EPA Section 608 Universal Certification ExamCoreMedium
A technician is about to begin recovery from a large industrial refrigeration system containing 500 lbs of R-123. What is the maximum fill level for a recovery cylinder by weight?
- A80% of the cylinder's gross weight capacity.
- B70% of the cylinder's gross weight capacity.
- C90% of the cylinder's gross weight capacity.
- D60% of the cylinder's gross weight capacity.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 80% of the cylinder's gross weight capacity.
EPA and DOT regulations require that recovery cylinders not be filled beyond 80% of their gross weight capacity. This prevents hydraulic lock and potential ruptures due to thermal expansion of the liquid refrigerant.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 70% is not the standard regulatory limit for recovery cylinders.
- C. 90% is too high and dangerous, increasing the risk of over-pressurization.
- D. 60% is too low and inefficient for recovery cylinder fill limits.
Recovery Cylinder Fill Limit
DOT and EPA regulations specify a maximum fill level for refrigerant recovery cylinders to prevent over-pressurization from thermal expansion.
- Limit is 80% of the cylinder's gross weight capacity.
- Prevents hydraulic lock if the cylinder temperature rises.
- Weighing the cylinder is crucial during recovery.
- Overfilling is dangerous and illegal.
Memory trick: Eighty percent is the safe weight for refrigerant freight.