Technician’s Guide and Workbook for the EPA Section 608 Test Section 4: Core Part 3

EPA Section 608 Regulations Topics in this section: Definition of system-dependent versus self-contained recovery/recycling equipment Need for third-party certification of recycling and recovery equipment Standard for reclaimed refrigerant [Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Standard 700-2016] The sales restriction The Clean Air Act prohibition on venting Definition/identification of high- and low-pressure refrigerants

Identification of AHRI Refrigerant Class Refrigerant classes should not be confused with the EPA Section 608 technician classifications, even though they are numbered similarly, using roman numerals. Refrigerant classes are primarily used for categorizing reclaiming/recycling equipment, which must be classified for each type of refrigerant the equipment may remove. Refrigerants are divided into the four major classifications listed below: Class I: Liquid Refrigerants: Normal boiling point greater than 68°F (20°C). These products are normally packaged in drums. Class II: Low-Pressure Refrigerants: These refrigerants meet the definition of a compressed gas and have a minimum cylinder service pressure not exceeding 500 psig (3,447 kPa gage). Class III: High-Pressure Refrigerants: These refrigerants meet the definition of a compressed gas and have a minimum cylinder service pressure exceeding 500 psig (3,447 kPa gage). Class IV: Flammable Refrigerants. Note: AHRI refrigerant classes and cylinder colors are listed in the Guide and Workbook Appendix 2.

Recovery/Recycling Equipment The AHRI Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Equipment certification program applies to all production models of refrigerant recovery equipment, refrigerant recycling equipment, and refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment as defined in this section. The scope does not preclude equipment capable of refrigerant reclamation in a recycling certification mode. Refrigerant Recovery Equipment. A piece of self-contained or system-dependent equipment capable of removing refrigerant (in any condition) from a system and storing it in an external container. Refrigerant Recycling Equipment. A piece of self-contained equipment capable of reducing contaminants in used refrigerants by separating oil, removing non-condensables and reducing moisture, acidity, and particulate matter to the levels prescribed in the Industry Recycling Guideline, AHRI 740.

Recovery/Recycling Equipment System-Dependent vs Self Contained Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Equipment. A piece of self-contained equipment capable of refrigerant recovery and recycling as specified in AHRI 740. System Dependent Equipment. Refrigerant recovery equipment that requires for its operation the assistance of components contained in an air conditioning or refrigeration system.

Recovery Equipment Ratings The following certification program ratings are verified by test: Push/Pull Liquid Recovery Rate (kg/min) Liquid Recovery Rate (kg/min) Vapor Recovery Rate (kg/min) Final Recovery Vacuum Level (kPa) Recycle Flow Rate (kg/min) Moisture (PPM by wt.) Acidity (PPM by wt.) Non-Condensables (% by vol.) High Temperature Vapor Recovery Rate (kg/min) Residual Trapped Refrigerant (kg) Quantity of Refrigerant Processed at Rated Conditions (kg) High Boiling Residue (% by vol.)

Third-Party Certification for Recycling and Recovery Equipment The EPA has approved the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to certify recycling and recovery equipment (see Figure 11). These organizations provide information on certified equipment; for example, equipment designated for use with flammable refrigerants must have the electrical ground tested (connected) before removing the refrigerant.

Identifying Certified Equipment Certified equipment can be identified by a label that states: “This equipment has been certified by AHRI/UL to meet EPA's minimum requirements for recycling and/or recovery equipment intended for use with [appropriate category of appliance].” Note: The EPA no longer requires that persons servicing air conditioning and refrigeration equipment certify that they have acquired refrigerant recovery or recycling equipment and that they are complying with the applicable requirements.

Standard for Reclaimed Refrigerant The EPA requires AHRI certification for reclaimed refrigerants. The certification program applies to all reclaimed fluorocarbon refrigerants and is covered under the scope of AHRI Standard 700. Reclaimed refrigerant is defined as refrigerant that has been reprocessed to at least the purity specified in AHRI Standard 700 and has been verified to purity using the analytical methodology prescribed. Certified ratings include the following: Water (ppm by weight) Chloride (pass/fail) Acidity (ppm by weight) High Boiling Residue (% by volume) Particulates/Solids (pass/fail) Non-Condensables (% by volume) Volatile Impurities, Including Other Refrigerants (% weight)

EPA Refrigerant Evaluation and Disposal Process

Refrigerant Sales Restriction The following people can buy any type of ozone-depleting refrigerant or substitute refrigerant under the sales restriction that started on January 1, 2018: Technicians who have earned the Section 608 Technician Certification. Employers of a Section 608 certified technician (or the employer's authorized representative) if the employer provides the refrigerant wholesaler with written evidence that he or she employs at least one properly certified technician.

MVAC Refrigerant Restriction The following people can buy refrigerant found acceptable for use in a motor vehicle air conditioner (MVAC): Technicians who have earned Section 609 Technician Certification. Employers of a Section 609 certified technician (or the employer's authorized representative) if the employer provides the refrigerant wholesaler with written evidence that he or she employs at least one properly certified technician. Nothing in this provision relieves persons of the requirements of 40 CFR § 82.34(b) or § 82.42(b).

Restrictions for Stationary Refrigeration Only Section 608 certified technicians can purchase refrigerants intended for use with stationary refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. Section 609 certified technicians cannot purchase refrigerants that are intended for use with stationary equipment, regardless of container size. Note: Small cans of non-exempt MVAC refrigerant (i.e., containers designed to hold two pounds or less of refrigerant) that have unique fittings can continue to be sold to persons without certification for DIY use on their vehicles. If manufactured or imported on or after January 1, 2018, they must have self-sealing valves.

The Clean Air Act Prohibition on Venting Section 608 prohibits individuals from intentionally venting ODS refrigerants (including CFCs and HCFCs) and their substitutes (such as HFCs), while maintaining, servicing, repairing, or disposing of air conditioning or refrigeration equipment.

Substitute Refrigerants and Oils Topics in this section: Absence of "drop-in" replacements Incompatibility of substitute refrigerants with many lubricants used with CFC and HCFC refrigerants, and incompatibility of CFC and HCFC refrigerants with many new lubricants (includes identification of lubricants for given refrigerants, such as esters with R-134 and alkylbenzenes for HCFCs)

Absence of “Drop-in” Replacements Merely “dropping in” a replacement will generally degrade the refrigeration capacity of the system. The EPA has not approved the usage of any drop-in replacement refrigerants under Section 608 or SNAP.

Incompatibility of Substitute Refrigerants with many Lubricants Each HVACR system requires a specific lubricant specified by the OEM. Lubricants may not be mixed. The wrong lubricant may destroy seals, O-rings, and other components in an HVACR system. The varied lubricants found in HVACR systems include alkyl benzene, mineral oil, polyalkylene (PAG), and polyolester (POE).

Three “Rs” Definition Topics in this section: Recover Recycle Reclaim RRR

Recover Recovery is the removal of refrigerant in any condition from any appliance and storing it in an approved color-coded container. To facilitate the recovery of refrigerants, the EPA requires all appliance manufacturers to provide service ports or a process stub for attaching a service access valve.

Recycle Recycling is the reuse of refrigerant without meeting all of the reclamation requirements. For stationary equipment, the appliances must have the same owner. Recycling generally involves the removal of contaminants by filtration.

Reclaim Reclamation means that the refrigerant is reprocessed, all of the contaminants are removed, and the refrigerant may be distilled or reformulated. Reclaimed refrigerant must meet AHRI 700, ISO 12810 or equivalent specifications for content purity prior to resale.