Protection of Stratospheric Ozone; Servicing of Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners

SUMMARY: On July 14, 1992, EPA published a final rule in the Federal

Register establishing standards and requirements regarding the

servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners (MVACs) that use

chlorofluorocarbon-12 (CFC-12), a class I refrigerant, and establishing

restrictions on the sale of small containers of class I or class II

refrigerants, pursuant to section 609 of the Clean Air Act, as amended

(the Act).

Pursuant to section 609(b)(1), today's proposed rule would

establish standards and requirements for the servicing of motor vehicle

air conditioners that use class I or class II substances other than

CFC-12 as a refrigerant, or use HFC-134a, a non-ozone-depleting

substitute for CFC-12, or any other substitute for a class I or class

II substance used in an MVAC.

Today's proposed rule also would require that at motor vehicle

disposal facilities, either section 609 certified technicians, or

employees, owners or operators of the facilities, be used to recover

refrigerant (whether CFC-12 or a substitute) from motor vehicles

located at the facilities and bound for disposal. The recovered

refrigerant would have to be reclaimed or recycled using approved

equipment prior to use in recharging an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance.

The proposal would also establish standards for owners and operators of

salvage yards, scrap recycling facilities, landfills or other

facilities where such vehicles may be located, to sell refrigerant

recovered from such vehicles to section 609 certified technicians.

Finally, the proposal would establish standards for mobile recovery and

recycling service.

Today's proposal increases industry flexibility in selecting and

purchasing proper recovery and recycling equipment by establishing

standards for equipment that recovers and/or recycles additional

refrigerants, and approving independent testing organizations that

certify such equipment.

By promoting the recycling or reclamation of all refrigerants from

MVACs, this proposed rule will help to lower the risk of depletion of

the stratospheric ozone layer and the possibility of global warming,

thus diminishing potentially harmful effects to human health and the

environment, including increased incidence of certain skin cancers and

cataracts.

DATES: Written comments on this proposed rule must be received by April

5, 1996, unless a hearing is requested by March 18, 1996. If a hearing

is requested, written comments must be received 30 days after the

hearing. Individuals wishing to request a hearing must contact the

Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline at 1-800-296-1996 between 10

a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, Eastern time, by March 18,

1996. To find out whether a hearing will take place, contact the

Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline after March 19, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and data should be sent to Public Docket

No. A-95-34. This docket is located in Room M-1500, Waterside Mall

(Ground Floor), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street,

S.W. Washington, D.C. 20460. Dockets may be inspected from 8:30 a.m. to

5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. A reasonable fee may be charged for

copying docket materials.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine Dibble, Stratospheric

Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of Air and

Radiation (6205-J), 401 M Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460. (202)

233-9147 or fax (202) 233-9577 or electronically at

[email protected]. Comments and data submitted

electronically will not be accepted. The Ozone Information Hotline at

1-800-296-1996 can also be contacted for further information.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The contents of today's preamble are listed

in the following outline:

I. Background

A. Statutory Authority

B. July 14, 1992 Final Rule and May 2, 1995 Supplemental Final

Rule

II. Today's Proposed Rule

A. Service Practices

1. The Handling of Refrigerant From Motor Vehicles Bound for

Disposal and Located at Motor Vehicle Disposal Facilities

2. Mobile Recovery and Recycling

B. Standards for Recover/Recycle Equipement

1. Standard for HFC-134a Recover/Recycle Equipment

2. Standard for HFC-134a Recover-only Equipment

3. Standard for Automotive Refrigerant Recycling Equipment

Intended for Use With Both CFC-12 and HFC-134a

4. Standard for Recover-only Equipment That Extracts Class I or

Class II Refrigerants Other Than CFC-12

C. Substantially Identical Equipment

D. Approved Independent Testing Organizations

E. Technician Training and Certification

F. Sales Restrictions

III. Summary of Supporting Analyses

A. Executive Order 12866

B. Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

I. Background

A. Statutory Authority

Title VI of the Act is designed to protect the stratospheric ozone

layer. Section 609 of the Act requires the Administrator to promulgate

regulations establishing standards and requirements regarding the

servicing of MVACs. Section 609 defines ``refrigerants'' to include, as

of November 14, 1995, any substance that substitutes for a class I or

class II substance used in an MVAC. The statute requires that as of

that date: Persons servicing an MVAC system for consideration must use

approved recover/recycling equipment. To be approved, equipment must be

certified by the Administrator, or by an independent standards testing

organization approved by the Administrator, or the equipment must be

substantially identical to such equipment if it was purchased prior to

the date EPA proposed standards applicable to the equipment. To be

certified, the equipment must meet standards established by the

Administrator, which shall be at least as stringent as Society of

Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard J1990. In addition, any such

servicing of an MVAC system for consideration must be performed by a

technician trained and certified according to standards established by

the Administrator. EPA also sets standards for certification and

training, and approves organizations to conduct such training if they

meet the Agency's standards. Finally, section 609 prohibits the sale of

small containers of class I or class II substances used in MVACs,

unless sold to section 609 certified technicians.

B. July 14, 1992 Final Rule and May 2, 1995 Supplemental Final Rule

On July 14, 1992, the Agency published a final rule initially

implementing section 609. In that rule, the Agency prohibited the

repair or servicing of any MVAC for consideration if such repair or

servicing involved the air conditioner refrigerant, unless performed by

a trained and certified technician who properly uses approved

refrigerant recycling

[[Page 9015]]

equipment. The Agency also prohibited the sale or distribution of any

class I or class II substance suitable for use in an MVAC that is in a

container of less than 20 pounds to anyone other than a properly

trained and certified section 609 technician.

The July 14, 1992 final rule defines ``approved refrigerant

recycling equipment'' as equipment that recovers and recycles CFC-12

refrigerant and that is certified by the Administrator or by an

independent standards testing organization approved by the Agency as

meeting the standards set forth in appendix A in the rule. Refrigerant

recycling equipment is also considered approved if it was purchased

before September 4, 1991, and is substantially identical to the

certified equipment. Only equipment certified as meeting the standards

or meeting the criteria for substantially identical equipment is

approved for use in the servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners

under section 609 of the Act.

The July 14, 1992 rule also establishes standards by which (i) an

independent standards testing organization may apply to the Agency for

approval to test and approve refrigerant recycling equipment, and (ii)

a training and certification program may apply to the Agency for

approval to train and certify technicians in the proper use of

refrigerant recycling equipment for MVACs. Finally, the rule

establishes various recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and ETL Testing Laboratories (ETL)

are the approved independent standards testing organizations that

currently certify equipment using the standards that appear in appendix

A of the rule. These standards apply to recover/recycle equipment that

extracts CFC-12 refrigerant from a motor vehicle air conditioner and

cleans the refrigerant on-site. The regulatory standards are based on

those developed by SAE and cover service procedures for recovering CFC-

12 (SAE J1989, issued in October 1989), test procedures to evaluate

recover/recycle equipment (SAE J1990 issued in October 1989 and revised

in 1991) and a purity standard for recycled CFC-12 refrigerant (SAE

J1991, issued in October 1989).

As stated above, section 609 prohibits the sale or distribution of

any class I or class II substance suitable for use in an MVAC that is

in a container of less than 20 pounds to anyone other than a properly

trained and certified section 609 technician. It should be noted,

however, that EPA expanded this prohibition in the regulations

published on May 14, 1993 at 58 FR 28712 under section 608 of the Act

(40 CFR 82.154(n)), which prohibits the sale as of November 14, 1994 of

any size container of a class I or class II substance, including

refrigerant blends that include class I or class II substances, to

other than a section 608 or section 609 certified technician.

The July 14, 1992 rule reserved standards for equipment that

extracts but does not recycle CFC-12 refrigerant (recover-only

equipment) in Appendix B to the rule. On May 2, 1995, EPA published a

final rule establishing regulatory standards, again based on those

developed by SAE, which apply to certification of recover-only

equipment. Specifically, for recover-only equipment, the Agency adopted

(i) the recommended service procedure for the containment of CFC-12

described in SAE J1989 and already set forth in appendix A, and (ii) a

standard that describes test procedures to evaluate recover-only

equipment that is based on SAE J2209 (issued in June, 1992).

II. Today's Proposed Rule

Today's proposed rule further implements section 609(b)(1) of the

Act. This section of the preamble reviews the major elements of the

proposal. Specifically, the proposed regulations would:

(i) explicitly permit and establish standards for (a) section 609

certified technicians to recover refrigerant (whether CFC-12 or a

substitute) from motor vehicles bound for disposal (including vehicles

that contain MVAC-like appliances) and recycle that refrigerant in

their service facilities for use, and (b) owners or operators of

salvage yards, scrap recyclers, landfills or other facilities where

such vehicles may be located, to sell refrigerant recovered from such

vehicles (whether CFC-12 or a substitute) to section 609 certified

technicians without recycling the recovered refrigerant;

(ii) revise the definition of ``properly using'' to explicitly

permit and establish standards for mobile recovery and recycling

service;

(iii) establish a standard for approval of recover/recycle

equipment that extracts and recycles HFC-134a from MVACs;

(iv) establish a standard for approval of recover-only equipment

that extracts HFC-134a from MVACs;

(v) establish a standard for approval of recover-only equipment for

FRIGC TM, a class II-containing blend refrigerant that has been

listed as acceptable for use in MVACs under the Agency's Significant

New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, and for other class I or class

II refrigerants used in MVACs other than CFC-12;

(vi) establish a standard for approval of recover-recycle equipment

that extracts and recycles both CFC-12 and HFC-134a using a common

refrigerant circuit;

(vii) revise the requirements for Agency approval of independent

standards testing organizations to include certification of recover/

recycle and recover-only equipment designed to service HFC-134a and

FRIGC TM MVAC systems; and

(viii) revise the criteria for approval of technician training and

certification programs to reflect the use of recover/recycle and

recover-only equipment designed to service HFC-134a, FRIGC TM, and

other class I or class II refrigerant MVAC systems.

In addition, in this notice EPA describes its intention to

grandfather technicians currently certified under section 609, so that

they will not need to be recertified to operate recover/recycle and

recover-only equipment designed to service HFC-134a, FRIGC TM, and

other class I or class II refrigerant MVAC systems.

A. Service Practices

Today's proposed rule clarifies the Agency's position on two issues

that have not previously been explicitly addressed in the section 609

regulations: (i) Under what conditions it is permissible for a section

609 certified technician to recover refrigerant from motor vehicles

located at a motor vehicle disposal facility and bound for disposal,

and under what conditions it is permissible for the owner or operator

of a motor vehicle disposal facility to sell refrigerant recovered from

such vehicles to certified technicians; and (ii) under what conditions

it is permissible to conduct mobile recovery and recycling service,

i.e., service in which approved recover-only or recover/recycle

equipment is transported to the location of an MVAC for servicing by a

certified technician.

The Agency intends that the same service practice regulations being

proposed today for MVACs will also be proposed for MVAC-like appliances

(such as tractors and other farm equipment, construction equipment, and

mining and quarry equipment, that meet the definition of MVAC-like

appliances set forth in 40 CFR 82.152(l)). Because MVAC-like appliances

are governed under section 608 of the Act rather than under section

609, service practice regulations similar to those being proposed today

will be proposed for MVAC-like appliances in a separate proposal to

amend section 608.

[[Page 9016]]

The proposed changes to the section 608 regulations are intended for

publication on or about the date of publication of this section 609

proposed rule.

1. The Handling of Refrigerant From Automobiles Bound for Disposal and

Located at Motor Vehicle Disposal Facilities

Since the publication of the July 14, 1992 rule, EPA has received

an increasing number of questions concerning the handling of

refrigerants from MVACs and MVAC-like appliances bound for disposal and

located at motor vehicle disposal facilities. Many owners of motor

vehicle disposal facilities have assumed that recovered refrigerant

must be sent off-site for reclamation, while others have assumed that

they may sell the refrigerant to any interested parties. In response to

the increasing cost of CFC-12, some service technicians have begun to

recover refrigerant from motor vehicle disposal facilities for use in

their own service facilities. In addition, owners and operators of

motor vehicle disposal facilities have been recovering refrigerant from

automobiles and selling it to service technicians. The rule proposed

today would clarify that the Agency permits these activities as long as

certain requirements are met during the performance of the activities.

The regulations adopted by EPA at 40 CFR part 82, subparts B and F

(i.e., the section 609 and 608 regulations) currently address to some

extent activities involving recovery and sale of refrigerant from MVACs

and MVAC-like appliances at motor vehicle disposal facilities. Section

82.156(g) requires that all persons recovering refrigerant from MVACs

and MVAC-like appliances for purposes of disposal must reduce the

pressure of the system to or below 102 mm of mercury vacuum, using

equipment that meets the requirements of Sec. 82.158(l). Section

82.154(f) requires that persons who recover refrigerant from MVACs and

MVAC-like appliances for purposes of disposal must certify to the

Administrator that they have acquired equipment that meets such

standards. In addition, persons who take the final step in the disposal

process must recover any remaining refrigerant in accordance with

applicable requirements. These provisions were adopted pursuant to

section 608 of the Act. Within the section 609 regulations,

Sec. 82.34(b) requires that small containers of class I or II

substances suitable for use in an MVAC may only be sold to certified

technicians. This applies to sales of class I or II substances

recovered from MVACs or MVAC-like appliances at motor vehicle disposal

facilities. Finally, any servicing of an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance

with refrigerant recovered from a motor vehicle disposal facility would

be subject to the various equipment and use restrictions in 40 CFR Part

82, subparts B and F.

The regulations proposed today would supplement this regulatory

scheme with a set of requirements that provide an incentive for the

recovery and re-use of refrigerants from MVACs located at motor vehicle

disposal facilities, minimize the discharge of refrigerants, and

provide for the proper recycling or reclamation of the refrigerants

prior to their use in servicing MVACs or MVAC-like appliances. The

Agency intends that the regulations to be proposed shortly amending

section 608 of the Act will similarly provide an incentive for the

recovery and re-use of refrigerants from MVAC-like appliances located

at motor vehicle disposal facilities so that the refrigerants are

properly recycled or reclaimed prior to their use in servicing MVACs or

MVAC-like appliances.

The Agency believes that recovery and recycling of refrigerant from

MVACs bound for disposal and located at motor vehicle disposal

facilities will be more economically attractive to the MVAC technician

and the motor vehicle disposal facility operator if the sale or reuse

of unreclaimed refrigerant is explicitly permitted. The MVAC technician

will derive higher profit by selling recycled refrigerant to an MVAC

service customer than by selling it to a reclaimer. Because of this

economic incentive, technicians will seek salvaged MVACs. In addition,

motor vehicle disposal facility owners and operators may profit by

selling refrigerant directly to technicians, or by charging technicians

fees for the opportunity to recover refrigerant at the facility,

creating other economic incentives in the refrigerant recycling chain.

The Agency believes that encouraging these activities will, by

increasing the value of refrigerant to the person recovering it, reduce

the amount of refrigerant that either leaks out of MVACs while they

await disposal, or is purposely vented during the process of disposal.

Today's proposed rule would revise the definition of ``properly

using'' located at Sec. 82.32(e), add a definition of ``motor vehicle

disposal facility'' at Sec. 82.32(i), and add a new Sec. 82.34(d). The

effect of these changes is that upon the recovery of refrigerant from

MVACs bound for disposal and located at motor vehicle disposal

facilities, a person recovering the refrigerant, whether a certified

technician or motor vehicle disposal facility owner, operator, or

employee, would be able to transfer the refrigerant off-site for

recycling or reclamation in accordance with the conditions described

below.

The conditions described below in section (a) propose who may

recover refrigerant from a motor vehicle disposal facility, and what

kind of equipment should be used to recover refrigerant. Section (b)

proposes who may purchase refrigerant recovered from a motor vehicle

disposal facility, and section (c) proposes how refrigerant recovered

by the persons described in (a) or (b) should be processed prior to

reuse. Section (d) discusses recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

Section (e) provides a general discussion of minimizing contamination

of refrigerant from motor vehicle disposal facilities and requests

comment on certain issues relating to the proposals described herein.

a. Recovery of refrigerant from MVACs at motor vehicle disposal

facilities. The proposed restriction set forth in Sec. 82.32(e)(3)

states that equipment capable of reducing system pressure to or below

102 mm of mercury vacuum must be used to recover the refrigerant. This

proposal simply references a provision previously adopted under section

608. It is repeated here for purposes of clarification only.

The proposal would also require in Sec. 82.34(d) that any person

recovering refrigerant from MVACs at a motor vehicle disposal facility

who is not employed at or by the facility, or who is not the owner or

operator of the facility, be a section 608 or section 609 certified

technician. With respect to class I and class II substances, sections

608(a) and (b) authorize the restriction on who may recover

refrigerant. Under section 608, the Administrator may prescribe

standards and equipment regarding the use and disposal of class I or II

substances, in order to reduce the use and emissions of these

substances to the lowest achievable level, and to maximize the

recapture and recycling of these substances. The Administrator also may

establish standards and requirements regarding the safe disposal of

these substances.

Although sections 608(a) and (b) authorize the restriction on who

may recover refrigerant from a motor vehicle disposal facility with

respect to class I or II substances, these sections do not directly

require regulation of the use of substitute refrigerants that are not

class I or class II substances. Section 608(c)(2), however, does

prohibit the

[[Page 9017]]

knowing \1\ venting or release of such substitutes during the

maintenance, repair, service or disposal of an appliance where the

refrigerant may enter the environment, unless the Administrator has

determined that such venting, release, or disposal does not pose a

threat to the environment. De minimis releases associated with good

faith efforts to recapture and recycle or safely dispose of the

refrigerant are not subject to this prohibition. Releases associated

with recovery that does not comply with the regulations would not be

considered de minimus. This venting prohibition is self-effectuating,

and went into effect on November 15, 1995 with respect to substitutes

for class I or class II substances. In today's rulemaking, EPA is

proposing to define the kind of recovery and recycling practices that

must be followed in order to avoid violating the prohibition on venting

substitutes for class I or class II refrigerants. The requirement that

only a section 608 or section 609 certified technician or an owner,

operator, or employee of a motor vehicle disposal facility extract the

substitute refrigerant from an MVAC at a motor vehicle disposal

facility is a reasonable exercise of this authority, because extraction

is an intentional activity, and any release associated with it would be

considered a knowing release. In addition, it is reasonable to presume

there will be a release associated with extraction, unless the person

can show that in fact there was no such release. EPA is therefore

proposing that it be a prohibited act to extract substitute refrigerant

from MVACs at motor vehicle disposal facilities without meeting the

requirements described in this proposal. A showing that there was no

release would serve as an affirmative defense to this prohibition.

\1\ EPA interprets the term ``knowing'' as used in section

608(c)(1) to mean a general intent, and not a specific intent to

release or vent the refrigerant.

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The proposed restriction on who may recover refrigerant serves to

prohibit from recovering refrigerant at motor vehicle disposal

facilities persons who are not certified under the Act to handle

refrigerants, unless they are owners, operators or employees of the

facilities. Because these persons have not been trained in the proper

methods of recovering refrigerant from an MVAC system, they are more

likely to vent refrigerant in the process of extracting it, and are

less likely to know how to protect the purity of the refrigerant.

Allowing these persons to recover class I and class II refrigerants at

motor vehicle disposal facilities would not be consistent with the

Agency's mandate to establish requirements that would maximize the

recapture and recycling of class I and class II refrigerants. Allowing

them to recover substitute refrigerants would not be consistent with

the section 608(c) venting prohibition.

The Act currently permits owners, operators and employees of motor

vehicle disposal facilities to recover refrigerants from MVACs located

at the facilities even though they may not be certified and therefore

trained in the proper handling of these refrigerants. The Agency

intends to continue to permit this activity. Under this proposed

rulemaking, refrigerant handled by these persons must be transferred

either to a reclaimer, or to a 608 technician, who in turn sells it to

a reclaimer, or to a 609 technician, who recycles the refrigerant. In

all of these instances, because the refrigerant is either recycled or

reclaimed, the purity of that refrigerant should be protected. In

addition, many owners, operators and employees of these facilities may

have already invested in equipment that they use to recover

refrigerant, and may currently have in place contracts to sell the

refrigerant extracted from MVACs at the facilities. If the Agency had

decided instead to begin to prohibit owners, operators and employees of

motor vehicle disposal facilities from recovering refrigerant (so that

only certified technicians could recover refrigerant), these persons

might be unable to use any equipment they had already purchased, and in

violation of contracts previously entered into. In order to assure that

motor vehicle disposal facility owners and operators maximize the

recapture of class I and class II refrigerants as required by section

608(a) of the Act, and refrain from venting substitute refrigerants as

required by section 608(c) of the Act, the Agency has traditionally

relied on a combination of providing the industry with informational

guidance and requiring the industry to meet regulatory mandates. Rather

than requiring that owners and operators of motor vehicle disposal

facilities become certified technicians, the Agency proposes to

continue to publish guidance alerting the industry of the environmental

consequences of releasing refrigerant, refrigerant salvage techniques,

and the importance of not mixing different refrigerants.

b. Restriction on sale of recovered refrigerant. The proposal

includes a restriction set forth at Sec. 82.34(d) on who may purchase

refrigerant recovered from a motor vehicle disposal facility. For class

I and II substances recovered from MVACs, sections 608 and 609

authorize the proposed sales restriction. While section 609 is limited

to restricting the sale of class I or II substances in small containers

for use in MVACs, section 608 authorizes a broader sales restriction.

The sales restriction provision proposed today for inclusion in

Sec. 82.34(d) basically repeats the sales restrictions previously

promulgated at Secs. 82.34(b) and 82.154(n). This proposal makes clear

that the restriction applies with respect to class I or II substances

recovered from MVACs during the disposal process.

The current sales restriction in section 609(e) does not extend to

substitute refrigerants that are neither class I nor class II

substances. EPA is currently developing a proposal addressing the use

of substitutes under section 608, and is considering extending the

sales restriction to such substitutes. EPA will address the sale of

substitutes recovered from MVACs during the disposal process in that

rulemaking. Section F of this preamble provides additional discussion

with respect to restrictions on the sales of motor vehicle

refrigerants.

c. Subsequent use of recovered refrigerant. Section 82.32(e) of the

regulatory text proposed today would require that certified technicians

process refrigerant recovered from a motor vehicle disposal facility

through section 609 approved recycling equipment before it could be

used to charge or recharge an MVAC. (In the concomitant proposed

amendments to section 608 of the Act, EPA intends to propose similar

requirements for refrigerant that is used to charge an MVAC-like

appliance.) The only exception to this recycling requirement would be

where the recovered refrigerant has been reclaimed to the appropriate

level of purity. Section 609 authorizes this restriction with respect

to MVACs, both for class I and class II substances as well as

substitutes. A certified technician purchasing or accepting refrigerant

from MVACs bound for disposal and located at a motor vehicle disposal

facility is responsible to assure that the refrigerant is recycled

properly prior to being charged into another MVAC or MVAC-like

appliance and should not rely on assurances from the disposal facility

that the refrigerant has been recycled.

Further, if refrigerant recovered from a motor vehicle disposal

facility is to be recycled in section 609 approved refrigerant

recycling equipment prior to reuse, the refrigerant may subsequently be

charged only into an MVAC or an MVAC-like appliance. This proposal

essentially references the requirement previously adopted in 40 CFR

82.154(g) and (h) that refrigerant recovered from

[[Page 9018]]

a 608 appliance that is to be charged into any type of appliance other

than an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance must first be reclaimed. It is

repeated here for purposes of clarification only.

d. Recordkeeping and reporting. Today's proposed rule does not

require any additional recordkeeping relating to refrigerant recovered

from MVACs prior to disposal. Requiring disposal facilities to track

refrigerant, and to demonstrate how the refrigerant in each MVAC was

handled prior to the disposal of the vehicle, would inhibit the

activity EPA is encouraging in today's rule. Further, a recordkeeping

requirement would add an undue administrative burden to industry

because of the large number of vehicles disposed of annually, and would

provide no additional benefit to the environment.

e. Minimizing contamination/requests for comment. The Agency is

concerned that the purity of the supply of each automotive refrigerant

be maintained. Although motor vehicle air conditioning has long been

dominated by CFC-12, automotive manufacturers now install HFC-134a in

new car systems, while some refrigerant manufacturers are attempting to

establish large markets for other CFC-12 substitutes in vehicles. This

proliferation of refrigerants in the section 609 sector increases the

chances of contamination in individual systems. Contaminated

refrigerant supplies may create MVAC system failures as well as

failures of refrigerant recover/recycle equipment, leading to emissions

of refrigerants and to increased costs for both service facilities and

motor vehicle owners. In addition, contaminated refrigerant may be

extremely difficult to recycle, reclaim, or dispose of, so that it is

likely to be vented into the atmosphere.

i. Contaminated MVAC systems entering the disposal facility.

Refrigerant recovered from MVACs bound for disposal at motor vehicle

disposal facilities may of course be contaminated by refrigerants not

approved for motor vehicle use, such as HCFC-22 or blends containing

hydrocarbons. The Agency believes that permitting the recovery and

recycling/reclamation of refrigerant from these MVACs will not

significantly increase the possibility of contamination of the

automotive refrigerant supply, for two reasons. First, nearly all MVACs

currently being disposed of use only CFC-12. Second, MVACs using any

other refrigerants are required by EPA to have unique fittings and a

label stating the type of refrigerant used in the air-conditioning

system. EPA strongly recommends, but is not requiring, that the person

recovering the refrigerant at the facility identify the type of

refrigerant prior to recovery, using refrigerant identifier equipment.

EPA believes that the proper recovery and recycling/reclamation of

refrigerant from vehicles located at disposal facilities, as described

in this proposal, should serve to minimize the possibility of

contaminated refrigerant supplies from disposal facilities.

ii. Improper practices at disposal facilities which would result in

mixing or contamination of refrigerants. In order to minimize the

chances of mixed refrigerants coming from motor vehicle disposal

facilities, it may be necessary to require that persons recovering

refrigerant at the facilities change the type of equipment that they

now use. Current regulations in 82.158(l) provide that any person

recovering refrigerant from an MVAC at a disposal facility must use

equipment capable of reducing the system pressure to 102 mm (about 4

inches) of mercury vacuum. Although the Agency is today proposing to

continue to permit persons recovering refrigerant from MVACs at

disposal facilities to do so, the Agency is concerned that these

persons may not properly purge or clear the recovery equipment prior to

extracting another type of refrigerant with that equipment, or that

they may not otherwise take the correct precautions to ensure that only

one type of refrigerant is recovered into a container. Depending on the

design of the equipment, significant quantities of refrigerant may be

left behind in the condenser of the equipment after the recovery or

recycling process is complete. This issue was discussed at length in

the proposal and final rule for the original section 608 regulations.

Parties interested in this issue should review the discussion of it in

the final 608 regulations at 58 FR 28681-682.

EPA is consequently interested in receiving comments from the

public as to whether the current requirement should be changed to

satisfy this concern. Specifically, EPA would like to receive comments

addressing whether EPA should require that persons recovering

refrigerant must instead use (i) only equipment that meets the

definition of ``approved refrigerant recycling equipment'' set forth in

Sec. 82.32(b) (i.e., equipment approved under section 609), (ii) only

equipment that meets the definition of ``certified refrigerant recovery

or recycling equipment'' set forth in Sec. 82.152(c) (i.e., equipment

approved under section 608), or (iii) equipment that meets either the

definition set forth in Sec. 82.32(b) or the definition set forth in

Sec. 82.152(c). Equipment approved under section 609 is generally

dedicated to recovering and/or recycling a single refrigerant, with the

exception of certain equipment designed for recycling both CFC-12 and

HFC-134a which uses either two separate circuits or common circuitry.

The Agency is not aware of any equipment approved under section 609

that recovers but does not recycle multiple refrigerants. Equipment

approved under section 608 is generally designed for use with multiple

refrigerants but uses a common circuit. Refrigerant from section 608

appliances must either be returned to the same system or reclaimed. For

both section 608 and section 609 approved equipment that handles

multiple refrigerants using common circuitry, certain equipment

features are designed to prevent cross contamination. In addition,

technicians are instructed on how to clear the equipment of residual

refrigerant between jobs.

In order to minimize the chances of contaminated refrigerants

coming from motor vehicle disposal facilities, it may be necessary to

limit sales of refrigerant by owners, operators and employees of these

facilities to section 608 certified technicians only. Section 609

certified technicians, rather than purchasing refrigerant from the

facility owners, would have to recover the refrigerant themselves.

Although the Agency does not wish to impose requirements on the

disposal industry that would discourage recovery of refrigerants to

such an extent that the requirements defeat the goals of Title VI of

the Act, the Agency is particularly concerned that facilities that

dismantle both refrigerators, residential air conditioners and other

section 608 appliances, and motor vehicles, may engage in the practice

of recovering from section 608 appliances refrigerant that is high in

acid levels due to compressor burn-out, and then selling that

refrigerant to a section 609 certified technician for use in an MVAC or

MVAC-like appliance. Efforts to identify the refrigerant would not show

that the refrigerant was contaminated by these acids. Sources such as

residential air conditioners and refrigerators are much more likely to

have ceased operation because of compressor burn-out, a condition which

may be remedied through reclamation to the ARI 700 standard achieved in

reclamation but not through recycling in section 609 approved

refrigerant recycling equipment. The Agency is interested in receiving

comments on this issue.

2. Mobile Recovery and Recycling

EPA has in the past not permitted a technician to transport his

approved refrigerant recycling equipment off-site to perform air

conditioning service for

[[Page 9019]]

an automobile body shop, service station, dealership or other facility

that services MVACs or MVAC-like appliances, although the technician

has been permitted to take the approved equipment to a facility where

such servicing is generally not performed for consideration, such as a

farm or personal residence. While this off-site, or mobile, service

policy was directly addressed in an Applicability Determination dated

July 22, 1994, and later addressed in a September 22, 1994

clarification of that Applicability Determination, the policy was not

directly addressed in the original rule.

The original rule does require, however, that refrigerant may only

be recycled off-site if the refrigerant is first extracted from an MVAC

using recover-only equipment, and is then recycled off-site using

equipment owned by the person who owns both the recover-only equipment

and the establishment at which the refrigerant is extracted. In all

other instances, refrigerant removed from the location where it is

extracted has to be reclaimed to ARI 700 standards to assure purity.

EPA believes that this requirement minimizes prospects of contamination

of MVACs.

This on-site/off-site distinction discussed in the original rule,

however, may be distinguished from the mobile service discussed in

today's proposal. EPA required the on-site/off-site distinction because

of its concern that refrigerant from non-MVAC air conditioning or

refrigeration systems might contaminate MVAC systems and recycling

equipment, particularly since MVAC recycling equipment is not designed

to remove contaminants from non-MVAC systems. In contrast, the mobile

service discussed in today's proposal would not increase the risk of

contamination from non-MVAC sources, because EPA is limiting the mobile

service to MVACs where the refrigerant must still be recycled on-site

to the appropriate section 609 standard prior to reuse in another MVAC

or in an MVAC-like appliance.

The goal of EPA's past prohibition on transportation of equipment

off-site to perform air-conditioning service was to enhance compliance

by encouraging MVAC service facilities to obtain their own approved

equipment and to have their employees certified under section 609. EPA

has based its interpretation that the 609 regulations preclude such

mobile recovery and recycling for MVACs on the certification provision

at Sec. 82.42(a)(1). In the Applicability Determination dated July 22,

1994, EPA stated that since the certification form specifies the

address of the establishment where the equipment will be located, the

equipment may therefore not be moved from the address where the service

is performed. The Agency also stated in the Determination that while

current regulations allow MVACs to be transported to a facility where

approved equipment is located and serviced there, that facility may not

transport the equipment to a second facility where such equipment is

not located, and service the MVAC at the second facility.

EPA is proposing to change these provisions and allow an expanded

use of mobile recovery and recycle units. EPA intends to publish an

amendment to section 608 of the Act proposing that the same activity be

explicitly permitted with respect to the mobile servicing of MVAC-like

appliances. EPA believes that the mobile service policy has failed to

encourage MVAC service facilities to obtain their own approved

equipment or to have their employees certified under section 609.

Consequently, today's rulemaking proposes to explicitly permit mobile

servicing of MVACs. In its reconsideration, EPA determined that

allowing mobile service performed by certified technicians using

approved equipment encourages proper use of the equipment and

discourages venting of refrigerant. This policy also increases the

flexibility of industry to choose the mode of compliance by allowing

businesses that do not specialize in MVAC service to contract their

MVAC services that involve refrigerant to a section 609 certified

technician. The definition of ``properly using'' set forth in

Sec. 82.32(e) would consequently be amended to explicitly permit this

activity. This proposed provision would apply to servicing both CFC-12

and any substitutes for CFC-12 in MVACs. An MVAC service facility

engaging a mobile technician would be responsible to ensure that the

technician is properly certified. The technician's showing the facility

his section 609 certification card should provide a sufficient

demonstration to the facility that he is properly certified. The Agency

is interested in receiving comments with respect to whether the MVAC

service facility engaging the technician should be responsible to

ensure that the technician is using section 609 approved recycling

equipment.

The definition of ``properly using'' in section 609(b) provides the

Administrator discretion to include the use of mobile recovery and

recycling. The certification provision in section 609(d) requires that

persons who perform service on MVACs for consideration must acquire and

properly use approved equipment for servicing involving refrigerant.

Where mobile recovery is involved, the person with the service facility

has not acquired approved equipment, but the person who actually

performs the service under the proposed provision would be a certified

technician using approved equipment acquired by that technician or

their employer. EPA believes it is a reasonable interpretation of

section 609(d) to allow the use of mobile recovery and recycling under

these circumstances, as the text of section 609(d) can be interpreted

to include this and it will further the purposes of this section by

promoting the proper use of approved equipment and reducing the amount

of improper servicing or discharge.

B. Standards for Recover/Recycle Equipment

Section 609 of the Act authorizes the Agency to establish standards

for the equipment used in recovering and recycling MVAC refrigerant.

Section 82.36(a) of the regulations specifies that equipment that

recovers and recycles CFC-12 refrigerant must meet the standards set

forth in appendix A. Equipment that only recovers CFC-12 to be

reclaimed or recycled by separate equipment must meet the standards set

forth in appendix B. Today's rulemaking adds standards for HFC-134a

recover/recycle equipment, HFC-134a recover-only equipment, service

procedures for HFC-134a containment, purity of recycled HFC-134a,

equipment intended for use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a, and recover-

only equipment designed to be used with FRIGCTM or other class I

and/or class II refrigerants other than CFC-12.

These standards, proposed today as appendix C, D, E and F to the

regulations promulgated under section 609, represent a consensus of the

Interior Climate Control Committee of SAE. This committee is made up of

automotive industry experts, equipment and supply manufacturers, and

chemical producers. SAE issued the standards (SAE J1990, J1991, J1989)

later adopted by EPA in appendix A and the Agency believes that the

standards set forth in today's rulemaking as appendices C, D, E, and F

are consistent with the specifications required in those standards for

recovery, recycling, refrigerant purity, and service procedures.

The Agency believes that the standards are appropriate for recovery

and recycling because they achieve environmental protection through

recycling and containment of refrigerant, and protect automobile

equipment through minimum refrigerant purity standards and service

[[Page 9020]]

procedure standards. The standards being proposed are based on SAE

J2099 (Standard of Purity for Recycled HFC-134a), SAE J2211

(Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of HFC-134a), SAE

J2210 (Standard for HFC-134a Recycling Equipment), SAE J1732 (HFC-134a

Extraction Equipment for Mobile Air Conditioning Systems) and SAE J1770

(Standard for Recycling Equipment Intended for Use with Both CFC-12 and

HFC-134a).

Appendix F, Standard for Recover-only Equipment that Extracts Class

I or Class II Refrigerants Other Than CFC-12, is based on SAE J2209

(CFC-12 Extraction Equipment for Mobile Air Conditioning Systems).

Since SAE is not at this time developing a standard specifically for

FRIGCTM or any other class I or class II refrigerant other than

CFC-12, the Agency developed a standard in cooperation with SAE and

other industry representatives. Equipment that is certified by an

approved testing organization to meet these SAE standards prior to the

proposed standards in this rule becoming final will be considered EPA-

approved equipment.

Under section 609 of the Act, standards developed by the

Administrator for approved refrigerant recycling equipment shall, at a

minimum, be as stringent as SAE J1990 in effect as of November 15,

1990. The standards proposed today as appendices C, D, E and F are as

stringent as SAE J1990 regarding the equipment standards for

refrigerant purification, equipment testing, and equipment operation

and performance. The proposed standards are nearly identical to the SAE

J1990 standard, with the exception that the standards proposed today

are more stringent than J1990, in that they specify a higher minimum

vacuum requirement of 102 mm of mercury, compared to the general

requirement in J1990 that refrigerant extraction be performed ``to a

vacuum.'' This will help prevent any refrigerant from being vented by

ensuring that all refrigerant has been removed from an MVAC system

prior to opening it to the atmosphere. Among the provisions contained

in the appendices proposed today that are as stringent as those in

J1990 are the following: The moisture, acid and particulate removal and

non-condensable gas purging requirements of the proposed standards; the

requirements for operating instructions and safety requirements; the

requirements for overfill, pressure relief, portable tanks and

containers, hoses, and lubricant separation; and the testing

requirements that verify that the equipment operates properly.

The Act also requires that standards establishing proper service

procedures shall, at a minimum, be as stringent as SAE J1989 in effect

as of November 15, 1990. The standards proposed today are equally as

stringent as the SAE J1989 regarding the recovery, recycling and other

handling of refrigerant associated with the servicing of MVACs. The

proposed standards are nearly identical to the SAE J1989 standards. SAE

J1989 required that the recovery equipment be operated until the

pressure be reduced ``to a vacuum''. The proposed standard specifies a

vacuum of 102 mm of mercury. The standards provide pressure and

temperature tables to provide for safe handling of refrigerant storage

containers. The tables are as a stringent as the requirements of J1990.

1. Standards for HFC-134a Recover/Recycle Equipment

Today's proposed rule adopts a standard for HFC-134a recycling

equipment for mobile air-conditioning. This standard establishes

specific minimum equipment requirements for the recycling of HFC-134a

that has been directly removed from, and is intended for reuse in,

mobile air-conditioning systems.

Today's proposed rule requires that the recycling equipment meet

the standards set forth in appendix C to this rule. The standard

contains specifications for labeling the recovery equipment once it is

certified, safety requirements, operating instruction and a functional

description of the equipment, including hose and fitting specification,

overfill protection requirements and storage tank requirements. The

standard provides a procedure to test the equipment to verify that it

meets the specifications of the standard.

Today's rule adds a standard for purity for recycled HFC-134a that

establishes the minimum level of purity required for recycled HFC-134a

removed from, and intended for reuse in, mobile air-conditioning

systems. The standard sets purity specifications for levels of

moisture, lubricant and noncondensable gases, and is set forth in

appendix C to this rule.

Today's rule also proposes a standard recommended service procedure

for containment of HFC-134a, set forth in appendix C, that provides

guidelines for the technicians that service MVACs and operate

refrigerant recycling equipment designed for HFC-134a. The proposed

standard provides specific procedures to recover the refrigerant by

reducing system pressure to at least 102 mm of mercury vacuum. The

standard contains requirements for stored refrigerant containers and

disposal of empty containers.

The standard set forth in appendix C is nearly identical to the SAE

J2210 standard issued by SAE December 1992. The differences between SAE

J2210 and appendix C are incidental, such as grammatical corrections

and spelling, and do not affect the requirements of the standard.

2. Standard for HFC-134a Recover-Only Equipment

Today's proposed rule adds standards for equipment that recovers

refrigerant but does not recycle the refrigerant by removing

impurities. Refrigerant recovered by this type of equipment must be

properly recycled on-site or reclaimed off-site before it can be reused

in an MVAC. The proposed rule requires that equipment meets the

standards set forth in appendix D to this rule. The standard requires

that the container for used refrigerant be marked in black print

``Dirty Refrigerant--Do Not Use Without Recycling.'' The standard

states that the recovery equipment be able to separate the refrigerant

from the recovered refrigerant and indicate the amount of lubricant

removed so that the technician can return the proper amount of

lubricant to the system.

The standard set forth in appendix D is nearly identical to the SAE

J1732 standard issued by SAE in December 1994. The differences between

SAE J1732 and appendix D are incidental, such as grammatical and

spelling, corrections and do not affect the requirements of the

standard.

3. Standard for Automotive Refrigerant Recycling Equipment Intended for

Use With Both CFC-12 and HFC-134a

Today's proposed rule adds a standard that establishes specific

minimum equipment requirements for automotive refrigerant recycling

equipment intended for use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a in a common

refrigerant circuit. The proposed rule requires that equipment meets

the standards set forth in appendix E to this rule. The proposed

standard in appendix E requires labeling of the equipment after

certification, and includes requirements to prevent cross contamination

before operations involving a different refrigerant can begin. These

requirements include interlocks and indications to prevent cross

contamination. The standard contains requirements to purify the

refrigerant, safety requirements and functional description of the

equipment, requirements for labeling of the storage tanks to identify

CFC-12 and HFC-

[[Page 9021]]

134a, and hose and connection requirements. Today's proposed standard

also provides guidelines for testing the equipment to verify that it

meets the requirements of the standard.

The standard set forth in appendix E is nearly identical to the SAE

J1770 standard issued by SAE in December, 1995. The differences between

SAE J1770 and appendix E are incidental, such as grammatical and

spelling corrections, and do not affect the requirements of the

standard.

4. Standard for Recover-Only Equipment That Extracts Class I or Class

II Refrigerants Other Than CFC-12

Today's proposed rule adds standards for equipment that recovers

but does not recycle refrigerants other than CFC-12 and HFC-134a. The

refrigerant that is recovered by this type of equipment must be

properly reclaimed before it can be reused in an MVAC. The proposed

rule requires that equipment meets the standards set forth in appendix

F. Appendix F is based on the recover-only standard for CFC-12. The

standard states that the recovery equipment be able to separate the

lubricant from the recovered refrigerant and indicate the amount of

lubricant removed so that the technician can return the proper amount

of lubricant to the system.

C. Substantially Identical Equipment

Section 609 of the Act provides that equipment purchased before the

proposal of standards shall be considered certified if it is

substantially identical to equipment certified by the EPA or by an

independent standards testing organization approved by EPA. Section

82.36(b) of the regulations states that recover/recycle equipment

designed for use with CFC-12 and purchased before the proposal of the

standards for refrigerant recycling equipment in appendix A (i.e.,

before September 4, 1991) shall be considered certified if it is

``substantially identical'' to equipment approved under Sec. 82.36(a).

Today's proposal would apply the Act's ``substantially identical''

provision to recover/recycle and recover-only equipment that services

HFC-134a MVACs, recover/recycle equipment intended for use with both

CFC-12 and HFC-134a MVACs, and equipment that recovers but does not

recycle class I and class II refrigerants other than CFC-12. These

types of equipment will be considered approved if they are

substantially identical to equipment approved under Sec. 82.36(a) and

if they were purchased prior to the date of today's proposal. A

manufacturer or owner may request a determination from EPA on the point

of whether a particular model is substantially identical.

The Agency's views on implementation of the ``substantially

identical'' provision are discussed in some detail in the September 4,

1991 Notice. EPA considers equipment to be substantially identical if

it performs equivalently to the equipment that is certified to meet all

the approved equipment standards but was purchased prior to the date of

publication of the appropriate EPA proposed standard. In general, EPA

proposes to follow the same strict approach in implementing the

substantially identical provision for the equipment subject to the

standards proposed today as for recover/recycle and recover-only

equipment that services CFC-12 MVACs. EPA is aware of some cases in

which equipment purchased before the publication of the proposal to

today's rule was produced by manufacturers that have not yet received a

certification on any model or by manufacturers that no longer make

equipment. In situations where equipment was purchased without

certification and no model by that manufacturer achieves certification,

EPA will evaluate the equipment on a model-by-model basis before making

a substantially identical determination. Owners of the equipment, if

they cannot contact manufacturers to determine the status of equipment,

may submit process flowsheets and lists of components to EPA. EPA

reserves the right to inspect the equipment and request samples of

refrigerant if necessary. The address for submittal of information is:

MVACs Recycling Program Manager, Stratospheric Protection Division,

(6205J), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, S.W.,

Washington, D.C. 20460, Attention: Substantially Identical Equipment

Review. EPA will maintain a strict interpretation of the substantially

identical clause in order to protect the air-conditioning units and the

integrity of the recycling program. As a result, the Agency does not

anticipate that many types of equipment subject to the standards

proposed today will qualify as substantially identical through this

evaluation procedure.

The Agency is aware that some HFC-134a recover-only equipment has

been sold prior to SAE's issuance of the J1732 standard for HFC-134a

recover-only equipment in December, 1994 and that some dual refrigerant

recycling equipment has been sold prior to SAE's issuance of the J1770

standard for equipment that recovers both CFC-12 and HFC-134a in

December, 1995. Because no SAE standard was in place at the time of

sale, the equipment could not be certified for EPA approval by UL or

ETL. In such an event, i.e., where units are sold prior to the

publication of the appropriate SAE standard, so that there is no

sticker or plate on the unit showing that the model has been tested by

UL or ETL to meet the appropriate SAE standard, and later, after

publication of the standard, units of the same model are certified by

UL or ETL, the Agency is considering treating the units sold prior to

the publication of the standard to be substantially identical. The

Agency reserves the right, however, to terminate such treatment of

earlier units in the event the Agency receives evidence that some

earlier units of that model (e.g., prior to serial number xxxxx) were

not able to achieve one or more of the provisions of the appropriate

SAE standard. In that instance, the manufacturer will have to

demonstrate to EPA that the units in question are substantially

identical before EPA would make a determination to that effect. The

Agency recognizes that manufacturers of units sold prior to the

publication of the appropriate SAE standard may consider developing

retrofit kits to bring pre-certification units up to the performance

standard of certified units.

It should be noted that some dual refrigerant recycling equipment

sold prior to SAE's issuance of the J1770 standard for equipment that

recovers both CFC-12 and HFC-134a in December, 1995, may be labeled

with a UL or ETL sticker that indicates that the unit meets SAE J-1990

and J-2210. The Agency does not consider that these units necessarily

meet the J1770 standard. In the event that later versions of the same

model of equipment become certified by UL or ETL to meet the J1770

standard, then, as discussed above, the Agency is considering treating

the units sold prior to the publication of the standard to be

substantially identical, although EPA reserves the right to terminate

this determination as noted above.

The Agency is aware of several models of automotive refrigerant

recycling equipment intended for use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a

where units have been sold prior to the publication of SAE standard

J1770. These models are the SPX/Robinair model numbers 12134A and

17800A, the White Industries model number 01234a, and the American

Thermoflo model number 18000. After reviewing the equipment

specifications and performance for each of these models, the Agency

proposes to determine that they are substantially identical to

equipment EPA would approve

[[Page 9022]]

according to the standards set forth in this proposal.

D. Approved Independent Testing Organizations

Section 82.38 establishes the criteria for approval of testing

laboratories or organizations to certify whether equipment governed by

the regulations meets the standards set forth in the regulations. Under

the July 14, 1992 final rule and the May 2, 1995 supplemental final

rule, approved organizations would determine whether recover/recycle

and recover-only equipment meets the standards set forth in the

appendices to the rule, which were based on SAE standards. Today's

rulemaking will expand that provision so that these approved

organizations will be able to determine whether the equipment subject

to today's proposal meets the standards set forth in the appropriate

appendices.

Because the application materials received by the Agency from UL on

October 21, 1991, and from ETL on November 27, 1991 demonstrate that

both organizations have met the criteria set forth in Sec. 82.38(b)

with respect to all equipment subject to today's proposal, and because

the Agency has received written requests from both UL and ETL stating

that all the application criteria are still being met and requesting

that they be approved to certify the equipment subject to today's

proposal, the Agency intends to approve UL and ETL to certify this

equipment, effective as of the effective date of this final rulemaking.

EPA encourages applications from other facilities that are capable

of testing equipment to the necessary standards. Organizations must

demonstrate that they have the experience and the appropriate equipment

to perform testing. The EPA will maintain a list of approved

independent standards testing organizations available upon request at

the address set forth in Sec. 82.38. The Agency reserves the right to

revoke approval if the testing organization violates any of the

requirements contained in Sec. 82.38.

E. Technician Training and Certification

Section 82.40 established the standards for programs approved to

train and certify technicians. The standards cover training, the

subject material that must be covered by each program, and minimum test

administration procedures. Summaries of reviews of programs must be

submitted every two years and programs must offer technicians proof of

certification upon successful completion of the test.

At this time, over twenty organizations have been approved by EPA

to train and certify technicians in the use of recover-recycle and

recover-only equipment that services CFC-12 MVACs. Ten of these

organizations train and certify their employees, while the remaining

train members of the general public. While EPA's approval of these

organizations has been limited to equipment that services CFC-12 MVACs,

the Agency believes that for purposes of training and certification

conducted prior to 30 days after the publication of the final rule

following this proposal, these organizations should also be considered

as approved for purposes of the equipment and refrigerants subject to

today's proposal. As discussed below, the design features of recover/

recycle and recover-only equipment subject to today's proposal are very

similar to the design features of CFC-12 equipment, and the procedures

for extracting refrigerant are very similar for all types of equipment.

The organizations have previously shown their compliance with the

provisions regarding test administration and proof of certification.

Retraining and recertifying of technicians already certified to use

CFC-12 equipment would produce only a limited environmental benefit. In

addition, such retraining and recertification would impose a large

burden on the technicians and the organizations that certify them. For

these reasons, EPA intends to approve the 25 organizations noted above

for any training and certification of technicians they conducted prior

to 30 days after publication of the final rule in the use of the

equipment and refrigerants subject to today's proposal.

EPA also intends to approve the above-noted currently approved

organizations for future training and certification of technicians for

the use of the equipment and refrigerants subject to today's proposal

on the condition that the organization certify in writing to the Agency

that its training materials discuss the standards set forth in

appendices C, D, E, and F, as finally adopted, and that its testing

materials include questions concerning those standards. Each of the

above organizations that submits such a certification shall be approved

upon the date which is the later of (i) the effective date of the final

rule, or (ii) the receipt by the Agency of such a certification.

Organizations that do not submit such a certification will not be

approved to train and certify future technicians for the use of the

equipment and refrigerants subject to today's proposal.

As noted above, the prior training and testing of previously

approved technicians for CFC-12 equipment adequately and sufficiently

covers the standards set forth in appendices C, D, E, and F because of

the large overlap between the text of the standard based on SAE J1990

contained in appendix A and the standards based on the SAE standards

contained in appendices C, D, E and F. In all of these appendices, the

following provisions are identical or nearly identical: safety

requirements; requirement that the manufacturer must provide operating

instructions; requirement that the equipment must ensure the

refrigerant recovery by reducing system pressure below atmospheric to a

minimum of 102 mm of mercury; the preconditioning of the equipment with

a contaminated sample; the composition of that contaminated sample; the

requirement that the equipment must be certified by UL or an equivalent

certifying laboratory; the requirement that the label on the equipment

must state that it has been design certified to meet applicable SAE

standards; and the additional storage tank requirements.

Where the SAE J1990-based standards in appendix A differ from the

SAE J1732-based standards in appendices D and F, they differ largely

because appendix A contains many provisions that relate to the recycle

portion of the equipment operation and which are thus not applicable to

appendices D and F. For example, appendix A describes requirements for

the recycling test cycle and for the quantitative determination of

moisture, lubricant, and noncondensable gas in that cycle.

A review of SAE J1732 indicates that it contains two provisions

that relate to the recovery of refrigerant for which there are no

equivalent provisions in SAE J1990. First, section 6.3.2 of SAE J1732

requires that the equipment discharge or transfer fitting shall be \1/

2\'' ACME thread. SAE did not consider this requirement until after the

publication of the final version of J1990. This requirement guards

against mixing of different refrigerants by using unique fittings.

Second, section 6.1 of SAE J1732 requires that the unit must have a

device that assures that refrigerant has been recovered so that

outgassing is prevented. Although there is no equivalent to this

provision in SAE J1990, J1989 requires safeguards to prevent

outgassing.

EPA encourages applications from other organizations that are

capable of training and testing technicians. Organizations must

demonstrate that they have the appropriate experience to perform the

training and testing and

[[Page 9023]]

meet the other requirements of Sec. 82.40. The materials must cover the

subjects described in 40 CFR 82.40. Approved organizations must

demonstrate that the tests they offer will be graded by a computer

scanner or disinterested, independent party. The EPA will maintain a

list of approved testing and training organizations available upon

request at the address set forth in Sec. 82.38. The Agency reserves the

right to revoke approval of the organization pursuant to provisions set

forth in Sec. 82.40.

F. Sales Restrictions

Section 609 made it unlawful, effective November 15, 1992, for any

person to sell or distribute, or offer for sale or distribution, except

to section 609 certified technicians, any class I or class II substance

suitable for use as refrigerant in a motor vehicle air-conditioning

system and that is in a container with less than 20 pounds of

refrigerant. Consequently, sales of small cans of CFC-12, as well as

small cans of FRIGC and any other HCFC blend which EPA's Significant

New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program may determine to be acceptable

as a substitute for CFC-12 in MVACs, are limited to section 609

certified technicians. In addition, section 608 regulations that became

effective November 14, 1994 (58 FR 28714) restrict the sales of all

containers (regardless of size) of any class I or II refrigerant to

technicians certified under either section 608 or section 609 of the

Act.

In conjunction with the publication of this proposal for changes to

the regulations promulgated under section 609 of the Act, the Agency is

proposing in a separate rule several changes to the regulations

promulgated under section 608 of the Act. The proposed changes to the

section 608 regulations are intended for publication on or about the

date of publication of this section 609 proposed rule. The proposed

changes to the section 608 regulations, pursuant to the mandate of

section 608(c)(2), establish standards and requirements for the

servicing of appliances and industrial process refrigeration that use

refrigerants that substitute for the currently-regulated class I or

class II substances. In addition, in that proposal, the Agency may

include a provision proposing to restrict the sale of substitute

refrigerants, including HFC-134a, to technicians certified under either

section 608 or section 609 of the Act. Should the Agency determine to

propose such a sales restriction, the proposed changes to the

regulatory text and explanatory discussion in the preamble would be

entirely contained in the section 608 proposed rule, even though the

changes would also affect industries governed under section 609--

automotive refrigerant distributors, automobile manufacturers, and the

automotive service industry. All parties interested whether EPA decides

to institute a sales restriction are therefore urged to review the

language contained in the section 608 proposal.

III. Summary of Supporting Analyses

A. Executive Order 12866

Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), the

Agency must determine whether this regulatory action is ``significant''

and therefore subject to OMB review and the requirements of the

Executive Order. The Order defines ``significant'' regulatory action as

one that is likely to lead to a rule that may:

(1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more,

or adversely and materially affect a sector of the economy,

productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or

safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities;

(2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an

action taken or planned by another agency;

(3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlement, grants,

user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients

thereof; or

(4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal

mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in

the Executive Order.

It has been determined by OMB and EPA that this proposed rule is

not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the terms of Executive

Order 12866 and is therefore not subject to OMB review under the

Executive Order. The Agency prepared an analysis to assess the impact

of the proposed regulation (see Regulatory Assessment for EPA's

Proposed Rule on Standards and Requirements for Servicing of Motor

Vehicle Air Conditioners that use Refrigerants other than Class I or

Class II Substances, U.S. EPA Stratospheric Protection Division,

November, 1995), which covers both recover/recycle equipment and

recover-only equipment, and is available for review in the public

docket for this rulemaking.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

1. Purpose

The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, requires that

Federal agencies examine the impacts of their regulations on small

entities. Under 5 U.S.C. 604(a), whenever an agency is required to

publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking, it must prepare and

make available for public comment an initial regulatory flexibility

analysis (RFA). Such an analysis is not required if the head of an

agency certifies that a rule will not have a significant economic

impact on a substantial number of small entities, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.

605(b).

The Agency has performed an initial regulatory flexibility analysis

and determined that this regulation does not affect a substantial

number of small businesses. The analysis is found in Appendix A in the

Regulatory Assessment for EPA's Proposed Rule on Standards and

Requirements for Servicing of Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners that use

Refrigerants other than Class I or Class II Substances (U.S. EPA

Stratospheric Protection Division, October, 1995) (Regulatory

Assessment) and is available for review in the docket. The methodology

and results of the analysis are presented below.

2. Methodology and Results

To examine the impacts on small businesses, EPA first characterized

the regulated community by identifying the SIC codes that would be

involved in the servicing and repair of motor vehicle air conditioners.

After determining the number of these entities that are classified as

small by the Small Business Act (SBA), the Agency performed impact

tests using sales, profits and cash flow measures. The analysis

included least expensive and most expensive private cost scenarios for

compliance that were developed for the Regulatory Assessment. The least

expensive cost scenario assumed recover/recycle equipment is purchased

while the more expensive option assumes dual refrigerant recover/

recycle equipment is acquired. The analysis also takes the cost of

sending refrigerant out for reclamation, labor, and cost savings from

using recycled refrigerant into account.

The analysis indicates that the number of small establishments

significantly affected by the regulation ranges from 3.4% if the least

expensive compliance option is chosen, to 7.4% if the most expensive

compliance option is chosen. The Agency frequently defines a

``substantial number'' of small entities as approximately 20% or more

of small establishments. As a result, the Agency certifies that this

regulation will not significantly affect a substantial number of small

entities, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b).

[[Page 9024]]

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

This proposed rule has no new information requirements subject to

the Paperwork Reduction Act.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), P.L.

104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the

effects of their regulatory actions on State, local and tribal

governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, EPA

generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost-benefit

analysis, for proposed and final rules with ``Federal mandates'' that

may result in expenditures to State, local and tribal governments, in

the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 million or more in any

one year. Before promulgating an EPA rule for which a written statement

is needed, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires EPA to identify

and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and adopt

the least costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative

that achieves the objectives of the rule.

Today's proposed rule contains no Federal mandates under the

regulatory provisions of Title II of the UMRA for State, local or

tribal governments or the private sector. As the draft Regulatory

Assessment demonstrates, EPA believes that this rule does not contain a

Federal mandate that may result in expenditures of $100 million or more

for State, local and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or the

private sector, in any one year. Thus, today's proposed rule is not

subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA. EPA

has also determined that this rule contains no regulatory requirements

that might significantly or uniquely affect small governments.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82

Environmental protection, Chlorofluorocarbons, Motor vehicle air-

conditioning, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Recover/recycle

equipment, Recover-only equipment, Reporting and certification

requirements, Stratospheric ozone layer.

Dated: February 12, 1996.

Carol M. Browner,

Administrator.

For the reasons set out in the preamble, 40 CFR part 82 is proposed

to be amended as follows:

PART 82--PROTECTION OF STRATOSPHERIC OZONE

1. The authority citation for part 82 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7414, 7601, 7671-7671q.

2. Section 82.30 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read to

read as follows:

Sec. 82.30 Purpose and scope.

(a) The purpose of the regulations in this subpart B is to

implement section 609 of the Clean Air Act, as amended (Act) regarding

the servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners, and to implement

section 608 of the Act regarding certain servicing, maintenance, repair

and disposal of air conditioners in motor vehicle-like appliances.

* * * * *

3. Section 82.32 is amended by adding a heading to paragraph (e),

by revising paragraph (e)(1), and by adding paragraphs (e)(3), (e)(4),

and (i) to read as follows:

Sec. 82.32 Definitions.

* * * * *

(e) Properly using. (1) Properly using means using equipment in

conformity with the recommended service procedures and practices for

the containment of refrigerant set forth in appendices A, B, C, D, E,

and F of this subpart, as applicable.

* * * * *

(3) Refrigerant that is extracted from an MVAC located at a motor

vehicle disposal facility must be properly processed through approved

refrigerant recycling equipment prior to using it to charge or recharge

an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance (as that term is defined in

Sec. 82.152(e)), unless the refrigerant has been reclaimed in

accordance with this subpart B.

(4) Notwithstanding any other terms of this paragraph (e), approved

refrigerant recycling equipment may be transported off-site and used to

perform air-conditioning service involving refrigerant at other

locations where servicing of MVACs occurs. Any such servicing of MVACs

or involving refrigerant must meet all of the requirements of this

subpart B that would apply if the servicing occurred on-site.

* * * * *

(i) Motor vehicle disposal facility means any commercial facility

that engages in motor vehicle disposal, dismantling or recycling,

including but not limited to scrap yards, landfills and salvage yards

engaged in such operations. Motor vehicle repair facilities, including

collision repair facilities, are not considered motor vehicle disposal

facilities.

4. Section 82.34 is amended by revising the reference

``Sec. 82.42(b)(4)'' to read ``Sec. 82.42(b)(3)'' in paragraph (b); and

by adding paragraph (d) to read as follows:

Sec. 82.34 Prohibitions.

* * * * *

(d) Any person who recovers refrigerant from an MVAC located at a

motor vehicle disposal facility must be a certified technician under

this subpart B or under subpart F of this part, except for employees,

owners, or operators of the disposal facility. Any sale of a class I or

class II substance extracted from an MVAC located at such facility must

be to a technician certified under this subpart B or under subpart F of

this part.

5. Section 82.36 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(2) and (b)

to read as follows:

Sec. 82.36 Approved refrigerant recycling equipment.

(a) * * *

(2) Equipment that recovers and recycles refrigerant must meet the

standards set forth in appendix A of this subpart (Recommended Service

Procedure for the Containment of CFC-12, Extraction and Recycle

Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-Conditioning Systems, and Standard

of Purity for Use in Mobile Air Conditioning Systems), appendix C of

this subpart (Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of HFC-

134a and Standards for Recover/Recycle Equipment that Extracts and

Recycles HFC-134a and Standard of Purity for Recycled HFC-134a for Use

in MVACs) and appendix E of this subpart (Automotive Refrigerant

Recycling Equipment Intended for Use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a), as

applicable. Equipment that recovers refrigerant for recycling on-site

or for reclamation off-site must meet the standards set forth in

appendix B of this subpart (Recommended Service Procedure for the

Containment of CFC-12, Extraction Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-

Conditioning Systems), appendix D of this subpart (HFC-134a Recover-

Only Equipment, Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of

HFC-134a) and appendix F of this subpart (Recover only Equipment that

Extracts Class I or Class II Refrigerants Other Than CFC-12), as

applicable.

(b)(1) Refrigerant recycling equipment that has not been certified

under paragraph (a) of this section shall be considered approved if it

is substantially identical to the applicable equipment certified under

paragraph (a) of this section, and:

[[Page 9025]]

(i) For equipment that recovers and recycles CFC-12 refrigerant, it

was purchased before September 4, 1991;

(ii) For equipment that recovers CFC-12 refrigerant for recycling

on-site or reclamation off-site, it was purchased before April 22,

1992;

(iii) For equipment that recovers and recycles HFC-134a

refrigerant, it was purchased before March 6, 1996;

(iv) For equipment that recovers HFC-134a refrigerant for recycling

on-site or reclamation off-site, it was purchased before March 6, 1996.

(v) For equipment that recovers any class I or class II refrigerant

other than CFC-12 for recycling on-site or reclamation off-site, it was

purchased before March 6, 1996; and

(vi) For equipment that recovers and recycles HFC-134a and CFC-12

refrigerant, it was purchased before March 6, 1996.

(2) Equipment manufacturers or owners may request a determination

by the Administrator by submitting an application and supporting

documents that indicate that the equipment is substantially identical

to approved equipment to: MVACs Recycling Program Manager,

Stratospheric Protection Division (6205J), U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency, 401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460, Attn:

Substantially Identical Equipment Review. Supporting documents must

include process flow sheets, lists of components and any other

information that would indicate that the equipment is capable of

processing the refrigerant to the standards in appendix A, B, C, D, E

or F of this subpart, as applicable. Authorized representatives of the

Administrator may inspect equipment for which approval is being sought

and request samples of refrigerant that has been extracted and/or

recycled using the equipment. Equipment that fails to meet appropriate

standards will not be considered approved.

* * * * *

6. Section 82.38 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and

(b)(1)(iii) to read as follows:

Sec. 82.38 Approved independent standards testing organizations.

(a) Any independent standards testing organization may apply for

approval by the Administrator to certify equipment as meeting the

standards in appendix A, B, C, D, E, or F of this subpart, as

applicable. The application shall be sent to: MVACs Recycling Program

Manager, Stratospheric Protection Division (6205J), U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 20460.

(b) * * *

(1) * * *

(iii) Thorough knowledge of the standards as they appear in the

applicable appendices of this subpart; and

* * * * *

7. Section 82.40 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(2)(i) to read

as follows:

Sec. 82.40 Technician training and certification.

(a) * * *

(2) * * *

(i) The standards established for the service and repair of motor

vehicle air conditioners as set forth in appendices A, B, C, D, E, and

F of this subpart. These standards relate to the recommended service

procedures for the containment of refrigerant, extraction equipment,

extraction and recycle equipment, and the standard of purity for

refrigerant in motor vehicle air conditioners.

* * * * *

8. Appendix C is added to Subpart B to read as follows:

Appendix C to Part 82, Subpart B--Standard for Recover/Recycle

Equipment for HFC-134a Refrigerant

I. SAE J2210, issued December, 1991.

HFC-134a Recycling Equipment for Mobile Air Conditioning Systems

Foreword

The purpose of this standard is to establish the specific

minimum equipment specification required for the recycling of HFC-

134a that has been directly removed from, and is intended for reuse

in, mobile air-conditioning systems. Establishing such

specifications will assure that system operation with recycled HFC-

134a will provide the same level of performance and durability as

new refrigerant.

1. Scope

The purpose of this standard is to establish specific minimum

equipment requirements for recycling HFC-134a that has been directly

removed from, and is intended for reuse in, mobile air-conditioning

(A/C) systems.

2. References

Applicable Documents--The following publications form a part of

this specification to the extent specified.

2.1.1 SAE Publications--Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth

Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J2099--Standard of Purity for Recycled HFC-134a for Use in

Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems.

SAE J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning.

SAE J2197--Service Hose Fittings for Automotive Air-

Conditioning.

2.1.2 CGA Publications--Available from CGA, 1235 Jefferson

Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.

CGA Pamphlet S-1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1--

Cylinders for Compressed Gases.

2.1.3 DOT Publications--Available from the Superintendent of

Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

DOT Standard, 49 CFR 173.304--Shippers--General Requirements for

Shipments and Packagings.

2.1.4 UL Publications--Available from Underwriters

Laboratories, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.

UL 1769--Cylinder Valves.

UL 1963--Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Equipment.

3. Specification and General Description

3.1 The equipment must be able to remove and process HFC-134a

from mobile A/C systems to the purity level specified in SAE J2099.

3.2 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive

service garage environment and be capable of continuous operation in

ambients from 10 to 49 deg.C (50 to 120 deg.F).

3.3 The equipment must be certified that it meets this

specification by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or an equivalent

certifying laboratory.

3.4 The equipment shall have a label which states ``Design

Certified by (Certifying Agent) to meet SAE J2210'' in bold-type

letters a minimum of 3 mm in height.

4. Refrigerant Recycling Equipment Requirements

4.1 Moisture and Acid--The equipment shall incorporate a

desiccant package that must be replaced before saturation with

moisture, and whose mineral acid capacity is at least 5% by weight

of the dry desiccant.

4.1.1 The equipment shall be provided with a moisture detection

means that will reliably indicate when moisture in the HFC-134a

reaches the allowable limit and desiccant replacement is required.

4.2 Filter--The equipment shall incorporate an in-line filter

that will trap particulates of 15 micron spherical diameter or

greater.

4.3 Noncondensable Gases.

4.3.1 The equipment shall either automatically purge

noncondensables (NCGs) if the acceptable level is exceeded or

incorporate a device that indicates to the operator that the NCG

level has been exceeded. NCG removal must be part of the normal

operation of the equipment and instructions must be provided to

enable the task to be accomplished within 30 minutes.

4.3.2 Refrigerant loss from noncondensable gas purging during

the testing described in Section 8 shall not exceed 5% by weight of

the total contaminated refrigerant removed from the test system.

4.4 Recharging and Transfer of Recycled Refrigerant--Recycled

refrigerant for recharging and transfer shall be taken from the

liquid phase only.

5. Safety Requirements

5.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state,

and local requirements on equipment related to

[[Page 9026]]

handling HFC-134a material. Safety precautions or notices related to

safe operation of the equipment shall be prominently displayed on

the equipment and should also state ``CAUTION--SHOULD BE OPERATED BY

QUALIFIED PERSONNEL''.

5.2 HFC-134a has been shown to be nonflammable at ambient

temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, tests under

controlled conditions have indicated that, at pressures above

atmospheric and with air concentrations greater than 60% by volume,

HFC-134a can form combustible mixtures. While it is recognized that

an ignition source is also required for combustion to occur, the

presence of combustible mixtures is a potentially dangerous

situation and should be avoided.

5.3 Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should any equipment be pressure

tested or leak tested with air/HFC-134a mixtures. Do not use

compressed air (shop air) for leak detection in HFC-134a systems.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating

instructions, including proper attainment of vehicle system vacuum

(i.e., when to stop the extraction process), filter/desiccant

replacement, and purging of noncondensable gases (air). Also to be

included are any other necessary maintenance procedures, source

information for replacement parts and repair, and safety

precautions.

6.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's

name, address, the type of refrigerant it is designed to recycle, a

service telephone number, and the part number for the replacement

filter/drier.

7. Functional Description

7.1 The equipment must be capable of ensuring removal of

refrigerant from the system being serviced by reducing the system

pressure to a minimum of 102 mm (4 in) of mercury below atmospheric

pressure (i.e., vacuum).

7.2 During operation, the equipment shall provide overfill

protection to assure that the liquid fill of the storage container

(which may be integral or external) does not exceed 80% of the

tank's rated volume at 21.1 deg.C (70 deg.F) per Department of

Transportation (DOT) Standard, 49 CFR 173.304 and the American

Society of Mechanical Engineers.

7.3 Portable refillable tanks or containers used in conjunction

with this equipment must be labeled ``HFC-134a'', meet applicable

DOT or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standards, and shall

incorporate fittings per SAE J2197.

7.3.1 The cylinder valve shall comply with the standard for

cylinder valves, UL 1769.

7.3.2 The pressure relief device shall comply with the Pressure

Relief Device Standard Part 1--Cylinders for Compressed Gases, CGA

Pamphlet S-1.1.

7.3.3 The tank assembly shall be marked to indicate the first

retest date which shall be 5 years after the date of manufacture.

The marking shall indicate that retest must be performed every

subsequent 5 years. The marking shall be in letter at least 6 mm

(\1/4\ in) high.

7.4 All flexible hoses must comply with SAE J2196.

7.5 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located within 30

cm (12 in) of the connection point to the system being serviced as

identified in J2196. All service fittings must comply with SAE

J2197.

7.6 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from

the removed refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount of

lubricant removed during the process, in 30 mL (1 fl oz) units.

Refrigerant dissolves in lubricants and, as a result, increases the

volume of the recovered lubricant sample. This creates the illusion

that more lubricant has been recovered than actually has been. The

equipment lubricant measuring system must take into account such

dissolved refrigerant to prevent overcharging the vehicle system

with lubricant. (Note: Use only new lubricant to replace the amount

removed during the recycling process. Used lubricant should be

discarded per applicable federal, state, and local requirements.)

8. Testing

This test procedure and its requirements are to be used to

determine the ability of the recycling equipment to adequately

recycle contaminated refrigerant.

8.1 The equipment shall be able to clean the contaminated

refrigerant in section 8.3 to the purity level defined in SAE J2099.

8.2 The equipment shall be operated in accordance with the

manufacturer's operating instructions.

8.3 Contaminated HFC-134a Sample.

8.3.1 The standard contaminated refrigerant shall consist of

liquid HFC-134a with 1300 ppm (by weight) moisture (equivalent to

saturation at 38 deg.C [100 deg.F]), 45,000 ppm (by weight) HFC-

134a compatible lubricant, and 1000 ppm (by weight) of

noncondensable gases (air).

8.3.1.1 The HFC-134a compatible lubricant referred to in

section 8.3.1 shall be ICI DGLF 118, or equivalent, which shall

contain no more than 1000 ppm by weight of moisture.

8.4 Test Cycle.

8.4.1 The equipment must be preconditioned by processing 13.6

kg (30 lb) of the standard contaminated HFC-134a at an ambient of 21

deg.C (70 deg.F) before starting the test cycle. 1.13 kg (2.5 lb)

samples are to be processed at 5 min intervals. The test fixture,

depicted in Figure 1 to Appendix A of this subpart, shall be

operated at 21 deg.C (70 deg.F).

8.4.2 Following the preconditioning procedure per section

8.4.1, 18.2 kg (40 lb) of standard contaminated HFC-134a are to be

processed by the equipment.

8.5 Sample Requirements.

8.5.1 Samples of the standard contaminated refrigerant from

section 8.3.1 shall be processed as required in section 8.6 and

shall be analyzed after said processing as defined in sections 8.7,

8.8, and section 8.9. Note exception for non-condensable gas

determination in section 8.9.4.

8.6 Equipment Operating Ambient.

8.6.1 The HFC-134a is to be cleaned to the purity level, as

defined in SAE J2099, with the equipment operating in a stable

ambient of 10, 21, and 49 deg.C (50, 70, 120 deg.F) while

processing the samples as defined in section 8.4.

8.7 Quantitative Determination of Moisture.

8.7.1 The recycled liquid phase sample of HFC-134a shall be

analyzed for moisture content via Karl Fischer coulometric

titration, or an equivalent method. The Karl Fischer apparatus is an

instrument for precise determination of small amounts of water

dissolved in liquid and/or gas samples.

8.7.2 In conducting this test, a weighed sample of 30 to 130 g

is vaporized directly into the Karl Fischer anolyte. A coulometric

titration is conducted and the results are reported as parts per

million moisture (weight).

8.8 Determination of Percent Lubricant.

8.8.1 The amount of lubricant in the recycled HFC-134a sample

shall be determined via gravimetric analysis. The methodology must

account for the hygroscopicity of the lubricant.

8.8.2 Following venting of noncondensable gases in accordance

with the manufacturer's operating instructions, the refrigerant

container shall be shaken 5 min prior to extracting samples for

testing.

8.8.3 A weighed sample of 175 to 225 g of liquid HFC-134a is

allowed to evaporate at room temperature. The percent lubricant is

calculated from weights of the original sample and the residue

remaining after evaporation.

8.9 Noncondensable Gases.

8.9.1 The amount of noncondensable gases shall be determined by

gas chromatography. A sample of vaporized refrigerant liquid shall

be separated and analyzed by gas chromatography. A Porapak Q column

at 130 deg.C (266 deg.F) and a hot wire detector may be used for

the analysis.

8.9.2 This test shall be conducted on liquid phase samples of

recycled refrigerant taken from a full container as defined in

section 7.2 within 30 minutes following the proper venting of

noncondensable gases.

8.9.3 The liquid phase samples in section 8.9.2 shall be

vaporized completely prior to gas chromatographic analysis.

8.9.4 This test shall be conducted at 21 and 49 deg.C (50 and

120 deg.F) and may be performed in conjunction with the testing

defined in section 8.6. The equipment shall process at least 13.6 kg

(30 lb) of standard contaminated refrigerant for this test.

Rationale

Not applicable.

Relationship of Standard to ISO Standard

Not applicable.

Application

The purpose of this standard is to establish the specific

minimum equipment requirements for recycling HFC-134a that has been

directly removed from, and is intended for reuse in, mobile air-

conditioning (A/C) systems.

Reference Section

SAE J2099--Standard of Purity for Recycled HFC-134a for Use in

Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems.

SAE J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning.

SAE J2197--Service Hose Fittings for Automotive Air-

Conditioning.

[[Page 9027]]

CGA Pamphlet S-1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1--

Cylinders for Compressed Gases.

UL 1769--Cylinder Valves.

UL 1963--Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Equipment.

DOT Standard, 49 CFR 173.304--Shippers--General Requirements for

Shipment and Packagings.

II. SAE J2211, issued December, 1991.

Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of HFC-134a

1. Scope

Refrigerant containment is an important part of servicing mobile

air-conditioning systems. This procedure provides guidelines for

technicians for servicing mobile air-conditioning systems and

operating refrigerant recycling equipment designed for HFC-134a

(described in SAE J2210).

2. References

2.1 Applicable Documents--The following publications form a

part of this specification to the extent specified. The latest issue

of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE Publications--Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth

Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning.

SAE J2197--Service Hose Fittings for Automotive Air-

Conditioning.

SAE J2210--Refrigerant Recycling Equipment for HFC-134a Mobile

Air-Conditioning Systems.

SAE J2219--Concerns to the Mobile Air-Conditioning Industry.

2.2 Definitions.

2.2.1 Recovery/Recycling (R/R) Unit--Refers to a single piece

of equipment that performs both functions of recovery and recycling

of refrigerants per SAE J2210.

2.2.2 Recovery--Refers to that portion of the R/R unit

operation that removes the refrigerant from the mobile air-

conditioning system and places it in the R/R unit storage container.

2.2.3 Recycling--Refers to that portion of the R/R unit

operation that processes the refrigerant for reuse on the same job

site to the purity specifications of SAE J2099.

3. Service Procedure

3.1 Connect the recycling unit service hoses, which shall have

shutoff devices (e.g., valves) within 30 cm (12 in) of the service

ends, to the vehicle air-conditioning (A/C) service ports. Hoses

shall conform to SAE J2196 and fittings shall conform to SAE J2197.

3.2 Operate the recycling equipment per the equipment

manufacturer's recommended procedure.

3.2.1 Verify that the vehicle A/C system has refrigerant

pressure. Do not attempt to recycle refrigerant from a discharged

system as this will introduce air (noncondensable gas) into the

recycling equipment which must later be removed by purging.

3.2.2 Begin the recycling process by removing the refrigerant

from the vehicle A/C system. Continue the process until the system

pressure has been reduced to a minimum of 102mm (4 in) of mercury

below atmospheric pressure (i.e., vacuum). If A/C components show

evidence of icing, the component can be gently heated to facilitate

refrigerant removal. With the recycling unit shut off for at least 5

minutes, check A/C system pressure. If this pressure has risen above

vacuum (0 psig), additional recycler operation is required to remove

the remaining refrigerant. Repeat the operation until the system

pressure remains stable at vacuum for 2 minutes.

3.3 Close the valves in the service lines and then remove the

service lines from the vehicle system. If the recovery equipment has

automatic closing valves, be sure they are operating properly.

Proceed with the repair/service.

3.4 Upon completion of refrigerant removal from the A/C system,

determine the amount of lubricant removed during the process and

replenish the system with new lubricant, which is identified on the

A/C system label. Used lubricant should be discarded per applicable

federal, state, and local requirements.

4. Service with a Manifold Gauge Set

4.1 High-side, low-side, and center service hoses must have

shutoff devices (e.g., valves) within 30 cm (12 in) of the service

ends. Valves must be closed prior to hose removal from the A/C

system to prevent refrigerant loss to the atmosphere.

4.2 During all service operations, service hose valves should

be closed until connected to the vehicle A/C system or to the

charging source to exclude air and/or contain the refrigerant.

4.3 When the manifold gauge set is disconnected from the A/C

system, or when the center hose is moved to another device that

cannot accept refrigerant pressure, the gauge set hoses should be

attached to the recycling equipment to recover the refrigerant from

the hoses.

5. Supplemental Refrigerant Checking Procedure for Stored Portable

Containers

5.1 Certified recycling equipment and the accompanying

recycling procedure, when properly followed, will deliver use-ready

refrigerant. In the event that the full recycling procedure was not

followed or the technician is unsure about the noncondensable gas

content of a given tank of refrigerant, this procedure can be used

to determine whether the recycled refrigerant container meets the

specification for noncondensable gases (air). (Note: The use of

refrigerant with excess air will result in higher system operating

pressures and may cause A/C system damage.)

5.2 The container must be stored at a temperature of 18.3

deg.C (65 deg.F) or above for at least 12 hours, protected from

direct sunlight.

5.3 Install a calibrated pressure gauge, with 6.9 kPa (1 psig)

divisions, on the container and read container pressure.

5.4 With a calibrated thermometer, measure the air temperature

within 10 cm (4 in) of the container surface.

5.5 Compare the observed container pressure and air temperature

to the values given in Tables 1 and 2 to determine whether the

container pressure is below the pressure limit given in the

appropriate table. For example, at an air temperature of 21 deg.C

(-70 deg.F) the container pressure must not exceed 524 kPa (76

psig).

5.6 If the refrigerant in the container has been recycled and

the container pressure is less than the limit in Tables 1 and 2, the

refrigerant may be used.

5.7 If the refrigerant in the container has been recycled and

the container pressure exceeds the limit in Tables 1 and 2, slowly

vent, from the top of the container, a small amount of vapor into

the recycle equipment until the pressure is less than the pressure

shown in Tables 1 and 2.

5.8 If, after shaking the container and letting it stand for a

few minutes, the container pressure still exceeds the pressure limit

shown in Tables 1 and 2, the entire contents of the container shall

be recycled.

Table 1.--Maximum Allowable Container Pressure (Metric)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Temp, C(F) kPa

------------------------------------------------------------------------

18 (65)........................................................ 476

19 (66)........................................................ 483

20 (68)........................................................ 503

21 (70)........................................................ 524

22 (72)........................................................ 545

23 (73)........................................................ 552

24 (75)........................................................ 572

25 (77)........................................................ 593

26 (79)........................................................ 621

27 (81)........................................................ 642

28 (82)........................................................ 655

29 (84)........................................................ 676

30 (86)........................................................ 703

31 (88)........................................................ 724

32 (90)........................................................ 752

33 (91)........................................................ 765

34 (93)........................................................ 793

35 (95)........................................................ 814

36 (97)........................................................ 841

37 (99)........................................................ 876

38 (100)....................................................... 889

39 (102)....................................................... 917

40 (104)....................................................... 945

41 (106)....................................................... 979

42 (108)....................................................... 1007

43 (109)....................................................... 1027

44 (111)....................................................... 1055

45 (113)....................................................... 1089

46 (115)....................................................... 1124

47 (117)....................................................... 1158

489 (118)...................................................... 1179

49 (120)....................................................... 1214

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 2.--Maximum Allowable Container Pressure (English)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Temp, F Psig

------------------------------------------------------------------------

65............................................................. 69

66............................................................. 70

67............................................................. 71

68............................................................. 73

69............................................................. 74

70............................................................. 76

71............................................................. 77

72............................................................. 79

73............................................................. 80

74............................................................. 82

75............................................................. 83

76............................................................. 85

77............................................................. 86

78............................................................. 88

79............................................................. 90

[[Page 9028]]

80............................................................. 91

81............................................................. 93

82............................................................. 95

83............................................................. 96

84............................................................. 98

85............................................................. 100

86............................................................. 102

87............................................................. 103

88............................................................. 105

89............................................................. 107

90............................................................. 109

91............................................................. 111

92............................................................. 113

93............................................................. 115

94............................................................. 117

95............................................................. 118

96............................................................. 120

97............................................................. 122

98............................................................. 125

99............................................................. 127

100............................................................ 129

101............................................................ 131

102............................................................ 133

103............................................................ 135

104............................................................ 137

105............................................................ 139

106............................................................ 142

107............................................................ 144

108............................................................ 146

109............................................................ 149

110............................................................ 151

111............................................................ 153

112............................................................ 156

113............................................................ 158

114............................................................ 160

115............................................................ 163

116............................................................ 165

117............................................................ 168

118............................................................ 171

119............................................................ 173

120............................................................ 176

------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. Containers for Storage of Recycled Refrigerant

6.1 Recycled refrigerant should not be salvaged or stored in

disposable containers (this is one common type of container in which

new refrigerant is sold). Use only DOT 49 CFR or UL approved storage

containers, specifically marked for HFC-134a, for recycled

refrigerant.

6.2 Any container of recycled refrigerant that has been stored

or transferred must be checked prior to use as defined in Section 5.

6.3 Evacuate the tanks to at least 635 mm Hg (25 in Hg) below

atmospheric pressure (vacuum) prior to first use.

7. Transfer of Recycled Refrigerant

7.1 When external portable containers are used for transfer,

the container must be evacuated to at least 635 mm (25 in Hg) below

atmospheric pressure (vacuum) prior to transfer of the recycled

refrigerant to the container. External portable containers must meet

DOT and UL standards.

7.2 To prevent on-site overfilling when transferring to

external containers, the safe filling level must be controlled by

weight and must not exceed 60% of the container gross weight rating.

8. Safety Note for HFC-134a

8.1 HFC-134a has been shown to be nonflammable at ambient

temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, recent tests under

controlled conditions have indicated that, at pressures above

atmospheric and with air concentrations greater than 60% by volume,

HFC-134a can form combustible mixtures. While it is recognized that

an ignition source is also required for combustion to occur, the

presence of combustible mixtures is a potentially dangerous

situation and should be avoided.

8.2 Under NO CIRCUMSTANCE should any equipment be pressure

tested or leak tested with air/HFC-134a mixtures. Do not use

compressed air (shop air) for leak detection in HFC-134a systems.

9. Disposal of Empty/Near Empty Containers

9.1 Since all refrigerant may not have been removed from

disposable refrigerant containers during normal system charging

procedures, empty/near empty container contents should be recycled

prior to disposal of the container.

9.2 Attach the container to the recycling unit and remove the

remaining refrigerant. When the container has been reduced from a

pressure to vacuum, the container valve can be closed and the

container can be removed from the unit. The container should be

marked ``Empty'', after which it is ready for disposal.

III. SAE J2099, issued December, 1991.

Standard of Purity for Recycled HFC-134a for Use in Mobile Air

Conditioning Systems

Foreword

The purpose of this standard is to establish the minimum level

of purity required for recycled HFC-134a removed from, and intended

for reuse in, mobile air-conditioning systems.

1. Scope

This standard applies to HFC-134a refrigerant used to service

motor vehicle passenger compartment air-conditioning systems

designed or retrofitted to use HFC-134a. Hermetically sealed,

refrigerated cargo systems are not covered by this standard.

2. References

2.1 Applicable Documents--The following publications form a

part of this specification to the extent specified. The latest issue

of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE publications--Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth

Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J2210--HFC-134a Recycling Equipment for Mobile Air-

Conditioning Systems.

SAE J2211--Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of

HFC-134a.

3. Purity Specification

The refrigerant referred to in this standard shall have been

directly removed from, and intended to be returned to, a mobile air-

conditioning system. Contaminants in this recycled refrigerant shall

be limited to moisture, refrigerant system lubricant, and

noncondensable gases, which, when measured in the refrigerant liquid

phase, shall not exceed the following levels:

3.1 Moisture--50 ppm by weight.

3.2 Lubricant--500 ppm by weight.

3.3 Noncondensable Gases (Air)--150 ppm by weight.

4. Requirements for Recycle Equipment Used in Direct Mobile Air-

Conditioning Service Operations

4.1 Such equipment shall meet J2210, which covers additional

moisture, acid, and filter requirements.

5. Purity of HFC-134a Supplied from Other Sources

The purity of HFC-134a refrigerant supplied in containers from

other sources shall, for servicing mobile air-conditioning systems,

meet the refrigerant manufacturer's specification for new HFC-134a

intended for mobile air-conditioning system use.

6. Operation of the Recycle Equipment

Recycle equipment operation shall be in accord with SAE J2211.

Application

This Standard applies to HFC-134a refrigerant used to service

motor vehicle passenger compartment air-conditioning systems

designed or retrofitted to use HFC-134a. Hermetically sealed,

refrigerated cargo systems are not covered by this standard.

Reference Section

SAE J2210--HFC-134a Recycling Equipment for Mobile Air-

Conditioning Systems.

SAE J2211--Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of

HFC-134a.

9. Appendix D is added to Subpart B to read as follows:

Appendix D to Part 82, Subpart B--Standard for HFC-134a Recover-Only

Equipment

SAE J2211, Recommended Service Procedure for Containment of HFC-

134a, as set forth under Appendix C of this subpart, also applies to

this Appendix D.

SAE J1732, issued December, 1994.

HFC-134a (R-134a) Extraction Equipment for Mobile Automotive Air-

Conditioning Systems

Foreword

Appendix C of this part established equipment specifications for

on-site recovery and reuse of HFC-134a in air-conditioning systems.

These specifications are for HFC-134a extraction only equipment that

are intended to be used in conjunction with the on-site recycling

equipment currently used at service facilities, or allow for off-

site refrigerant reclamation.

1. Scope

a. The purpose of this standard is to provide equipment

specification for only the recovery of HFC-134a refrigerant to be

returned to a refrigerant reclamation facility that will process it

to ARI Standard 700-93 or allow for recycling of the recovered

refrigerant to SAE J2210 specifications by using Design Certified

equipment of the same

[[Page 9029]]

ownership. It is not acceptable that refrigerant removed from a mobile

air conditioning system with this equipment be directly returned to

a mobile air-conditioning system.

b. This information applies to equipment used to service

automobiles, light trucks, and other vehicles with similar HFC-134a

air conditioning systems.

2. References

2.1 Applicable Documents--The following publications form a

part of this specification to the extent specified.

2.1.1 SAE Publications--Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth

Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J639--Vehicle Service Coupling.

SAE J2210--HFC-134a Recycling Equipment for Mobile Automotive

Air Conditioning Systems.

SAE J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning.

SAE J2197--Service Hose Fittings for Automotive Air-

Conditioning.

2.1.2 ARI Publication--Available from Air Conditioning and

Refrigerant Institute, 1501 Wilson Blvd. Sixth Floor, Arlington, VA

22209.

ARI 700-93--Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants.

2.1.3 CGA Publications--Available from CGA, 1235 Jefferson

Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.

CGA Pamphlet S-1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1--

Cylinders for Compressed Gases.

2.1.4 DOT Publications--Available from the Superintendent of

Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

DOT Standard, 49 CFR 49 173.304 Shippers--General Requirements

for Shipments and Packagings.

2.1.5 UL Publications--Available from Underwriters

Laboratories, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.

UL 1769--Cylinder Valves.

3. Specification and General Description

3.1 The equipment must be able to extract HFC-134a from a

mobile air-conditioning system.

3.2 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive

service garage environment as defined in section 6.8.

3.3 Equipment Certification--The equipment shall be certified

by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent certifying laboratory

to meet this standard.

3.4 Label Requirements--The equipment shall have a label

``Design Certified by (Company Name) to meet SAE J1732 for use only

with HFC-134a. The refrigerant from this equipment must be processed

to ARI 700-93 specifications or to SAE J2210 specifications by using

Design Certified equipment of the same ownership.'' The minimum

letter size shall be bold type 3 mm in height.

4. Safety Requirements

4.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state,

and local requirements on equipment related to the handling of HFC-

134a material. Safety precautions or notices or labels related to

the safe operation of the equipment shall also be prominently

displayed on the equipment and should state ``CAUTION--SHOULD BE

OPERATED BY CERTIFIED PERSONNEL.'' The safety identification shall

be located on the front near the controls.

4.2 The equipment must comply with applicable safety standards

for electrical and mechanical requirements.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating

instructions that include information required by SAE J1629,

necessary maintenance procedures, and source information for

replacement parts and repair.

5.1.1 The instruction manual shall include the following

information on the lubricant removed. Only new lubricant, as

identified by the system manufacturer, should be replaced in the

mobile air conditioning system. Removed lubricant from the system

and/or the equipment shall be disposed of in accordance with the

applicable federal, state, and local procedures and regulations.

5.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's

name, address, the type of refrigerant it is designed to extract, a

service telephone number, and any items that require maintenance or

replacement that affect the proper operation of the equipment.

Operation manuals must cover information for complete maintenance of

the equipment to assure proper operation.

6. Functional Description

6.1 The equipment must be capable of ensuring removal of

refrigerant from the system being serviced by reducing the system

pressure to a minimum of 102 mm (4 in) of mercury below atmospheric

pressure (i.e., vacuum). To prevent system delayed outgassing, the

unit must have a device that assures the refrigerant has been

recovered from the air-conditioning system.

6.1.1 Testing laboratory certification of the equipment

capability is required which shall process contaminated refrigerant

samples at specific temperatures.

6.2 The equipment must be preconditioned by processing 13.6 kg

(30 lb) of the standard contaminated HFC-134a at an ambient of 21

deg.C (70 deg.F) before starting the test cycle. Sample amounts are

not to exceed 1.13 kg (2.5 lb) with sample amounts to be repeated

every 5 minutes. The test fixture shown in Figure 1 to Appendix A of

this subpart shall be operated at 21 deg.C. Contaminated HFC-134a

samples shall be processed at ambient temperatures of 10 and 49

deg.C, without equipment shutting due to any safety devices employed

in this equipment.

6.2.1 Contaminated HFC-134a sample

6.2.2 Standard contaminated HFC-134a refrigerant, 13.6 kg

sample size, shall consist of liquid HFC-134a with 1300 ppm (by

weight) moisture at 21 deg.C and 45,000 ppm (by weight) of oil

(polyalkylene glycol oil with 100 cs viscosity at 40 deg.C or

equivalent) and 1000 ppm by weight of noncondensable gases (air).

6.3 Portable refillable containers used in conjunction with

this equipment must meet applicable DOT Standards.

6.3.1 The container color must be blue with a yellow top to

identify that it contains used HFC-134a refrigerant. It must be

permanently marked on the outside surface in black print at least 20

mm high ``DIRTY HFC-134a--DO NOT USE, MUST BE REPROCESSED''.

6.3.2 The portable refillable container shall have a \1/2\ inch

ACME thread.

6.3.3 During operation, the equipment shall provide overfill

protection to assure that the storage container liquid fill does not

exceed 80% of the tank's rated volume at 21 deg.C per DOT Standard,

49 CFR 173.304 and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

6.4 Additional Storage Tank Requirements.

6.4.1 The cylinder valve shall comply with UL 1769.

6.4.2 The pressure relief device shall comply with CGA Pamphlet

S-1.1.

6.4.3 The container assembly shall be marked to indicate the

first retest date, which shall be 5 years after date of manufacture.

The marking shall indicate that retest must be performed every

subsequent 5 years. The markings shall be in letters at least 6 mm

high.

6.5 All flexible hoses must meet SAE J2196 for service hoses.

6.6 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located within 30

cm (12 in) of the connection point to the system being serviced to

minimize introduction of noncondensable gases into the recovery

equipment during connection and the release of the refrigerant

during disconnection.

6.7 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from

recovered refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount removed

from the simulated automotive system during processing in 30 mL

units.

6.7.1 The purpose of indicating the amount of lubricant removed

is to ensure that a proper amount of new lubricant is returned to

the mobile air conditioning system for compressor lubrication.

6.7.2 Refrigerant dissolved in this lubricant must be accounted

for to prevent system lubricant overcharge of the mobile air-

conditioning system.

6.8 The equipment must be capable of continuous operation in

ambient temperatures of 10 deg.C to 49 deg.C and comply with

sections 6.1 and 6.2.

7. For test validation, the equipment is to be operated

according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Application

a. The purpose of this standard is to provide equipment

specification for only the recovery of HFC-134a refrigerant to be

returned to a refrigerant reclamation facility that will process it

to ARI Standard 700-93 or allow for the recycling of the recovered

refrigerant to SAE J2210 specifications by using Design Certified

equipment of the same ownership. It is not acceptable that the

refrigerant removed from a mobile air-conditioning system with this

equipment be directly returned to a mobile air-conditioning system.

b. This information applies to equipment used to service

automobiles, light trucks, and other vehicles with similar HFC-134a

air-conditioning systems.

[[Page 9030]]

Reference Section

SAE J639--Vehicle Service Coupling.

SAE J2210--HFC-134a Recycling Equipment for Mobile Automotive

Air Conditioning Systems.

SAE J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning.

ARI 700-93--Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants.

CGA Pamphlet S-1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1--

Cylinders for Compressed Gases.

UL 1769--Cylinder Valves.

49 CFR 173.304 --Shippers--General Requirements for Shipment and

Packagings.

10. Appendix E is added to Subpart B to read as follows:

Appendix E to Part 82, Subpart B--The Standard for Automotive

Refrigerant Recycling Equipment Intended for Use with both CFC-12 and

HFC-134a

SAE J2211, Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of

HFC-134a, as set forth under Appendix C of this subpart, and SAE

J1989, Recommended Service Procedure for the Containment of CFC-12,

as set forth under Appendix A of this subpart, also apply to this

Appendix E.

SAE J1770, issued December, 1995.

Automotive Refrigerant Recycle Equipment Intended for Use with Both

CFC-12 and HFC-134a

Foreword

The purpose of this standard is to establish specific minimum

equipment requirements for automotive refrigerant recycling

equipment intended for use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a in a common

refrigerant circuit. Establishing such specifications will assure

that this equipment does not cross contaminate refrigerant above

specified limits when used under normal operating conditions.

1. Scope

The purpose of this standard is to establish the specific

minimum equipment intended for use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a in

a common refrigerant circuit that has been directly removed from,

and is intended for reuse in, mobile air-conditioning (A/C) systems.

This standard does not apply to equipment used for CFC-12 and HFC-

134a having a common enclosure with separate circuits for each

refrigerant.

2. References

2.1 Applicable Documents--The following publications form a

part of this specification to the extent specified. The latest issue

of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE Publications--Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth

Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J2099--Standard of Purity for Recycled HFC-134a for Use in

Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems.

SAE 1991--Standard of Purity for Use in Mobile Air-Conditioning

Systems.

SAE J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning.

SAE J2197--Service Hose Fittings for Automotive Air-

Conditioning.

SAE J2210--HFC-134a (R-134a) Recycling Equipment for Mobile A/C

Systems.

SAE J1990--Extraction and Recycling Equipment for Mobile A/C

Systems.

2.1.2 Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Publications--Available

from CGA, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.

CGA Pamphlet S-1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1--

Cylinders for Compressed Gases.

2.1.3 DOT Publications--Available from the Superintendent of

Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

2.1.4 UL Publications--Available from Underwriters

Laboratories, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.

UL 1769--Cylinder Valves.

UL 1963--Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Equipment.

3. Specification and General Description

3.1 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive

service garage environment and be capable of continuous operation in

ambients from 10 to 49 deg.C.

3.2 The equipment must be certified that it meets this

specification by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), or by an

equivalent Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

3.3 The equipment shall have a label which states ``Design

Certified by (Certifying Agent) to meet SAE J1770 for recycling CFC-

12 and HFC-134a using common refrigerant circuits'', in bold-type

letters a minimum of 3 mm in height.

4. Equipment Requirements

4.1 General.

4.1.1 The equipment shall be capable of preventing cross

contamination to the level required by Section 9.2.1.G before an

operation involving a different refrigerant can begin. The equipment

must prevent initiation of the recovery operation if the equipment

is not set up properly.

4.1.2 If an operator action is required to clear the unit prior

to reconnecting for a different refrigerant, the equipment shall be

provided with a means which indicates which refrigerant was last

processed.

4.1.3 Means shall be provided to prevent recovery from both an

CFC-12 and HFC-134a mobile air conditioning system concurrently.

4.1.4 Transfer of recycled refrigerant--Recycled refrigerant

for recharging and transfer shall be taken from the liquid phase

only.

4.2 Seat Leakage Test.

4.2.1 Valves, including electrically operated solenoid valves,

that are used to isolate CFC-12 and HFC-134a refrigerant circuits,

shall have a seat leakage rate not exceeding 15 g/yr (\1/2\ oz/yr)

before and after 100,000 cycles of operation. This Endurance Test

shall be conducted with HFC-134a at maximum operating pressure as

determined by sections 8.1 and 8.2. The Seat Leakage Test shall be

performed at 1.5 times this pressure at an ambient of 24 deg.C.

4.3 Interlocks.

4.3.1 Electrical interlock devices used to prevent cross

contamination of refrigerant shall be operated for 100,000 cycles

and there shall be no failure that would permit cross contamination

of refrigerant. Solid state interlock devices shall comply with the

Transient Overvoltage Test and the Fast Transient (Electric Noise)

Test contained in the Standard for Tests for Safety Related Controls

Employing Solid-State Devices, UL 991.

4.4 Noncondensable Gases

4.4.1 The equipment shall either automatically purge

noncondensables (NCGs) if the acceptable level is exceeded or

incorporate a device that indicates to the operator the NCG level

has been exceeded. A pressure gauge used to indicate an NCG level

shall be readable in 1 psig increments. NCG removal must be part of

the normal operation of the equipment and instructions must be

provided to enable the task to be accomplished within 30 minutes.

4.4.2 Refrigerant loss from noncondensable gas purging, oil

removal, and refrigerant clearing shall not exceed more than 5

percent by weight of the total amount of refrigerant through the

equipment as detailed in Sections 8.1, 8.2, and 9.2.

4.5 Filter.

4.5.1 A 15 micron filter, or other equivalent means, to remove

particulates of 15 micrometers spherical diameter or greater shall

be located before any manual electrically operated valves that may

cause cross contamination.

4.6 Moisture and Acid.

4.6.1 The equipment shall incorporate a desiccant package that

must be replaced before saturated with moisture, and whose acid

capacity is at least 5% by weight of the dry desiccant.

4.6.2 The equipment shall be provided with a moisture detection

means that will reliably indicate when moisture in the HFC-134a

exceeds 50 ppm, or in the CFC-12 exceeds 15 ppm, and requires the

filter/dryer replacement.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating

instructions, including proper attainment of vehicle system vacuum

(i.e., when to stop the extraction process, and also to stop the

extraction process if it is noticed that the A/C system being

serviced has a leak), filter/desiccant replacement, and purging of

noncondensable gases (air). The instructions shall indicate that the

correct sequence of operation be followed so that the equipment can

properly remove contaminates to the acceptable level. Also to be

included are any other necessary maintenance procedures, source

information for replacement parts and repair, and safety

precautions.

5.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's

name, address, the type of refrigerant (CFC-12 and HFC-134a), a

service telephone number, and the part number for the replacement

filter/drier. Operation manuals must cover information for complete

maintenance of the equipment to assure proper operation.

6. Safety Requirements

6.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state,

and local requirements on equipment related to handling CFC-12 and

HFC-134a material.

[[Page 9031]]

Safety precautions or notices related to the safe operation of the

equipment shall be prominently displayed on the equipment and should

also state ``CAUTION--SHOULD BE OPERATED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL''.

6.2 HFC-134a has been shown to be nonflammable at ambient

temperature and atmospheric pressure. The following statement shall

be in the operating manual: ``Caution: HFC-134a service equipment or

vehicle A/C systems should not be pressure tested or leak tested

with compressed air. Some mixtures of air and HFC-134a have been

shown to be combustible at elevated pressures (when contained in a

pipe or tank). These mixtures may potentially dangerous, causing

injury or property damage. Additional health and safety information

may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.''

7. Functional Description

7.1 General.

7.1.1 The equipment must be capable of ensuring recovery of the

CFC-12 and HFC-134a from the system being serviced, by reducing the

system to minimum of 102 mm of mercury below atmospheric pressure

(i.e., vacuum).

7.1.2 The equipment must be compatible with leak detection

material that may be present in the mobile A/C system.

7.2 Shut Off Device.

7.2.1 To prevent overcharge, the equipment must be equipped to

protect the tank used to store the recycled refrigerant with a

shutoff device and a mechanical pressure relief valve.

7.3 Storage Tanks.

7.3.1 Portable refillable tanks or containers shall be supplied

with this equipment and must be labeled ``HFC-134a'' or ``CFC-12''

as appropriate, meet applicable Department of Transportation (DOT)

or NRTL's Standards and be adaptable to existing refrigerant service

and charging equipment.

7.3.2 The cylinder valve shall comply with the Standard for

Cylinder Valves, UL 1769.

7.3.3 The pressure relief device shall comply with the Pressure

Relief Device Standard Part 1--Cylinders for Compressed Gases, CGA

Pamphlet S-1.1.

7.3.4 The tank assembly shall be marked to indicate the first

retest date, which shall be 5 years after the date of manufacture.

The marking shall indicate that retest must be performed every

subsequent 5 years. The marking shall be in letters at least 6 mm

high.

7.4 Overfill Protection.

7.4.1 During operation, the equipment must provide overfill

protection to assure that during filling or transfer, the tank or

storage container cannot exceed 80% of volume at 21.1 deg.C of its

maximum rating as defined by DOT standards, 49 CFR 173.304 and

American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

7.5 Hoses and Connections.

7.5.1 Separate inlet and outlet hoses with fittings and

separate connections shall be provided for each refrigerant circuit.

7.5.2 All flexible hoses and fittings must meet SAE J2196 (for

CFC-12) and SAE J2197 (for HFC-134a).

7.5.3 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located within 30

cm of the connection point to the system being serviced.

7.6 Lubricant Separation.

7.6.1 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from

the removed refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount of

lubricant removed during the process, in 30 ml (1 fl oz) units.

Refrigerant dissolves in lubricant and, as a result, increases the

volume of the recovered lubricant sample. This creates the illusion

that more lubricant has been recovered than actually has been. The

equipment lubricant measuring system must take into account such

dissolved refrigerant removed from the A/C system being serviced to

prevent overcharging the vehicle system with lubricant. (Note: Use

only new lubricant to replace the amount removed during the

recycling process. Used lubricant should be discarded per applicable

federal, state and local requirements.)

7.6.2 The equipment must be provided with some means, such as a

lockout device, which will prevent initiation of the recovery

operation after switching to the other refrigerant, if the lubricant

has not been drained from the oil separator.

8. Testing

8.0 Equipment shall be tested in sequence as noted in sections

8.1, 8.2 and 9.2. The filter/dryer may be replaced only as noted by

section 4.6.2.

8.1 CFC-12 Recycling Cycle.

8.1.1 The maximum operating pressure of the equipment shall be

determined when recycling CFC-12 while conducting the following

tests. This pressure is needed for the Seat Leakage Test, Section

4.2.

8.1.2 The equipment must be preconditioned with 13.6 kg of the

standard contaminated CFC-12 (see section 8.1.2a) at an ambient of

21 deg.C before starting the test cycle. Sample amounts shall be

1.13 kg with sample amounts to be repeated every 5 minutes. The

sample method fixture, defined in Figure 1 to Appendix A of this

subpart, shall be operated at 21 deg.C.

8.1.2a Standard contaminated CFC-12 refrigerant shall consist

of liquid CFC-12 with 100 ppm (by weight) moisture at 21 deg.C and

45,000 ppm (by weight) mineral oil 525 suspension viscosity nominal

and 770 ppm by weight of noncondensable gases (air).

8.1.3 The high moisture contaminated sample shall consist of

CFC-12 vapor with 1000 ppm (by weight) moisture.

8.1.4 The high oil contaminated sample shall consist of CFC-12

with 200,000 ppm (by weight) mineral oil 525 suspension viscosity

nominal.

8.1.5 After preconditioning as stated in section 8.1.2, the

test cycle is started, processing the following contaminated samples

through the equipment.

A. 13.6 kg (1.13 kg per batch) of standard contaminated CFC-12.

B. 1 kg of high oil contaminated CFC-12.

C. 4.5 kg (1.13 kg per batch) of standard contaminated CFC-12.

D. 1 kg of high moisture contaminated CFC-12.

8.1.6 The CFC-12 is to be cleaned to the minimum purity level,

as defined in SAE J1991, with the equipment operating in a stable

ambient of 10, 21, and 49 deg.C and processing the samples as

defined in section 8.1.5.

8.2 HFC-134a Recycling Cycle.

8.2.1 The maximum operating pressure of the equipment shall be

determined when recycling HFC-134a while conducting the following

tests. This pressure is needed for the Seat Leakage Test, Section

4.2.

8.2.2 The equipment must be preconditioned by processing 13.6

kg of the standard contaminated HFC-134a (see section 8.2.2a) at an

ambient of 21 deg.C before starting the test cycle. 1.13 kg samples

are to be processed at 5 minute intervals. The text fixture shown in

Figure 1 to Appendix A of this subpart shall be operated at 21

deg.C.

8.2.2a The standard contaminated refrigerant shall consist of

liquid HFC-134a with 1300 ppm (by weight) moisture (equivalent to

saturation at 38 deg.[100 deg.F]), 45,000 ppm (by weight) HFC-134a

compatible lubricant, and 1000 ppm (by weight) of noncondensable

gases (air).

8.2.2b The HFC-134a compatible lubricant referred to in section

8.2.2a shall be a polyalkylene glycol based synthetic lubricant or

equivalent, which shall contain no more than 1000 ppm by weight of

moisture.

8.2.3 Following the preconditioning procedure per section

8.2.2, 18.2 kg of standard contaminated HFC-134a are to be processed

by the equipment at each stable ambient temperature of 10, 21, and

49 deg.C.

8.2.4 The HFC-134a is to be cleaned to the purity level, as

defined in SAE J2099.

9. Refrigerant Cross Contamination Test

9.1 General.

9.1.1 For test validation, the equipment is to be operated

according to the manufacturer's instruction.

9.1.2 The equipment shall clean the contaminated CFC-12

refrigerant to the minimum purity level as defined in Appendix A of

this subpart, when tested in accordance with the requirements in

section 8.1.

9.1.3 The equipment shall clean the contaminated HFC-134a

refrigerant to the purity level defined in Appendix C of this

subpart, when tested in accordance with the requirements in section

8.2.

9.2 Test Cycle.

9.2.1 The following method shall be used after the tests and

requirements in Sections 8.1 and 8.2, respectively, are completed.

Following the manufacturer's instructions, the equipment shall be

cleared of HFC-134a, prior to beginning step A. The only refrigerant

used for this is noted in steps A, C, and E of this section 9.2.1.

The test fixture shown in Figure 1 to Appendix A of this subpart

shall be used and the test shall be conducted at 10, 21, and 49

deg.C ambients.

A. A 1.13 kg standard contaminated sample of CFC-12 (see section

8.1.2a) shall be processed by the equipment.

B. Follow manufacturer's instructions to clear the equipment of

CFC-12 before processing HFC-134a.

C. Process a 1.13 kg, standard contaminated sample of HFC-134a

(see section 8.2.2a) through the equipment.

[[Page 9032]]

D. Follow manufacturer's instructions to clear the equipment of

HFC-134a before processing CFC-12.

E. Process a 1.13 kg standard contaminated sample of CFC-12 (see

section 8.1.2a) through the equipment.

F. Follow manufacturer's instructions to clear the equipment of

CFC-12.

G. The amount of cross contaminated refrigerant, as determined

by gas chromatography, in samples processed during steps C and E,

shall not exceed 0.5 percent by weight.

10. Sample Analysis

10.1 General.

10.1.1 The processed contaminated samples shall be analyzed

according to the following procedure.

10.2 Quantitative Determination of Moisture.

10.2.1 The recycled liquid phase sample of refrigerant shall be

analyzed for moisture content via Karl Fischer coulometer titration

or an equivalent method. The Karl Fischer apparatus is an instrument

for precise determination of small amounts of water dissolved in

liquid and/or gas samples.

10.2.2 In conducting the test, a weighed sample of 30 to 130 g

is vaporized directly into the Karl Fischer anolyte. A coulometer

titration is conducted and the results are calculated and displayed

as parts per million moisture (weight).

10.3 Determination of Percent Lubricant.

10.3.1 The amount of lubricant in the recycled sample of

refrigerant/lubricant is to be determined by gravimetric analysis.

10.3.2 Following venting of noncondensable, in accordance with

the manufacturer's operating instructions, the refrigerant container

shall be shaken for 5 minutes prior to extracting samples for test.

10.3.3 A weighed sample of 175 to 225 g of liquid refrigerant/

lubricant is allowed to evaporate at room temperature. The percent

lubricant is to be calculated from the weight of the original sample

and the residue remaining after the evaporation.

10.4 Noncondensable Gas.

10.4.1 The amount of noncondensable gas is to be determined by

gas chromatography. A sample of vaporized refrigerant liquid shall

be separated and analyzed by gas chromatography. A Propak Q column

at 130 deg.C and a hot wire detector may be used for analysis.

10.4.2 This test shall be conducted on liquid phase samples of

recycled refrigerant taken from a full container as defined in

section 7.4 within 30 minutes following the proper venting of

noncondensable gases.

10.4.3 The samples shall be shaken for at least 15 minutes

prior to testing while at a temperature of 24 deg.C

2.8 deg.C.

10.5 Refrigerant Cross Contamination.

10.5.1 The amount of cross contamination of CFC-12 in HFC-134a

or HFC-134a in CFC-12 shall not exceed 0.5 percent by weight as

determined by gas chromatography. A sample of vaporized refrigerant

liquid shall be separated and analyzed by gas chromatography. A 1%

SP-1000 on Carbopack B (60/80 mesh) column may be used for the

analysis.

11. Appendix F is added to Subpart B to read as follows:

Appendix F to Part 82, Subpart B--Standard for Recover-only Equipment

That Extracts Class I or Class II Refrigerants Other Than CFC-12

Foreword

These specifications are for extraction only equipment used to

service FRIGCTM FR-12 or other class I or class II refrigerants

other than CFC-12.

1. Scope

The purpose of this standard is to provide equipment

specifications for the recovery of FRGCTM FR-12 or other class

I or class II refrigerants other than CFC-12 which are either (1) to

be returned to a refrigerant reclamation facility that will process

the refrigerant to ARI Standard 700-93 or equivalent new product

specifications at a minimum, or (2) to be recycled in other EPA

approved recycling equipment (in the event that EPA in the future

designates a standard for equipment capable of recycling FRGCTM

FR-12 or other class I or class II refrigerant, as appropriate). It

is not acceptable that the refrigerant removed from a mobile air

conditioning system, with this equipment be directly returned to

mobile air conditioning system. This standard applies to equipment

used to service automobiles, light trucks, and other vehicles with

similar air conditioning systems.

2. References

2.1 Applicable Documents--The following publications form a

part of this specification to the extent specified. The latest issue

of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE Publications--Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth

Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J639-Vehicle Service Coupling.

SAE J2196-Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning

(fittings modified).

2.1.2 ARI Publication--Available from Air Conditioning and

Refrigeration Institute, 1501 Wilson Boulevard, Sixth Floor,

Arlington, VA 22209.

ARI 700-93--Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants.

2.1.3 Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Publications--Available

from CGA, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.

CGA Pamphlet S-1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1--

Cylinders for Compressed Gases.

2.1.4 DOT Publications--Available from the Superintendent of

Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

DOT Standard, 49 CFR 173.304--Shippers--General Requirements for

Shipments and Packagings.

2.1.5 UL Publications--Available from Underwriters

Laboratories, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.

UL 1769--Cylinder Valves.

UL 1963--Refrigerant Recovery Recycling Equipment.

3. Specifications and General Description

3.1 The equipment must be able to extract from a mobile air

conditioning system FRIGCTM FR-12 or another class I or class

II refrigerant other than CFC-12 to which the equipment is

dedicated.

3.2 The equipment shall be suitable for use in an automotive

service garage environment as defined in section 6.8.

3.3 The equipment discharge or transfer fitting shall be unique

to prevent the unintentional use of the extracted refrigerant for

recharging auto air conditioners.

3.4 Equipment Certification--The equipment shall be certified

by Underwriters Laboratories or and equivalent certifying laboratory

to meet this standard.

3.5 Label Requirements--The equipment shall have a label

``Designed Certified by (Company Name) to meet EPA requirements for

use only with (the applicable refrigerant). The refrigerant from

this equipment must be processed to ARI 700-93 specifications or

equivalent new product specifications before reuse in a mobile air-

conditioning system.'' The minimum letter size shall be bold type 3

mm in height.

4. Safety Requirements

4.1 The equipment must comply with applicable federal, state,

and local requirements on equipment related to the handling of the

applicable refrigerant material. Safety precautions or notices or

labels related to the safe operation of the equipment shall also be

prominently displayed on the equipment and should state ``CAUTION--

SHOULD BE OPERATED BY CERTIFIED PERSONNEL''. The safety

identification shall be located on the front near the controls.

4.2 The equipment must comply with applicable safety standards

for electrical and mechanical requirements.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 The equipment manufacturer must provide operating

instructions that include information equivalent to that required by

SAE J1629, necessary maintenance procedures, and source information

for replacement parts and repair.

5.1.1 The instruction manual shall include the following

information on the lubricant removed: Only new lubricant, as

identified by the system manufacturer, should be replaced in the air

conditioning system. Removed lubricant from the system and/or the

equipment shall be disposed on in accordance with the applicable

federal, state, and local procedures and regulations.

5.2 The equipment must prominently display the manufacturer's

name, address, the type of refrigerant it is designed to extract, a

service telephone number, and any items that require maintenance or

replacement that affect the proper operation of the equipment.

Operation manuals must cover information for complete maintenance of

the equipment to assure proper operation.

6. Functional Description

6.1 The equipment must be capable of ensuring removal of

refrigerant from the system being serviced by reducing the system

pressure to a minimum of 102 mm (4 in) of mercury below atmospheric

pressure (i.e., to a vacuum). To prevent system delayed outgassing,

the unit must have a device that assures that the refrigerant has

been recovered from the air-conditioning system.

6.1.1 Testing laboratory certification of the equipment

capability is required which

[[Page 9033]]

shall process contaminated refrigerant samples at specific

temperatures.

6.2 The equipment must be preconditioned by processing 13.6 kg

(30 lb) of the standard contaminated refrigerant at an ambient of 21

deg.C (70 deg.F) before starting the test cycle. Sample amounts

are not to exceed 1.13 kg (2.5 lb) with sample amounts to be

processed at 5 min intervals. The test method fixture, depicted in

Figure 1 to Appendix A of this subpart, shall be operated at 21

deg.C (70 deg.F). Contaminated refrigerant samples shall be

processed at ambient temperatures of 10 and 49 deg.C, without

equipment shutting due to any safety devices employed in this

equipment.

6.2.1 Standard contaminated refrigerant, 13.6 kg (30 lb) sample

size, shall consist of liquid refrigerant with 1300 ppm (by weight)

moisture at 21 deg.C and 45,000 ppm (by weight) of oil (mineral oil

and POE) and 1000 ppm by weight of noncondensable gases (air).

6.3 Portable refillable containers used in conjunction with

this equipment must meet applicable DOT Standards.

6.3.1 The container color must be colored (with the applicable

ARI color code for the specific refrigerant) with a yellow top to

identify that it contains used refrigerant. It must be permanently

marked on the outside surface in black print at least 20 mm high

``DIRTY [NAME OF REFRIGERANT]--DO NOT USE, MUST BE PROCESSED''.

6.3.2 The portable refillable container shall have a unique

thread connection for the specific refrigerant.

6.3.3 During operation, the equipment shall provide overfill

protection to assure that the storage container liquid fill does not

exceed 80% of the tank's rated volume at 21 deg.C per DOT Standard,

49 CFR 173.304, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

6.4 Additional Storage Tank Requirements.

6.4.1 The cylinder valve shall comply with UL 1769.

6.4.2 The pressure relief device shall comply with CGA Pamphlet

S-1.1.

6.4.3 The container assembly shall be marked to indicate the

first retest date, which shall be 5 years after date of manufacture.

The marking shall indicate that retest must be performed every

subsequent 5 years. The marking shall be in letters at least 6 mm

high.

6.5 All flexible hoses must meet SAE J2196 for service hoses

except that fittings shall be unique to the applicable refrigerant.

6.6 Service hoses must have shutoff devices located within 30

cm of the connection point to the system being serviced to minimize

introduction of noncondensable gases into the recovery equipment

during connection and the release of the refrigerant during

disconnection.

6.7 The equipment must be able to separate the lubricant from

the recovered refrigerant and accurately indicate the amount removed

from the simulated automotive system during processing in 30 ml

units.

6.7.1 The purpose of indicating the amount of lubricant is to

ensure that a proper amount of new lubricant is returned to the

mobile air conditioning system for compressor lubrication.

6.7.2 Refrigerant dissolved in this lubricant must be accounted

for to prevent system lubricant overcharge of the mobile air-

conditioning system.

6.8 The equipment must be capable of continuous operation in

temperatures of 10 to 49 deg.C and must comply with sections 6.1

and 6.2.

7. For test validation, the equipment is to be operated

according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Application

The purpose of this standard is to provide equipment

specifications for the recovery of any class I or class II

refrigerant other than CFC-12 for return to a refrigerant

reclamation facility that will process it to ARI Standard 700-93 (or

for recycling in other EPA approved recycling equipment, in the

event that EPA in the future designates a standard for equipment

capable of recycling FRIGC TM FR-12 or other class I or class

II refrigerant, as appropriate). It is not acceptable that the

refrigerant removed from a mobile air-conditioning system with this

equipment be directly returned to mobile air-conditioning system.

Reference Section

SAE J639--Vehicle Service Coupling.

SAE J2196--Service Hoses for Automotive Air-Conditioning.

ARI 700-93--Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants.

CGA Pamphlet S-1.1--Pressure Relief Device Standard Part 1--

Cylinders for Compressed Gases.

UL 1769--Cylinder Valves.

49 CFR 173.304--Shippers--General Requirements for Shipment and

Packagings.

[FR Doc. 96-4033 Filed 3-5-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-P