EPA Section 608 Universal Certification ExamType II (High-Pressure Appliances)Medium
A technician is performing a system-dependent (passive) recovery on a high-pressure appliance. Which of the following is a critical factor for the successful operation of this method?
- AThe recovery cylinder must be heated to create a pressure differential.
- BThe system's compressor must be operational.
- CThe recovery unit's compressor must be operational.
- DThe ambient temperature must be below 70°F.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The system's compressor must be operational.
System-dependent recovery relies on the appliance's own compressor to pump refrigerant into the recovery cylinder. Therefore, the system's compressor must be operational for this method to work effectively. An external recovery unit is not used in system-dependent recovery.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Heating the recovery cylinder would increase its pressure, hindering refrigerant flow from the system, not aiding it.
- C. System-dependent recovery does not use an external recovery unit with a compressor.
- D. While temperature can affect recovery speed, it's not a 'critical factor' for the operation of the system-dependent method itself, unlike the compressor.
System-Dependent Recovery (Passive)
A recovery method that uses the appliance's own components (e.g., compressor) or the pressure differential created by cooling the recovery tank to move refrigerant.
- Relies on the appliance's compressor or heat/cold differences.
- Less efficient and slower than self-contained units.
- Often used for smaller systems or when self-contained units are unavailable.
Memory trick: The system itself holds the key, for passive recovery, it must be free!