Code of Practice to eliminate halocarbon emissions from refrigeration and air conditioning systems: chapter 6

6.0 Servicing

• 6.1 Preventive Maintenance
• 6.2 Leak Testing
• 6.3 Conversion of a System to an Alternate Refrigerant (Retrofit)

6.1 Preventive Maintenance

A regular preventive maintenance program is essential to the reliability of mobile cooling systems. It could be integrated into the vehicle maintenance safety inspection program. The maintenance program can be carried out using the manufacturer's service check sheets and service procedures. The following should be considered in preparing preventive maintenance programs for mobile cooling systems:

• Visual inspection:
  • catalytic corrosion, especially around clamps and dissimilar metal connections,
  • rusting of metal shells,
  • signs of oil deposits, especially at the bottom of connections,
  • physical damage of the system or its components,
  • sight glass for refrigerant and oil levels,
  • moisture indicator,
  • presence of air,
  • temperature and pressure gauges.
• Pressure-wash the system to remove any accumulation of dust, debris, insects, road salt, etc. on components.
• Increased frequency of inspections and leak tests, especially at pipe connections.
• Connecting to an external power source and park, in a shaded area, any vehicle or intermodal container equipped with a refrigeration system that is to be immobilized and operated for long periods, to reduce the heat load on the refrigeration system.
• Removing refrigerant and oil before vehicles and shipping containers are shredded or salvaged. Refer to the National Code of Practice for Automotive Recyclers, Environment Canada.
• Keeping all records for mobile systems in a central location. Affix a notice to the system to identify where the records are located. The records need to be available for inspection. The service log can travel with the mobile cooling system, and any repairs can be noted. The service log has to be used to update the records.

6.2 Leak Testing

Leak testing for mobile use, using the refrigerant as the test gas in accordance with internationally recognized standards, is acceptable provided that:

• visual inspection indicates no signs of oil deposits from a large leak or any other physical damage,
• standing refrigerant pressure at or above room temperature is a minimum gauge pressure of 340 kPa (50 psi), and
• all refrigerant from the test must be recovered immediately following the test, if there is a leak.

Original equipment manufacturers have to use fluorescent dyes or other proven technology in new vehicles for leak testing.

6.3 Conversion of a System to an Alternate Refrigerant (Retrofit)

The principles and guidelines regarding the conversion of a cooling system to a system using an alternate refrigerant, found in Section 4.13 - Conversion of a System to an Alternate Refrigerant (Retrofit), are applicable to mobile cooling systems. In addition, place the label on the vehicle identifying which refrigerant is contained in the system and indicate whether the system contains an ultraviolet dye.

Hydrocarbon refrigerant do-it-yourself kits are now marketed as a replacement for refrigerant air conditioning systems. Note that under the Federal Halocarbon Regulations, 2003 and most provincial and territorial ozone-depleting substances regulations, the removal of halocarbon refrigerants requires a qualified technician.