction and Recycling Equipment for Mobile A/C Systems

2.1.2 Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Publications—Available from CGA, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.

CGA Pamphlet S-1.1—Pressure Relief Device Standard

Part 1—Cylinders for Compressed Gases

2.1.3 DOT Publications—Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402

2.1.4 UL Publications—Available from Underwriters Laboratories, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.

UL 1769—Cylinder Valves UL 1963—Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Equipment 3. Specification and General Description

3.1 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive service garage environment and be capable of continuous operation in ambients from 10 to 49 °C.

3.2 The equipment must be certified that it meets this specification by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), or by an equivalent Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

3.3 The equipment shall have a label which states “Design Certified by (Certifying Agent) to meet SAE J1770 for recycling CFC-12 and HFC-134a using common refrigerant circuits”, in bold-type letters a minimum of 3 mm in height.

4. Equipment Requirements

4.1 General

4.1.1 The equipment shall be capable of preventing cross contamination to the level required by Section 9.2.1.G before an operation involving a different refrigerant can begin. The equipment must prevent initiation of the recovery operation if the equipment is not set up properly.

4.1.2 If an operator action is required to clear the unit prior to reconnecting for a different refrigerant, the equipment shall be provided with a means which indicates which refrigerant was last processed.

4.1.3 Means shall be provided to prevent recovery from both an CFC-12 and HFC-134a mobile air conditioning system concurrently.

4.1.4 Transfer of recycled refrigerant—Recycled refrigerant for recharging and transfer shall be taken from the liquid phase only.

4.2 Seat Leakage Test

4.2.1 Valves, including electrically operated solenoid valves, that are used to isolate CFC-12 and HFC-134a refrigerant circuits, shall have a seat leakage rate not exceeding 15 g/yr ( 1/2 oz/yr) before and after 100,000 cycles of operation. This Endurance Test shall be conducted with HFC-134a at maximum operating pressure as determined by sections 8.1 and 8.2. The Seat Leakage Test shall be performed at 1.5 times this pressure at an ambient of 24 °C.

4.3 Interlocks

4.3.1 Electrical interlock devices used to prevent cross contamination of refrigerant shall be operated for 100,000 cycles and there shall be no failure that would permit cross contamination of refrigerant. Solid state inter lock devices shall comply with the Transient Overvoltage Test and the Fast Transient (Electric Noise) Test contained in the Standard for Tests for Safety Related Controls Employing Solid-State Devices, UL 991.

4.4 Noncondensable Gases

4.4.1 The equipment shall either automatically purge noncondensables (NCGs) if the acceptable level is exceeded or incorporate a device that indicates to the operator the NCG level has been exceeded. A pressure gauge used to indicate an NCG level shall be readable in 1 psig increments. NCG removal must be part of the normal operation of the equipment and instructions must be provided to enable the task to be accomplished within 30 minutes.

4.4.2 Refrigerant loss from noncondensable gas purging, oil removal, and refrigerant clearing shall not exceed more than 5 percent by weight of the total amount of refrigerant through the equipment as detailed in Sections 8.1, 8.2, and 9.2.

4.5 Filter

4.5.1 A 15 micron filter, or other equivalent means, to remove particulates of 15 micrometers spherical diameter or greater shall be located before any manual electrically operated valves that may cause cross contamination.

4.6 Moisture and Acid

4.6.1 The equipment shall incorporate a desiccant package that must be replaced before saturated with moisture, and whose acid capacity is at least 5% by weight of the dry desiccant.

4.6.2 The equipment shall be provided with a moisture detection means that will reliably indicate when moisture in the HFC-134a exceeds 50 ppm, or in the CFC-12 exceeds 15 ppm, and requires the filter/drier replacement.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating instructions, including proper attainment of vehicle system vacuum (i.e., when to stop the extraction process, and also to stop the extraction process if it is noticed that the A/C system being serviced has a leak), filter/desiccant replacement, and purging of noncondensable gases (air). The instructions shall indicate that the correct sequence of operation be followed so that the equipment can properly remove contaminates to the acceptable level. Also to be included are any other necessary maintenance procedures, source information for replacement parts and repair, and safety precautions.

5.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's name, address, the type of refrigerant (CFC-12 and HFC-134a), a service telephone number, and the part number for the replacement filter/drier. Operation manuals must cover information for complete maintenance of the equipment to assure proper operation.

6. Safety Requirements

6.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements on equipment related to handling CFC-12 and HFC-134a material. Safety precautions or notices related to the safe operation of the equipment shall be prominently displayed on the equipment and should also state “CAUTION—SHOULD BE OPERATED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL”.

6.2 HFC-134a has been shown to be nonflammable at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. The following statement shall be in the operating manual: “Caution: HFC-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C systems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air. Some mixtures of air and HFC-134a have been shown to be combustible at elevated pressures (when contained in a pipe or tank). These mixtures may be potentially dangerous, causing injury or property damage. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.”

7. Functional Description

7.1 General

7.1.1 The equipment must be capable of ensuring recovery of the CFC-12 and HFC-134a from the system being serviced, by reducing the system to a minimum of 102 mm of mercury below atmospheric pressure (i.e., vacuum).

7.1.2 The equipment must be compatible with leak detection material that may be present in the mobile A/C system.

7.2 Shut Off Device

7.2.1 To prevent overcharge, the equipment must be equipped to protect the tank used to store the recycled refrigerant with a shutoff device and a mechanical pressure relief valve.

7.3 Storage Tanks

7.3.1 Portable refillable tanks or containers shall be supplied with this equipment and must be labeled “HFC-134a” or “CFC-12” as appropriate, meet applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) or NRTL's Standards and be adaptable to existing refrigerant service and charging equipment.

7.3.2 The cylinder valve shall comply with the Standard for Cylinder Valves, UL 1769.

7.3.3 The pressure relief device shall comply with the Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1—Cylinders for Compressed Gases, CGA Pamphlet S-1.1.

7.3.4 The tank assembly shall be marked to indicate the first retest date, which shall be 5 years after the date of manufacture. The marking shall indicate that retest must be performed every subsequent 5 years. The marking shall be in letters at least 6 mm high.

7.4 Overfill Protection

7.4.1 During operation, the equipment must provide overfill protection to assure that during filling or transfer, the tank or storage container cannot exceed 80% of volume at 21.1 °C of its maximum rating as defined by DOT standards, 49 CFR 173.304 and American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

7.5 Hoses and Connections

7.5.1 Separate inlet and outlet hoses with fittings and separate connections shall be provided for each refrigerant circuit.

7.5.2 All flexible hoses and fittings must meet SAE J2196 (for CFC-12) and SAE J2197 (for HFC-134a).

7.5.3 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located within 30 cm of the connection point to the system being serviced.

7.6 Lubricant Separation

7.6.1 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from the removed refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount of lubricant removed during the process, in 30 mL (1 fl oz) units. Refrigerant dissolves in lubricant and, as a result, increases the volume of the recovered lubricant sample. This creates the illusion that more lubricant has been recovered that actually has been. The equipment lubricant measuring system must take into account such dissolved refrigerant removed from the A/C system being serviced to prevent overcharging the vehicle system with lubricant.

(Note:

Use only new lubricant to replace the amount removed the recycling process. Used lubricant should be discarded per applicable federal, state and local requirements.)

7.6.2 The equipment must be provided with some means, such as a lockout device, which will prevent initiation of the recovery operation after switching to the other refrigerant, if the lubricant has not been drained from the oil separator.

8. Testing

8.0 Equipment shall be tested in sequence as noted in sections 8.1, 8.2 and 9.2. The filter/drier may be replaced only as noted by section 4.6.2.

8.1 CFC-12 Recycling Cycle

8.1.1 The maximum operating pressure of the equipment shall be determined when recycling CFC-12 while conducting the following tests. This pressure is needed for the Seat Leakage Test, Section 4.2.

8.1.2 The equipment must be preconditioned with 13.6 kg of the standard contaminated CFC-12 (see section 8.1.2a) at an ambient of 21 °C before starting the test cycle. Sample amounts shall be 1.13 kg with sample amounts to be repeated every 5 minutes. The sample method fixture, defined in Figure 1 to Appendix A, shall be operated at 21 °C.

8.1.2a Standard contaminated CFC-12 refrigerant shall consist of liquid CFC-12 with 100 ppm (by weight) moisture at 21 °C and 45,000 ppm (by weight) mineral oil 525 suspension viscosity nominal and 770 ppm by weight of noncondensable gases (air).

8.1.3 The high moisture contaminated sample shall consist of CFC-12 vapor with 1000 ppm (by weight) moisture.

8.1.4 The high oil contaminated sample shall consist of CFC-12 with 200,000 ppm (by weight) mineral oil 525 suspension viscosity nominal.

8.1.5 After preconditioning as stated in section 8.1.2, the test cycle is started, processing the following contaminated samples through the equipment.

A. 13.6 kg (1.13 kg per batch) of standard contaminated CFC-12. B. 1 kg of high oil contaminated CFC-12. C. 4.5 kg (1.13 kg per batch) of standard contaminated CFC-12. D. 1 kg of high moisture contaminated CFC-12. 8.1.6 The CFC-12 is to be cleaned to the minimum purity level, as defined in SAE J1991, with the equipment operating in a stable ambient of 10, 21, and 49 °C and processing the samples as defined in section 8.1.5.

8.2 HFC-134a Recycling Cycle

8.2.1 The maximum operating pressure of the equipment shall be determined when recycling HFC-134a while conducting the following tests. This pressure is needed for the Seat Leakage Test, Section 4.2.

8.2.2 The equipment must be preconditioned by processing 13.6 kg of the standard contaminated HFC-134a (see section 8.2.2a) at an ambient of 21 °C before starting the test cycle. 1.13 kg samples are to be processed at 5 minute intervals. The text fixture shown in Figure 1 to Appendix A shall be operated at 21 °C.

8.2.2a The standard contaminated refrigerant shall consist of liquid HFC-134a with 1300 ppm (by weight) moisture (equivalent to saturation at 38°[100 °F]), 45,000 ppm (by weight) HFC-134a compatible lubricant, and 1000 ppm (by weight) of noncondensable gases (air).

8.2.2b The HFC-134a compatible lubricant referred to in section 8.2.2a shall be a polyalkylene glycol based synthetic lubricant or equivalent, which shall contain no more than 1000 ppm by weight of moisture.

8.2.3 Following the preconditioning procedure per section 8.2.2, 18.2 kg of standard contaminated HFC-134a are to be processed by the equipment at each stable ambient temperature of 10, 21, and 49 °C.

8.2.4 The HFC-134a is to be cleaned to the purity level, as defined in SAE J2099.

9. Refrigerant Cross Contamination Test

9.1 General

9.1.1 For test validation, the equipment is to be operated according to the manufacturer's instruction.

9.1.2 The equipment shall clean the contaminated CFC-12 refrigerant to the minimum purity level as defined in Appendix A, when tested in accordance with the requirements in section 8.1.

9.1.3 The equipment shall clean the contaminated HFC-134a refrigerant to the purity level defined in Appendix C, when tested in accordance with the requirements in section 8.2.

9.2 Test Cycle

9.2.1 The following method shall be used after the tests and requirements in Sections 8.1 and 8.2, respectively, are completed. Following the manufacturer's instructions, the equipment shall be cleared of HFC-134a, prior to beginning step A. The only refrigerant used for this is noted in steps A, C, and E of section 9.2.1. The test fixture shown in Figure 1 to Appendix A shall be used and the test shall be conducted at 10, 21, and 49 °C ambients.

A. A 1.13 kg standard contaminated sample of CFC-12 (see section 8.1.2a) shall be processed by the equipment. B. Follow manufacturer's instructions to clear the equipment of CFC-12 before processing HFC-134a. C. Process a 1.13 kg, standard contaminated sample of HFC-134a (see section 8.2.2a) through the equipment. D. Follow manufacturer's instructions to clear the equipment of HFC-134a before processing CFC-12. E. Process a 1.13 kg standard contaminated sample of CFC-12 (see section 8.1.2a) through the equipment. F. Follow manufacturer's instructions to clear the equipment of CFC-12. G. The amount of cross contaminated refrigerant, as determined by gas chromatography, in samples processed during steps C and E of section 9.2.1., shall not exceed 0.5 percent by weight. 10. Sample Analysis

10.1 General

10.1.1 The processed contaminated samples shall be analyzed according to the following procedure.

10.2 Quantitative Determination of Moisture

10.2.1 The recycled liquid phase sample of refrigerant shall be analyzed for moisture content via Karl Fischer coulometer titration or an equivalent method. The Karl Fischer apparatus is an instrument for precise determination of small amounts of water dissolved in liquid and/or gas samples.

10.2.2 In conducting the test, a weighed sample of 30 to 130 g is vaporized directly into the Karl Fischer anolyte. A coulometer titration is conducted and the results are calculated and displayed as parts per million moisture (weight).

10.3 Determination of Percent Lubricant

10.3.1 The amount of lubricant in the recycled sample of refrigerant/lubricant is to be determined by gravimetric analysis.

10.3.2 Following venting of noncondensable, in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions, the refrigerant container shall be shaken for 5 minutes prior to extracting samples for test.

10.3.3 A weighed sample of 175 to 225 g of liquid refrigerant/lubricant is allowed to evaporate at room temperature. The percent lubricant is to be calculated from the weight of the original sample and the residue remaining after the evaporation.

10.4 Noncondensable Gas

10.4.1 The amount of noncondensable gas is to be determined by gas chromatography. A sample of vaporized refrigerant liquid shall be separated and analyzed by gas chromatography. A Propak Q column at 130 °C and a hot wire detector may be used for analysis.

10.4.2 This test shall be conducted on liquid phase samples of recycled refrigerant taken from a full container as defined in 7.4 within 30 minutes following the proper venting of noncondensable gases.

10.4.3 The samples shall be shaken for at least 15 minutes prior to testing while at a temperature of 24 °C ±2.8 °C.

10.5 Refrigerant Cross Contamination

10.5.1 The amount of cross contamination of CFC-12 in HFC-134a or HFC-134a in CFC-12 shall not exceed 0.5 percent by weight as determined by gas chromatography. A sample of vaporized refrigerant liquid shall be separated and analyzed by gas chromatography. A 1% SP-1000 on Carbopack B (60/80 mesh) column may be used for the analysis.

[62 FR 68053, Dec. 30, 1997]

Foreword

These specifications are for equipment that recovers, but does not recycle, any single, specific automotive refrigerant other than CFC-12, HFC-134a, or HFO-1234yf, including a blend refrigerant.

1. Scope

The purpose of this standard is to provide equipment specifications for the recovery of any single, specific refrigerant other than CFC-12, HFC-134a, or HFO-1234yf, including a blend refrigerant, which is either (1) to be returned to a refrigerant reclamation facility that will process the refrigerant to ARI Standard 700-93 or equivalent new product specifications at a minimum, or (2) to be recycled in approved refrigerant recycling equipment, or (3) to be destroyed. This standard applies to equipment used to service automobiles, light trucks, and other vehicles with similar air conditioning systems.

2. References

2.1 Applicable Documents—The following publications form a part of this specification to the extent specified. The latest issue of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE Publications—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001. SAE J639—Vehicle Service Coupling. SAE J2196—Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning (fittings modified)

2.1.2 ARI Publication—Available from Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, 1501 Wilson Boulevard, Sixth Floor, Arlington, VA 22209. ARI 700-93—Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants.

2.1.3 Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Publications—Available from CGA, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202. CGA Pamphlet S-1.1—Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1—Cylinders for Compressed Gases.

2.1.4 DOT Publications—Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

DOT Standard, 49 CFR 173.304—Shippers—General Requirements for Shipments and Packagings.

2.1.5 UL Publications—Available from Underwriters Laboratories, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.

UL 1769—Cylinder Valves. UL 1963—Refrigerant Recovery Recycling Equipment. 3. Specifications and General Description

3.1 The equipment must be able to extract from a mobile air conditioning system the refrigerant other than CFC-12, HFC-134a, or HFO-1234yf to which the equipment is dedicated.

3.2 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive service garage environment as defined in section 6.8.

3.3 The equipment discharge or transfer fitting shall be unique to prevent the unintentional use of the extracted refrigerant for recharging auto air conditioners.

3.4 Equipment Certification-The equipment shall be certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an—equivalent certifying laboratory to meet this standard.

3.5 Label Requirements—The equipment shall have a label “Designed Certified by (Company Name) to meet EPA requirements for use only with (the applicable refrigerant). The refrigerant from this equipment must be processed to ARI 700-93 specifications or equivalent new product specifications before reuse in a mobile air-conditioning system.” The minimum letter size shall be bold type 3 mm in height.

4. Safety Requirements

4.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements on equipment related to the handling of the applicable refrigerant material. Safety precautions or notices or labels related to the safe operation of the equipment shall also be prominently displayed on the equipment and should state “CAUTION—SHOULD BE OPERATED BY CERTIFIED PERSONNEL.” The safety identification shall be located on the front near the controls.

4.2 The equipment must comply with applicable safety standards for electrical and mechanical requirements.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating instructions that include information equivalent to that required by SAE J1629, necessary maintenance procedures, and source information for replacement parts and repair.

5.1.1 The instruction manual shall include the following information on the lubricant removed: Only new lubricant, as identified by the system manufacturer, should be replaced in the air conditioning system. Removed lubricant from the system and/or the equipment shall be disposed on in accordance with the applicable federal, state, and local procedures and regulations.

5.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's name, address, the type of refrigerant it is designed to extract, a service telephone number, and any items that require maintenance or replacement that affect the proper operation of the equipment. Operation manuals must cover information for complete maintenance of the equipment to assure proper operation.

6.1 Functional Description

6.1 The equipment must be capable of ensuring removal of refrigerant from the system being serviced by reducing the system pressure to a minimum of 102 mm (4 in) of mercury below atmospheric pressure (i.e., to a vacuum). To prevent system delayed outgassing, the unit must have a device that assures that the refrigerant has been recovered from the air-conditioning system.

6.1.1 Testing laboratory certification of the equipment capability is required which shall process contaminated refrigerant samples at specific temperatures.

6.2 The equipment must be preconditioned by processing 13.6 kg (30 lb) of the standard contaminated refrigerant at an ambient of 21 °C (70 °F) before starting the test cycle. Sample amounts are not to exceed 1.13 kg (2.5 lb) with sample amounts to be processed at 5 min. intervals. The test method fixture, depicted in Figure 1 to appendix A of this subpart, shall be operated at 21 °C (70 °F). Contaminated refrigerant samples shall be processed at ambient temperatures of 10 and 49 °C, without equipment shutting due to any safety devices employed in this equipment.

6.2.1 Standard contaminated refrigerant, 13.6 kg (30 lb) sample size, shall consist of liquid refrigerant with 1000 ppm (by weight) moisture at 21 °C and 45,000 ppm (by weight) of oil (total of one-third mineral oil 525 suspension nominal, one-third PAG with 100 cSt viscosity at 40 °C or equivalent, and one-third POE with 68 cSt viscosity at 40 °C or equivalent) and 1000 ppm by weight of noncondensable gases (air). Refrigerant shall be identified prior to the recovery process to ±2% of the original manufacturer's formulation submitted to, and accepted by, EPA under its Significant New Alternatives Policy program, with the exception that any flammable components shall be identified to ±1%.

6.3 Portable refillable containers used in conjunction with this equipment must meet applicable DOT Standards.

6.3.1 The container color must be gray with a yellow top to identify that it contains used refrigerant. It must be permanently marked on the outside surface in black print at least 20 mm high “DIRTY [NAME OF REFRIGERANT]—DO NOT USE, MUST BE PROCESSED”.

6.3.2 The portable refillable container shall have a unique thread connection for the specific refrigerant.

6.3.3 During operation, the equipment shall provide overfill protection to assure that the storage container liquid fill does not exceed 80% of the tank's rated volume at 21 °C per DOT Standard, 49 CFR 173.304, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

6.4 Additional Storage Tank Requirements

6.4.1 The cylinder valve shall comply with UL 1769.

6.4.2 The pressure relief device shall comply with CGA Pamphlet S-1.1.

6.4.3 The container assembly shall be marked to indicate the first retest date, which shall be 5 years after date of manufacture. The marking shall indicate that retest must be performed every subsequent 5 years. The marking shall be in letters at least 6 mm high.

6.5 All flexible hoses must meet SAE J2196 for service hoses except that fittings shall be unique to the applicable refrigerant.

6.6 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located within 30 cm of the connection point to the system being serviced to minimize introduction of noncondensable gases into the recovery equipment during connection and the release of the refrigerant during disconnection.

6.7 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from the recovered refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount removed from the simulated automotive system during processing in 30 mL units.

6.7.1 The purpose of indicating the amount of lubricant is to ensure that a proper amount of new lubricant is returned to the mobile air conditioning system for compressor lubrication.

6.7.2 Refrigerant dissolved in this lubricant must be accounted for to prevent system lubricant overcharge of the mobile air-conditioning system.

6.8 The equipment must be capable of continuous operation in temperatures of 10 to 49 °C and must comply with 6.1 and 6.2.

7. For test validation, the equipment is to be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Application

The purpose of this standard is to provide equipment specifications for the recovery of any refrigerant other than CFC-12, HFC-134a, or HFO-1234yf for return to a refrigerant reclamation facility that will process it to AHRI Standard 700 (or for recycling in other EPA approved recycling equipment, in the event that EPA in the future designates a standard for equipment capable of recycling refrigerants other than CFC-12, HFC-134a, or HFO-1234yf).

Reference Section SAE J639—Vehicle Service Coupling SAE J2196—Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning ARI 700-93—Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants CGA Pamphlet S-1.1—Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1—Cylinders for Compressed Gases UL 1769—Cylinder Valves 49 CFR 173.304—Shippers—General Requirements for Shipment and Packagings [62 FR 68055, Dec. 30, 1997, as amended at 86 FR 15596, Mar. 24, 2021]