Before recovering refrigerant from a unit with R22, what should you do if you have R503 in your recovery machine?

Before recovering refrigerant from a unit using R22 when there is R503 in a recovery machine, the correct procedure is to recover as much of the R502 from the recovery unit as possible, change the filter, and evacuate. This step is crucial because R503 and R22 belong to different refrigerant families, and mixing them can lead to contamination and negatively impact the recovery process.

R503 is a blend and can have very different properties compared to R22. By recovering the remaining R502, you ensure that the system is as clean as possible before introducing R22, which helps in maintaining refrigerant purity and performance.

Changing the filter is also very important. The filter in the recovery unit can become contaminated and may not effectively remove additional impurities if it has already been exposed to different refrigerants. Thus, replacing the filter helps in preparing the recovery machine for the new refrigerant type, ensuring efficient operation and avoiding potential breakdowns or issues during recovery.

Lastly, evacuating the machine after these steps is essential to remove any remaining traces of R503 or other contaminants, ensuring that the environment in the recovery machine is safe and appropriate for R22.

By following this protocol, you adhere to industry best practices, enhancing the reliability and safety of