A Look at Cylinder Cleaning, Evacuation, Transport, and Recertification

According to the Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT PHMSA), cylinder recertification is mandated for refrigerant recovery cylinders every five years. Failure to comply may result from up to $10,000 in fines per cylinder found to be in violation. The following is a brief look at cylinder recertification.

Recovery Cylinders

In many ways, recovery cylinders are different from their disposable counterparts. One of the main differences is disposable cylinders used for new products should not be refilled and should never be used for recovery. Recovery cylinders are specifically designed for refilling.

Threats of Explosion

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is concerned that overpressurization or heating of recovery cylinders can cause explosions. As a result, it mandates that any refillable refrigerant cylinder must not be billed beyond 80 percent of its capacity by weight. Also, its safety level of filling must be governed by a mechanical float device, weight, or an electronic shut-off.

Transfering Refrigerant

Before moving recycled refrigerants into an empty storage cylinder—specifically, to remove non‐condensable gases—the cylinder must be evacuated as mandated. Refillable cylinders must be tested and stamped by date at five-year intervals.

Disposal of Near-Empty Cylinders

Cylinder recertification requires that any remaining refrigerant be recovered before a cylinder can be discarded. Only when the cylinder has been reduced to a vacuum can it be defined as empty and prepared for disposal.

Shipping and Transportation

When transporting cylinders that contain used refrigerant, the DOT requires that the cylinders be fastened with DOT classification tags. Also, a refrigerant label must be placed on each cylinder. Any refillable cylinders used for transferring pressurized refrigerant must be approved by DOT.

Inspect for Rust

Any refrigerant recovery cylinder used for transporting or shipping must first be inspected for rust. If there is any indication of rust, the cylinder should be emptied and discarded. Some states require special procedures for shipping based on the classification of used refrigerants that must be followed. Be sure to confirm the EPA and DOT regulations of each cylinder recertification in the state of origin.

We at Refrigerant Solutions are one of only 60 refrigerant companies certified by the EPA, and we bring more than 15 years of experience to your reclamation and recycling situation. Call us at 508-543-5482 or contact us online.