What is the purpose of refrigerant recovery?

The purpose of refrigerant recovery is to collect and store refrigerant for reuse or disposal safely. This process is vital for environmental protection, as refrigerants can be harmful to the ozone layer and contribute to global warming if released into the atmosphere. By recovering refrigerant, technicians ensure that these substances are kept out of the environment and can be handled properly, either being reused in the system or disposed of in accordance with regulations. This practice also aligns with safety protocols and legal requirements for the management of refrigerants, promoting efficient and responsible use of these chemicals in refrigeration systems.

In contrast, increasing system pressurization does not relate to the recovery process. Maintaining atmospheric pressure is not a function of refrigerant recovery, as this process focuses on managing the refrigerant itself rather than system pressures. Flushing out contaminated oil is a maintenance procedure that addresses different issues related to the lubrication within the system and is not part of the refrigerant recovery process.