What does "recovery" mean in the context of refrigerants?

In the context of refrigerants, "recovery" specifically refers to the process of removing refrigerant from a system and storing it in an external container. This procedure is essential for both environmental protection and safety. During recovery, refrigerants are captured and stored so that they can be handled safely and disposed of or recycled in accordance with regulations.

Recovery is a critical step when servicing refrigeration and air conditioning systems, especially before repairs are made or when a system is decommissioned. This helps prevent the release of refrigerants into the atmosphere, which is important as many refrigerants can have significant negative effects on the ozone layer and contribute to global warming. The proper recovery process ensures that refrigerants are managed responsibly, in compliance with EPA regulations that aim to minimize environmental impact.

Refilling refrigerant in a system, measuring levels, or sealing containers do not accurately describe recovery, as those actions either imply adding refrigerant to a system or managing containers without the context of removing and storing refrigerants for safety and regulatory reasons.