How much should a recovery cylinder be filled at maximum?

A recovery cylinder should be filled to a maximum of 80% of its capacity to ensure safe operation. This guideline is critical because refrigerants can expand significantly with temperature changes. If a cylinder is filled to 100% capacity, there would be minimal room for the refrigerant to expand as it warms, which could lead to safety hazards such as overpressure and potential cylinder rupture.

The 80% filling allows for this expansion and provides a safety buffer. This regulation helps maintain the integrity of the cylinder and ensures safe handling, transport, and storage. Additionally, when recovering refrigerants, creating a void space within the cylinder can also help in the efficient recovery process and prevent liquid refrigerant from entering recovery equipment.

Understanding this concept is vital for anyone working in refrigeration, as it promotes safety and compliance with regulations regarding the storage and recovery of refrigerants.