What is the maximum amount of refrigerant that a recovery cylinder should contain?

The correct answer, which states that the maximum amount of refrigerant a recovery cylinder should contain is 80% of its water capacity by weight, is grounded in safety and efficient operation guidelines established for handling refrigerants. Recovery cylinders are designed to contain gas, and allowing them to be filled to more than 80% capacity ensures there is sufficient space for vapor, which is crucial for the safe management of the contents under various temperature and pressure conditions.

Exceeding this percentage can lead to overpressurization of the cylinder, especially as the refrigerant warms up and expands. This safety margin is critical to prevent potential leaks or ruptures that could occur if the cylinder is filled beyond the recommended capacity.

While the other choices suggest different percentages, such as 100%, 90%, or 70%, these amounts do not comply with safety standards. Filling to 100% would not allow for vapor space, presenting a significant hazard. A lower percentage like 70% is too conservative and does not utilize the cylinder’s capacity efficiently. Thus, 80% represents a balanced and safe limit for refrigerant containment in recovery cylinders.