What device is primarily used to recover refrigerant?

The device primarily used to recover refrigerant is a refrigerant recovery machine. This machine is specifically designed to safely and efficiently extract refrigerant from cooling systems. It operates by using a compressor and specialized components that can manage the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant to ensure that it is removed from the system without causing any harm or contamination.

Recovery machines are essential in refrigeration and air conditioning work to adhere to environmental regulations that prevent the release of refrigerants into the atmosphere. They are equipped to handle both gaseous and liquid refrigerants, making them versatile tools in the field. Additionally, recovery machines often include features such as built-in scales, filtration systems, and monitoring gauges to ensure accurate and safe refrigerant recovery.

In contrast, other devices listed serve different purposes; a refrigerant charging station is used to add refrigerant to a system, a vacuum pump is designed for creating a vacuum to remove moisture and air from the system before charging, and a pressure gauge is used to measure pressure levels within the system. None of these instruments are intended specifically for the recovery of refrigerant like a recovery machine is.