EPA Section 608 Universal Certification ExamType I (Small Appliances)Hard
A technician is preparing to recover R-134a from a small domestic refrigerator. Which of the following statements about the recovery cylinder is most accurate?
- AIt must be colored gray with a yellow top.
- BIt must be vented to atmospheric pressure before each use.
- CIt must be filled to no more than 90% of its capacity by weight.
- DIt must be designed for pressures equivalent to at least 150 psig.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. It must be colored gray with a yellow top.
DOT-approved refillable refrigerant cylinders must be colored gray with a yellow top to identify them as recovery cylinders, indicating they contain recovered refrigerant. This color coding is a safety standard.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Venting a recovery cylinder to atmosphere is a highly unsafe and illegal practice, as it releases refrigerant and introduces contaminants.
- C. Recovery cylinders should not be filled to more than 80% of their capacity by weight (or 5 pounds less than the maximum per cylinder). 90% is too high and dangerous.
- D. While recovery cylinders are high-pressure vessels, 150 psig is too low; they are designed for much higher pressures, typically up to 400 psig or more, depending on the refrigerant.
Refrigerant Recovery Cylinder Requirements
DOT regulations dictate specific design, color, and fill requirements for recovery cylinders to ensure safety and proper handling of recovered refrigerants.
- Color code: Gray body, yellow top.
- Fill capacity: Max 80% by weight.
- DOT approved for high pressure.
- Equipped with safety relief valves.
Memory trick: For 'recovery,' think 'gray and yellow' for the can, and 'eighty percent' is the fill plan!