Compressor exchange with no Ex zone

Example task: Exchange the semi-hermetic compressor operated with A2L refrigerant R454C. The compressor is located on a rack in a machine room. The room has some ventilation. There is no leak from the system.

Special tools or preconditions:

Working steps or preconditions:

  1. Educated worker
  2. Read / inform for risk assessment of system
  3. Have A2L fire extinguisher ready
  4. Put warning sign to notify work in progress, especially where refrigerant might be released
  5. Power off compressor / system
  6. Ventilation on
  7. a. Install extra fan
  8. Go in with gas detector / check regularly with gas detector or machinery room detector
  9. Close compressor shut off valves
  10. Release pressure
  11. a. Small gaseous amount to marked outside area
  12. Oil heater on
  13. Evacuate compressor
  14. a. Release vacuum pump outlet to marked outside area
  15. Charge compressor with Nitrogen
  16. Remove compressor
  17. a. Leave valves on pipes
  18. b. Check valves for tightness with leak detector
  19. c. Close compressor connections pressure tight with flanges or valves
  20. d. Evacuate removed compressor
  21. e. Put nitrogen holding charge in removed compressor
  22. Put sticker for flammable gas on return compressor
  23. Install replacement compressor
  24. Evacuate replacement compressor
  25. Open compressor shut off valves
  26. Remove warning signs
  27. Take compressor into operation again