EPA Section 608 Universal Certification ExamType II (High-Pressure Appliances)Hard
A technician is recovering refrigerant from a high-pressure appliance. To prevent overfilling the recovery cylinder, which of the following methods is MOST effective and legally required for cylinders containing more than 50 lbs of refrigerant?
- APeriodically shaking the cylinder to estimate its fill level.
- BUsing a recovery cylinder with a burst disc.
- CUsing a charging scale or a float-level sensor.
- DMonitoring the recovery cylinder's temperature.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Using a charging scale or a float-level sensor.
EPA regulations require that recovery cylinders not be filled beyond 80% of their capacity by weight or by using a float-level sensor. For cylinders containing more than 50 lbs, a charging scale or a float-level sensor is the legally required and most effective method.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Shaking the cylinder is highly inaccurate and unsafe, especially for large cylinders.
- B. A burst disc is a safety release mechanism, not a method to prevent overfilling in the first place.
- D. Monitoring temperature is not a reliable or legally recognized method for determining fill level.
Recovery Cylinder Fill Limit
The maximum amount of refrigerant allowed in a recovery cylinder, typically 80% by weight, to ensure safety and prevent rupture.
- 80% by weight or float-level sensor.
- Required by DOT and EPA.
- Overfilling can lead to dangerous pressure buildup and rupture.
Memory trick: For safety, 'weigh' it or 'float' it, don't guess!