[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 160 (Friday, August 19, 1994)] [Unknown Section] [Page 0] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 94-20169] [[Page Unknown]] [Federal Register: August 19, 1994] _______________________________________________________________________ Part IV Environmental Protection Agency _______________________________________________________________________ 40 CFR Part 82 Protection of Stratospheric Ozone; Regrigerant Recycling; Final Rule ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 82 [FRL-5051-2] Protection of Stratospheric Ozone; Refrigerant Recycling AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Direct final rulemaking. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Through this action EPA is amending the Refrigerant Recycling Regulations. This action is being undertaken by EPA to amend specific portions of the published text, including the definitions, required practices, and the reporting and recordkeeping requirements; to adopt recently amended industry standards; and to clarify the meaning and applicability of various terms. This action will affect the sellers of refrigerant, aid the affected community, and may provide relief to certain segments of the affected community. DATES: This final action will become effective on October 18, 1994 unless EPA is notified by September 19, 1994 that any person wishes to submit adverse comment. Should EPA receive such notice, EPA will publish one subsequent action in the Federal Register to withdraw this final action and another action proposing this action and requesting comments. In such a case, following a public comment period, the Agency will draft the final regulation to be published in the Federal Register. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of October 18, 1994. ADDRESSES: Comments and materials supporting this rulemaking are contained in Public Docket No. A-92-01, Waterside Mall (Ground Floor) Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 20460 in room M-1500. Dockets may be inspected from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. A reasonable fee may be charged for copying docket materials. Those wishing to notify EPA of their intent to submit adverse comments on this action should contact Cynthia Newberg, Program Implementation Branch, Stratospheric Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of Air and Radiation (6205-J), 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 20460 Docket # A-92-01 VIII B. (202) 233-9729. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Section 608 Recycling Program Manager, Program Implementation Branch, Stratospheric Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of Air and Radiation (6205-J), 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 20460. The Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline at 1-800-296-1996 can also be contacted for further information. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The contents of this preamble are listed in the following outline: I. Refrigerant Recycling Regulations II. Revisions to the Refrigerant Recycling Regulations A. Definitions 1. Technician 2. Adoption of Standard Based on ARI 700-1993 in Definition of ``Reclaim'' B. Prohibitions 1. Sale of Used Appliances Without Service Apertures 2. Exceptions to Prohibition on Sale of Unreclaimed Refrigerant C. Required Practices 1. Exception for Leaky Appliances to Evacuation Requirements at Disposal 2. Use of Nitrogen to Pressurize-113 Appliances for Non-major Repairs 3. Requirements for Recovery Using New Recovery Technologies 4. Availability of Certified Recycling and Recovery Equipment to Persons Disposing of MVACs and MVAC-like Appliances 5. Exemption for Pump-out Units from 15-pound Limit for System- Dependent Equipment 6. Applicability Solely to Equipment Containing More Than 50 Pounds of Refrigerant of Leak Repair and Associated Recordkeeping Requirements D. Equipment Certification 1. Measurement of Recovery Rates E. Technician Certification F. Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements 1. Sales Restriction--Effective Date for Recordkeeping 2. Proof of Employment of Certified Personnel G. Appendix A H. Appendix B I. Appendix D J. Removal of Parenthetical Statements III. Effective Dates IV. Summary of Supporting Analysis A. Executive Order 12866 B. Regulatory Flexibility Act C. Paperwork Reduction Act V. Judicial Review I. Refrigerant Recycling Regulations Final regulations published on May 14, 1993 (58 FR 28660) establish a recycling program for ozone-depleting refrigerants recovered during the servicing and disposal of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Together with the prohibition on venting during the maintenance, service, repair, and disposal of class I and class II substances (see the listing notice January 22, 1991; 56 FR 2420) that took effect on July 1, 1992, these regulations should substantially reduce the emissions of ozone-depleting refrigerants. The regulations require that persons servicing air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment observe certain service practices that reduce emissions, and establish equipment and reclamation certification requirements, as well as a technician certification requirement. A sales restriction on the sale of refrigerant was also established by the final regulations. As of November 14, 1994, only certified technicians will legally be authorized to purchase refrigerant.\1\ In addition, the final regulations established a leak repair requirement for equipment that normally holds a refrigerant charge of fifty pounds or more. Finally, the regulations require that ozone-depleting compounds contained in appliances be removed prior to disposal of the appliances, and that all air- conditioning and refrigeration equipment, except for small appliances, be provided with a servicing aperture that will facilitate recovery of refrigerant. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\It should be noted that EPA has recently proposed to extend this date for technicians that have been trained, tested, and approved by an organization requesting to be grandfathered under Sec. 82.161(g). (See Federal Register published 8/15/94). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- II. Revisions to the Refrigerant Recycling Regulations Through this action EPA is promulgating several minor changes to the final rule. Below is a description of each change to the regulatory text that appeared in the Federal Register on May 14, 1993. A. Definitions 1. Technician Section 82.152(x) defines a ``technician'' for purposes of the refrigerant recycling rule. A technician is a person who provides maintenance, service or repair that could reasonably be expected to release ozone-depleting substances through those actions. Section 82.152(x) includes in the definition of ``technician'' a person who disposes of appliances, but does not include any person disposing of small appliances. In excluding such persons, EPA considered the nature of work associated with recovering refrigerants from small appliances prior to disposal, the affected workforce, and any environmental damage that could result from emissions during disposal. In drafting the final rule, EPA left out motor vehicle air conditioners (MVAC)\2\ and MVAC-like equipment\3\ in exempting certification of technicians disposing of certain types of equipment. Disposal of MVACs and MVAC-like appliances is similar in many ways to the disposal of small appliances. EPA distinguishes between large equipment that is dismantled on-site and portable equipment that may enter the waste stream with its refrigerant charge still intact because of the differences between the two types of equipment once they reach the end of their useful lives. Large equipment dismantled on-site must have refrigerant removed as part of the dismantling process because there is no other option that will result in successful recovery of refrigerant. This large equipment cannot enter the waste stream with the charge intact, while more portable small appliances, MVACs, and MVAC-like equipment frequently does enter the waste stream with the charge intact. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\Regulations concerning MVAC appliances were promulgated under section 609 and published in the Federal Register on July 14, 1992 (57 FR 31241). \3\MVAC-like equipment is defined in Sec. 82.152(1) as the mechanical vapor compression, open-drive compressor appliances used to cool the driver's or passenger's compartment of a non-road motor vehicle. This includes the air-conditioning equipment on agricultural or construction vehicles. This definition is not intended to cover appliances using HCFC-22 refrigerant. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In regulations promulgated under section 608, EPA discussed the differences between the disposal sector and the servicing sector. (See 58 FR 28705.) EPA noted that unlike the servicing sector, the disposal sector does not reintroduce refrigerant to equipment, after removal. Refrigerant is merely being removed, usually after the appliances have been removed from operation. This removal may occur at any stage either before it enters the waste stream or once in the waste stream. Since the types of recover-only processes used with small appliances, MVACs, and MVAC-like equipment tend to be relatively straight-forward and a simpler task than recycling or the recovery of refrigerant from larger types of appliances, EPA did not require the certification of technicians disposing of small appliances. Since the circumstances for disposing of small appliances is quite similar to the circumstances for disposing of MVACs and MVAC-like equipment, EPA believes it is appropriate to revise the definition of ``technician'' to exclude any person disposing of MVAC and MVAC-like equipment. The revised definition will consequently read as follows: ``Technician means any person who performs maintenance, service, or repair that could reasonably be expected to release class I or class II substances from appliances into the atmosphere, including but not limited to installers, contractor employees, in-house service personnel, and in some cases, owners. Technician also means any person disposing of appliances except for small appliances, MVACs, and MVAC-like equipment.'' 2. Adoption of Standard Based on ARI 700-1993 in Definition of ``Reclaim'' Section 82.152(q) defines ``reclaim'' to mean ``to reprocess refrigerant to at least the standard of purity specified in the ARI Standard 700-1988, Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants.'' A standard based closely on ARI 700-1988 is included in the rule as Appendix A. During the comment period on the proposed Sec. 608 refrigerant recycling rule, the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute had requested that EPA adopt a standard based on ARI 700- 1993, which is an updated version of ARI 700-1988. ARI described the differences between ARI 700-1988 and ARI 700-1993 during the public hearing and submitted a draft version of the updated standard, which was included in the public docket for the rule. The updated standard included changes in three areas: 1. ARI 700-1993 included purity standards for eleven additional refrigerants: R-23, R-32, R-123, R-124, R-125, R-134a, R-143a, R- 401(A), R-401(B), R-402(A), and R-402(B). 2. Liquid phase contaminant water levels were increased from 10ppm in ARI 700-1988 to 20ppm in ARI 700-1993 for R-11 and R-113 only. 3. Where ARI 700-1988 allowed 0.5 as the maximum percentage by weight of ``other refrigerants,'' ARI 700-1993 allows 0.50 as the maximum percentage by weight of ``all other organic impurities, including other refrigerants.'' The inclusion of organic impurities other than refrigerants in the limit effectively tightens the standard, and at the same time, the change from 0.5 to 0.50 reduces the tolerance of the standard by a factor of ten. (Thus, while a sample containing 0.54 percent other refrigerants would have met the old standard, only a sample containing 0.504 percent (or less) other organic impurities would meet the new standard.) Although all the comments received by EPA regarding adoption of the updated standard were favorable, the standard was not included in the final rule because it was not finalized by the time the final rule was published. (See 58 FR 28679 for a discussion of this issue in the final rule.) An appendix to the standard specifying procedures for analyzing refrigerant was undergoing a lengthy process of peer review, which is now complete. Because the final standard is substantially identical to the draft that was included in the docket for comment, and because EPA agrees with commenters that the changes to the standard are appropriate and necessary, EPA is changing the definition of ``reclaim'' to refer to ARI 700-1993, and is replacing the standard based on ARI 700-1988 with a standard based on ARI 700-1993 as appendix A. EPA is also replacing references to ARI 700-1988 with references to ARI 700-1993 in its reclaimer certification program. Because section 608 of the Act does not give EPA the authority to regulate refrigerants that do not contain class I or class II substances until November, 1995, EPA is not adopting the purity standards of ARI 700-1993 that apply to refrigerants that do not contain CFCs or HCFCs. Thus, EPA is not adopting purity requirements for HFC-23, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, or HFC-143a at this time. (ARI and other standard-setting organizations remain free, of course, to adopt and observe purity requirements for these refrigerants.) However, the purity requirements for CFC and HCFC refrigerants (including blends that contain either CFCs or HCFCs along with non-ozone-depleting components) in appendix A are identical to the purity requirements for CFC and HCFC refrigerants in ARI 700-1993. EPA would like to clarify that since it is not possible to return a refrigerant to a standard of purity if no standard of purity is specified for that refrigerant, refrigerants that are not covered by appendix A need not be reclaimed under this regulation. B. Prohibitions 1. Sale of Used Appliances Without Service Apertures Section 82.154(j) and Sec. 82.154(k) are prohibitions against the sale and distribution, or offer for sale and distribution of any appliance, unless such equipment is equipped with either a service aperture or, for small appliances, with a process stub, to facilitate the removal of refrigerant. EPA would like to clarify that for the purposes of these prohibitions, EPA will interpret sale, distribution, or offer of sale or distribution as not referring to the sale of used products. Sale of used products means a sale or distribution by a person after a period of use other than demonstration use. The Agency recognizes that there is a market for the sale of used air conditioners and refrigerators. Restricting the resale of such used durable goods before the end of their productive lifetimes would provide little, if any, environmental benefit. Indeed, the introduction of a service aperture may lead to unintentional releases by weakening the refrigeration circuit. Because requiring these goods to be retrofitted prior to resale would impose significant economic hardship on a great many consumers without providing significant environmental benefits, EPA does not believe it is necessary to ban their resale. Consequently, while EPA's interpretation of sale and distribution or offer for sale and distribution is such that the entire chain of sale and distribution from the manufacturer of a new product to its ultimate consumer is included, the Agency recognizes that in the case of durable consumer goods, resale of the product to additional consumers may occur after the original sale or distribution of the new product to the ultimate consumer after some period of use by the original ultimate consumer. In such cases, EPA will not prohibit the sale of these used products. 2. Exceptions to Prohibition on Sale of Unreclaimed Refrigerant Prohibitions Secs. 82.154(g) and 82.154(h) currently prohibit the sale of used refrigerant that has not been reclaimed by a certified reclaimer. EPA intended to exclude two classes of used refrigerant from this prohibition: refrigerant that was and is to be used only in an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance, and refrigerant that is contained in an appliance that is sold or offered for sale together with the refrigerant. The section 609 refrigerant recycling rule, which covers MVACs, explicitly recognizes and permits the transfer of refrigerant between MVACs owned by different persons if that refrigerant is: (1) Recovered from an MVAC and returned to an MVAC by a single service entity; and (2) recycled to meet the SAE J1991 standard.\4\ (This provision of the section 609 rule, which is contained in the definition of ``properly using'' recycling and recovery equipment, also covers MVAC-like appliances pursuant to Sec. 82.156(a)(5).) Because this standard is not as stringent as the standard that reclaimed refrigerant must meet in the section 608 refrigerant recycling rule, refrigerant that only meets this standard cannot be considered reclaimed. Thus, such refrigerant cannot be sold under the section 608 rule. However, EPA did not intend to reverse the position that it took in the section 609 rule regarding the transfer of refrigerant between MVACs owned by different people. For instance, one of the primary arguments made in support of the reclamation requirement in the section 608 rule, that no less stringent recycling standard currently exists (58 FR 28679), clearly does not apply to MVACs and MVAC-like appliances, which are governed by the less stringent SAE J1991 standard. EPA is therefore amending the prohibitions to exclude the sale of refrigerant transferred between MVACs or MVAC-like appliances. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\The preamble to the section 609 rule states, ``service establishments owned by a single owner may recover refrigerant and send the refrigerant to a central location for recycling to the SAE J1991 standard for CFC-12'' (57 FR 31246). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Another primary argument made in support of the reclamation requirement, that transfer of refrigerant between different owners can contaminate appliances, clearly does not apply to refrigerant that changes ownership solely because it is contained in an appliance that changes ownership. If refrigerant remains within a single appliance, it obviously cannot introduce contaminants into another appliance. Thus, EPA is also amending the prohibition to exclude the sale of refrigerant that is contained in an appliance that is sold or offered for sale together with the refrigerant. C. Required Practices 1. Exception for Leaky Appliances to Evacuation Requirements at Disposal Section 82.156(a)(2)(ii) establishes an exception to the evacuation requirements for appliances undergoing maintenance, service, or repair. The paragraph reads: If, due to leaks in the appliance, evacuation to the levels in Table 1 is not attainable, or would substantially contaminate the refrigerant being recovered, persons opening the appliance must: (A) Isolate leaking from non-leaking components wherever possible; (B) Evacuate non-leaking components to be opened to the levels specified in Table 1; and (C) Evacuate leaking components to be opened to the lowest level that can be attained without substantially contaminating the refrigerant. In no case shall this level exceed 0 psig. Through an accidental omission, the requirements in Sec. 82.156(a)(3) for evacuating appliances at disposal contain no exception for leaky appliances, although the rationale for such an exception at disposal is identical to the rationale for the exception at maintenance, service, or repair. That is, leaks in the appliance may permit air to enter the appliance as the internal pressure of the appliance is lowered, contaminating the refrigerant being recovered and making it impossible to attain the required vacuum. EPA is therefore adding an exception for leaky appliances to the evacuation requirements at disposal. This exception is identical to that at maintenance, service, and repair. 2. Use of Nitrogen to Pressurize -113 Appliances for Non-Major Repairs Section 82.156(a)(2)(B) prohibits the use of nitrogen to pressurize low-pressure appliances for non-major repairs. In including this prohibition in the rule, EPA intended to encourage the use of pressurization methods that do not require subsequent purging, such as heating of the evaporator and/or condenser. However, while heat can be safely used to pressurize appliances utilizing CFC-11 and HCFC-123 to atmospheric pressure, heat alone is not a practical or safe method for pressurizing appliances utilizing CFC-113 because the temperatures required to raise the pressure of CFC-113 to atmospheric pressure are quite high (117.6 deg.F for CFC-113 vs. 74.7 deg.F for CFC-11). Thus, for refrigerants with boiling points above 85 deg.F, EPA is now requiring that heat be used to raise the internal pressure of the appliance as much as possible, but is permitting nitrogen to be introduced to meet the remaining pressure requirements. Contrary to popular perception, EPA has never prohibited the use of nitrogen to pressurize systems for purposes of a leak check (because leak checking does not involve ``opening'' of the appliance), although the Agency encourages the use of heat, rather than nitrogen, to pressurize systems whenever possible. Thus, it has been and remains acceptable to introduce nitrogen into an appliance utilizing CFC-113 for purposes of a leak check. EPA recommends that heat be the primary method used to raise the internal pressure of appliances containing CFC-113 as much as possible for checking leaks, and that nitrogen be introduced to meet the remaining pressure requirements. 3. Requirements for Recovery Using New Recovery Technologies In Sec. 82.158(b)(2), EPA provided for the certification of recycling and recovery equipment whose recovery efficiency cannot be tested according to the procedures in ARI 740-1993, which measure levels of evacuation. The rule states that this new equipment may be certified if an approved third-party testing organization adopts and performs a test that demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Administrator, that the recovery efficiency of the new equipment is equal to or better than that of equipment that: (i) Is intended for use with the same type of appliance; and (ii) achieves the level of evacuation in Table 2 of the rule. As discussed in the preamble to the final rule (58 FR 28689), EPA's goal in including this provision was to avoid unnecessary delay in the certification, marketing, and use of new recovery technologies that do not operate by drawing vacuums. However, EPA inadvertently neglected to include a provision in the required practices section (82.156) that would permit the use of recovery technologies that do not operate by drawing vacuums. EPA is therefore adding a provision, Sec. 82.156(a)(2)(iii), that permits the use of equipment certified pursuant to Sec. 82.158(b)(2), as long as users of this equipment follow the manufacturer's directions for achieving the required recovery efficiencies. EPA will make the development of and compliance with such directions part of the process for certifying new recovery technologies under Sec. 82.158(b)(2). 4. Availability of Certified Recycling and Recovery Equipment to Persons Disposing of MVACs and MVAC-Like Appliances Section 82.156(b) currently requires that: All persons opening appliances except for small appliances and MVACs for maintenance, service, or repair and all persons disposing of appliances except for small appliances must have at least one piece of certified, self- contained recovery equipment available at their place of business. EPA inadvertently omitted three items from this paragraph. First, certified, self-contained recycling equipment should have been listed along with certified, self-contained recovery equipment as equipment that would meet this requirement. In all other sections of the rule, recycling and recovery equipment are treated identically, and EPA did not intend to treat them differently here. Therefore, EPA is inserting ``or recycling'' between ``recovery'' and ``equipment'' in Sec. 82.156(b). Second, persons disposing of MVACs and MVAC-like appliances should have been excluded along with persons disposing of small appliances from the requirement to have one piece of certified, self-contained recovery or recycling equipment available at their place of business. EPA clearly intended to exclude these persons from this requirement because it excludes recovery and recycling equipment used to dispose MVACs and MVAC-like equipment from third-party certification requirements. (See the final rule preamble at 58 FR 28705, Secs. 82.158(a) and 82.158(l).) Therefore, EPA is inserting ``MVACs, or MVAC-like appliances'' after ``all persons disposing of appliances except for small appliances,'' excluding all three groups from the requirement to have certified recovery or recycling equipment available at their place of business. Third, EPA intended to exempt persons who own appliances containing pump-out units and who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of only these appliances from the above requirement. The requirement was intended to ensure that persons who used small, portable system- dependent recovery equipment to service appliances also had self- contained equipment available in the event the appliance compressor was not operational. In general, such small, self-contained recovery equipment is not prohibitively expensive, particularly if it is to be used for a large number of jobs. However, the requirement may also affect owners of chillers, which are frequently equipped with built-in pump-out units that are used for the recovery of large quantities of refrigerant. Because system compressors may be used to move the refrigerant into the pump-out unit in some cases, these units may be considered ``system-dependent'' in those cases.\5\ While small self- contained recovery devices are relatively inexpensive, larger self- contained recovery devices may be prohibitively costly for persons who own and service a limited number of chillers. Moreover, instead of purchasing large recovery devices, owners of chillers may contract out the recovery procedure if the built-in unit is not capable of meeting the applicable evacuation requirements. EPA did not intend to require such owners to purchase expensive equipment when this less costly remedy exists. Thus, EPA is adding a sentence to make this exemption explicit. However, persons exempted from Sec. 82.156(b) are still required to meet the other applicable requirements of Sec. 82.156 (e.g., evacuation requirements). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\EPA understands that in general, pump-out units on chillers are equipped with their own pumps or compressors, which are not used during the operation of the appliance. Pump-out units equipped with their own compressors would not be considered system-dependent recovery equipment. On the other hand, system receivers, which are not equipped with their own compressors, would not be considered recovery equipment at all because they are an integral part of the appliance. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Exemption for Pump-out Units From 15-pound Limit for System- Dependent Equipment Section 82.156(c) prohibits the use of system-dependent equipment with appliances normally containing more than 15 pounds of refrigerant. This prohibition was intended to cover small, portable system-dependent equipment, which is not designed for the recovery of large quantities of refrigerant. As noted above, however, some large chillers are equipped with built-in pump-out units that could also be considered ``system-dependent equipment,'' but that are designed to be used for the recovery of large quantities of refrigerant. EPA did not intend to prohibit the use of such pump-out units for recovery. Thus, EPA is revising Sec. 82.156(c) to read ``System-dependent equipment shall not be used with appliances normally containing more than 15 pounds of refrigerant, unless the system-dependent equipment is permanently attached to the appliance as a pump-out unit.'' 6. Applicability Solely to Equipment Containing More Than 50 Pounds of Refrigerant of Leak Repair and Associated Recordkeeping Requirements Section 82.156(i), the leak repair requirement, contains two subparagraphs that apply to owners of different types of equipment. The first subparagraph, Sec. 82.156(i)(1), applies to ``owners of commercial refrigeration and industrial process refrigeration,'' specifying no lower size limit for covered equipment. The second subparagraph, Sec. 82.156(i)(2), applies to ``owners of appliances normally containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant and not covered by paragraph (i)(1).'' EPA has received numerous inquiries regarding whether or not it intended to include a lower size limit in the first subparagraph. Although EPA did not explicitly restrict the scope of its leak repair requirement for commercial and industrial process refrigeration to equipment containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant, EPA intended this requirement to cover only equipment containing at least 50 pounds. The definition of commercial refrigeration includes a note that ``[a]ll of the equipment contains large refrigerant charges, typically over 75 pounds,'' and the discussion of industrial process refrigeration that appears in the preamble to the rule includes a note that ``charge sizes can be very large, ranging from 750-3000 lbs for ice rinks, and rising as high as 20,000 lbs for built-up centrifugal units.'' (No other charge sizes are mentioned.) The preamble also notes: The 50-pound cut-off is intended to exempt smaller equipment where the cost of repairing the leak is an order of magnitude higher than the environmental benefit of repairing the leak (RIA). The 50-pound cut-off is also consistent with guidance found in the ASHRAE Guideline 3-1990 (58 FR 28680). This rationale applies to commercial and industrial process refrigeration as well as to other large appliances. In order to clarify that only commercial and industrial process refrigeration equipment containing more than 50 pounds is covered by the leak repair requirements, EPA is now specifying this limit in Sec. 82.156(i)(1). D. Equipment Certification 1. Measurement of Recovery Rates Section 82.158(b)(6) requires manufacturers of recycling and recovery equipment to have an approved equipment testing organization measure the liquid and vapor recovery rates of equipment as part of the equipment certification process. EPA required measurement and publication of these recovery rates in order to ensure that technicians would not inadvertently purchase equipment whose recovery rates were too low for the intended application; the Agency was concerned that a technician purchasing underpowered equipment would be tempted to interrupt the resulting lengthy recovery process before it was complete. However, some types of equipment do not have inherent liquid and vapor recovery rates. For instance, the recovery rate of system- dependent equipment depends upon the compressor of the individual appliance from which it is recovering refrigerant. EPA intended to exempt this equipment from the requirement to have its liquid and vapor recovery rate measured. First, system-dependent equipment certified pursuant to Sec. 82.158(b) typically has a higher recovery rate than self-contained equipment, because appliance compressors are usually larger and therefore faster than recovery equipment compressors. Second, the use of system- dependent equipment is limited to appliances normally containing less than 15 pounds of refrigerant. Thus, low recovery rates are not a concern for such equipment. EPA is therefore amending Section 82.158(b)(6) of the rule to clarify that equipment with no inherent liquid or vapor recovery rates need not have these rates measured. E. Technician Certification\6\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \6\Additional revisions to Sec. 82.161 have been proposed by EPA. (See Federal Register published 8-15-94) These proposed changes will more clearly delineate who is required to be certified. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 82.161(a) requires that technicians be certified. EPA exempted from this requirement technicians that are disposing of small appliances, room air conditioners, and MVACs because these technicians are only recovering the refrigerant prior to the disposal of this equipment. As discussed earlier, persons disposing of this equipment were exempt from the requirement because the nature of this work is straight-forward. As outlined above, EPA is extending this exemption to MVAC-like appliances. Throughout the rule, EPA states that since MVAC appliances and MVAC-like appliances are similar in nature and design, it is appropriate for these technicians to be treated in a similar fashion. In Sec. 82.161(a)(5), EPA provides a method for those servicing MVAC-like appliances to be certified by attending a program designed and approved under section 609 for training and certifying MVAC technicians. Therefore, to maintain consistency as discussed in Section A of this rulemaking, EPA will extend the exemption from the certification requirement to technicians that are disposing of MVAC- like appliances. In addition, since ``room air conditioners'' are considered a type of small appliance, and small appliances are already excepted from the certification requirement, EPA will delete ``room air conditioners'' from the list of exceptions. F. Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements 1. Sales Restriction--Effective Date for Recordkeeping Section 82.166(a) establishes a recordkeeping requirement for all persons who sell or distribute any class I or class II substance for use as a refrigerant. Since no effective date was specified for this particular requirement, this provision became effective June 14, 1993, the effective date of the Refrigerant Recycling Regulations. However, the restriction on selling or distributing of ozone-depleting refrigerants is not effective until November 14, 1994, pursuant to Sec. 82.154(n). EPA does not believe it is necessary to maintain records regarding the sale and distribution of refrigerant in advance of the effective date of the actual sales or distribution restriction. Furthermore, such a requirement places an unnecessary burden on industry. Without the existence of a sales restriction, the usefulness of such records is dubious. Therefore, through this action EPA will change the effective date for maintaining records regarding sales and distribution of refrigerants from June 14, 1993 to November 14, 1994. 2. Proof of Employment of Certified Personnel Section 82.166(b) allows the purchasers of any class I or class II refrigerants who employ certified technicians to provide evidence of each technician's certification to the wholesaler who sells them refrigerant. The wholesaler will keep this information on file. The purchaser is further required to notify the wholesaler regarding any changes in a technician's certification or employment status. Concerns have recently been brought to EPA's attention about the practicability of implementing this provision. Large organizations often employ large numbers of certified technicians that may be situated at various locations around the country. Tracking and notifying wholesalers of employee status may result in an overwhelming responsibility. EPA did not intend this requirement to place any undue burden on the employers of large numbers of technicians. In fact, EPA believed that allowing employers to purchase refrigerant for their technicians, instead of requiring the technician to be physically present at the point of sale, would actually decrease the burden for the technician, the wholesaler, and the technician's employer. Therefore, EPA is modifying this requirement to read: Purchasers of any class I or class II refrigerants who employ certified technicians may provide evidence that at least one technician is properly certified to the wholesaler who sells them refrigerant; the wholesaler will then keep this information on file and may sell refrigerant to the purchaser or his authorized representative even if such purchaser or authorized representative is not a properly certified technician. In such cases, the purchaser must notify the wholesaler in the event that the purchaser no longer employs at least one properly certified technician. The wholesaler is then prohibited from selling class I or class II refrigerants to the purchaser until such time as the purchaser employs at least one properly certified technician. At that time, the purchaser must provide new evidence that at least one technician is properly certified. EPA believes that this requirement will still have the intended effect of lessening the likelihood that refrigerant is sold for use by non-certified personnel, while providing a more reasonable means for purchasers to comply with the sales restriction. G. Appendix A EPA adopted an industry standard in the final rule based on the Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) Standard 700-1988. This standard appeared as Appendix A to Subpart F--Specification for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants. EPA was aware of efforts to revise ARI 700- 1988 while the final regulations were being drafted. However, the revised version was not completed in time for incorporation into this appendix by EPA. As discussed above, the updated version, known as ARI 700-1993, includes changes in three areas: it adds purity standards for eleven additional refrigerants; it increases liquid phase contaminant water levels from 10ppm in ARI 700-1988 to 20ppm in ARI 700-1993 for R- 11 and R-113 only; and, where ARI 700-1988 allowed 0.5 as the maximum percentage by weight of ``other refrigerants,'' ARI 700-1993 allows 0.50 as the maximum percentage by weight of ``all other organic impurities, including other refrigerants.'' The inclusion of all organic impurities in the limit effectively tightens the standard, and the change from 0.5 to 0.50 reduces the tolerance of the standard by a factor of ten. EPA has reviewed ARI 700-1993 and believes it should be substituted because it covers additional refrigerants, it increases liquid phase contaminant water levels, and broadens the maximum percentage of weight requirement to include all other organic impurities instead of just other refrigerants. Through this action EPA will substitute the standard based on ARI Standard 700-1988 with a standard based on ARI Standard 700-1993. H. Appendix B Appendix B to Subpart F--Performance of Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling and/or Reclaim Equipment was mistakenly referred to in the introduction of appendix B as ARI Standard 740-1991. However, this is incorrect. Appendix B is based upon ARI Standard 740-1993. Through this action EPA will correct the reference in the introduction to appendix B. I. Appendix D Appendix D to subpart F--Standards for Becoming a Certifying Program for Technicians includes reporting requirements for approved programs. Certifying programs are required to submit to EPA activity reports every six months, the first to be submitted six months following the date the program was approved. Since EPA has been approving programs on a continual basis, these reports are due at various times, instead of being submitted simultaneously. In order to maximize EPA's ability to review and respond to the information supplied by the programs, EPA is standardizing the reporting dates. Certifying programs will submit reports to EPA on January 30 and June 30, beginning with the first full six-month period for which the program has been approved. This means that if a program is approved on March 31, that program is required to submit its first activity report to EPA on the following January 30. J. Removal of Parenthetical Statements EPA is deleting the parenthetical notes in the individual sections of 40 CFR part 82, subpart F. The Agency consolidated its display of OMB control numbers in 40 CFR part 9 (see 58 FR 18014, 58 FR 24724, 58 FR 34198 and 58 FR 34369) including the control number for 40 CFR part 82, subpart F; this consolidated display makes the parenthetical statements in the individual sections of Subpart F duplicative. The information collection request (ICR) was previously subject to public notice and comment prior to OMB approval. III. Effective Dates This final action will become effective on October 18, 1994 unless EPA is notified by September 19, 1994 that any person wishes to submit adverse comment. Should EPA receive such notice, EPA will publish one subsequent action in the Federal Register to withdraw this final action and another action proposing this action and requesting comments. In such a case, following a public comment period, the Agency will draft the final regulation to be published in the Federal Register. IV. Summary of Supporting Analysis A. Executive Order 12866 Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), the Agency must determine whether this regulatory action is ``significant'' and therefore subject to OMB review and the requirements of the Executive Order. The Order defines ``significant'' regulatory action as one that is likely to lead to a rule that may: (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, or adversely and materially affect a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities; (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlement, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in the Executive Order. It has been determined by OMB and EPA that this amendment to the final rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the terms of Executive Order 12866 and is therefore not subject to OMB review under the Executive Order. B. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-602, requires that Federal agencies examine the impacts of their regulations on small entities. Under 5 U.S.C. 604(a), whenever an agency is required to publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking, it must prepare and make available for public comment an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (RFA). Such an analysis is not required if the head of an agency certifies that a rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b). EPA believes that any impact that this amendment will have on the regulated community will serve only to provide relief from otherwise applicable regulations, and will therefore limit the negative economic impact associated with the regulations previously promulgated under Section 608. An examination of the impacts on small entities was discussed in the final rule (58 FR 28660). That final rule assessed the impact the rule may have on small entities. A separate regulatory impact analysis accompanied the final rule and is contained in Docket A-92-01. I certify that this amendment to the refrigerant recycling rule will not have any additional negative economic impacts on any small entities. C. Paperwork Reduction Act Any information collection requirements in a rule must be submitted for approval to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. Because no additional informational collection requirements are required by this amendment, EPA has determined that the Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply to this rulemaking and no new Information Collection Request document has been prepared. V. Judicial Review Because these regulations are nationally applicable under section 307(b)(1) of the Act, judicial review of this action is available only by the filing of a petition for review in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit within sixty days of publication of this action in the Federal Register. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82 Administrative practice and procedure, Air pollution control, Chemicals, Chlorofluorocarbons, Exports, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, Imports, Interstate commerce, Nonessential products, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Stratospheric ozone layer. Dated: August 5, 1994. Carol M. Browner, Administrator. Part 82, Chapter I, title 40 of the code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 82--PROTECTION OF STRATOSPHERIC OZONE 1. The authority citation for part 82 continues to read as follows: Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7414, 7601, 7671-7671q. 2. Section 82.152 is amended by revising paragraphs (q) and (x) to read as follows: Sec. 82.152 Definitions. * * * * * (q) Reclaim refrigerant means to reprocess refrigerant to at least the purity specified in appendix A to 40 CFR part 82, subpart F (based on ARI Standard 700-1993, Specifications for Fluorocarbon and Other Refrigerants) and to verify this purity using the analytical methodology prescribed in appendix A. In general, reclamation involves the use of processes or procedures available only at a reprocessing or manufacturing facility. * * * * * (x) Technician means any person who performs maintenance, service, or repair that could reasonably be expected to release class I or class II substances from appliances into the atmosphere, including, but not limited to, installers, contractor employees, in-house service personnel, and in some cases, owners. Technician also means any person disposing of appliances except for small appliances, MVACs, and MVAC- like equipment. * * * * * 3. Section 82.154 is amended by revising paragraphs (g) and (h) to read as follows: Sec. 82.154 Prohibitions. * * * * * (g) Effective October 18, 1994 until May 15, 1995, no person may sell or offer for sale for use as a refrigerant any class I or class II substance consisting wholly or in part of used refrigerant unless: (1) The class I or class II substance has been reclaimed as defined at Sec. 82.152(g); (2) The class I or class II substance was used only in an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance and is to be used only in an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance; or (3) The class I or class II substance is contained in an appliance that is sold or offered for sale together with the class I or class II substance. (h) Effective October 18, 1994 until May 15, 1995, no person may sell or offer for sale for use as a refrigerant any class I or class II substance consisting wholly or in part of used refrigerant unless: (1) The class I or class II substance has been reclaimed by a person who has been certified as a reclaimer pursuant to Sec. 82.164; (2) The class I or class II substance was used only in an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance and is to be used only in an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance; or (3) The class I or class II substance is contained in an appliance that is sold or offered for sale together with the class I or class II substance. * * * * * 4. Section 82.156 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(1)(ii), (a)(2)(i)(B), (a)(3), (b), (c), and (i)(1), and by adding paragraphs (a)(1)(iii) and (a)(2)(iii) to read as follows: Sec. 82.156 Required practices. * * * * * (a) * * * (1) * * * (ii) Due to leaks in the appliance, evacuation to the levels in Table 1 is not attainable, or would substantially contaminate the refrigerant being recovered; or (iii) The recycling or recovery equipment was certified pursuant to Sec. 82.158(b)(2). In any of these cases, the requirements of Sec. 82.156(a)(2) must be followed. (2) * * * (i) * * * (B) Be pressurized to 0 psig before it is opened if it is a low- pressure appliance. Persons pressurizing low-pressure appliances that use refrigerants with boiling points at or below 85 deg. F at 29.9 inches of mercury (standard atmospheric pressure), (e.g., CFC-11 and HCFC-123,) must not use methods, such as nitrogen, that require subsequent purging. Persons pressurizing low-pressure appliances that use refrigerants with boiling points above 85 deg. F at 29.9 inches of mercury, e.g., CFC-113, must use heat to raise the internal pressure of the appliance as much as possible, but may use nitrogen to raise the internal pressure of the appliance from the level attainable through use of heat to atmospheric pressure. * * * * * (iii) If the recycling or recovery equipment was certified pursuant to Sec. 82.158(b)(2), technicians must follow the manufacturer's directions for achieving the required recovery efficiency. * * * * * (3) Persons disposing of appliances except for small appliances, MVACs, and MVAC-like appliances, must evacuate to the levels in Table 1 unless, due to leaks in the appliance, evacuation to the levels in Table 1 is not attainable, or would substantially contaminate the refrigerant being recovered. If, due to leaks in the appliance, evacuation to the levels in Table 1 is not attainable, or would substantially contaminate the refrigerant being recovered, persons disposing of the appliance must: (i) Isolate leaking from non-leaking components wherever possible; (ii) Evacuate non-leaking components to the levels specified in Table 1; and (iii) Evacuate leaking components to the lowest level that can be attained without substantially contaminating the refrigerant. In no case shall this level exceed 0 psig. * * * * * (b) Effective October 18, 1994, all persons opening appliances except for small appliances and MVACs for maintenance, service, or repair and all persons disposing of appliances except small appliances, MVACs, and MVAC-like appliances must have at least one piece of certified, self-contained recovery or recycling equipment available at their place of business. Persons who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of only appliances that they own and that contain pump-out units are exempt from this requirement. This exemption does not relieve such persons from other applicable requirements of Sec. 82.156. (c) System-dependent equipment shall not be used with appliances normally containing more than 15 pounds of refrigerant, unless the system-dependent equipment is permanently attached to the appliance as a pump-out unit. * * * * * (i) * * * (1) Owners of commercial refrigeration and industrial process refrigeration equipment normally containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant must have all leaks repaired if the equipment is leaking at a rate such that the loss of refrigerant will exceed 35 percent of the total charge during a 12-month period, except as described in paragraph (i)(3) of this section. * * * * * 5. Section 82.158 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(6) to read as follows: Sec. 82.158 Standards for recycling and recovery equipment. * * * * * (b) * * * (2) Recovery or recycling equipment whose recovery efficiency cannot be tested according to the procedures in ARI 740-1993 may be certified if an approved third-party testing organization adopts and performs a test that demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Administrator, that the recovery efficiency of that equipment is equal to or better than that of equipment that: (i) Is intended for use with the same type of appliance; and (ii) Achieves the level of evacuation in Table 2. The manufacturer's instructions must specify how to achieve the required recovery efficiency, and the equipment must be tested when used according to these instructions. * * * * * (6) The equipment must have its liquid recovery rate and its vapor recovery rate measured under the conditions of ARI 740-1993, unless the equipment has no inherent liquid or vapor recovery rate. * * * * * 6. Section 82.161 is amended by revising paragraph (a) introductory text to read as follows: Sec. 82.161 Technician certification. (a) Effective November 14, 1994, persons who maintain, service, or repair appliances, except MVACs, and persons who dispose of appliances, except for small appliances, room air conditioners, MVACs and MVAC-like appliances, must be certified by an approved technician certification program as follows: * * * * * 7. Section 82.164 is amended by revising the introductory text and paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) and by redesignating paragraphs (e) and (f) as (f) and (g) and by adding a new paragraph (e) to read as follows: Sec. 82.164 Reclaimer certification. Effective October 18, 1994, persons reclaiming used refrigerant for sale to a new owner must certify to the Administrator that such person will: (a) Return refrigerant to at least the standard of purity set forth in appendix A (based on ARI Standard 700-1993, Specifications for Fluorocarbon and Other Refrigerants); (b) Verify this purity using the methods set forth in appendix A; (c) Release no more than 1.5 percent of the refrigerant during the reclamation process; and (d) Dispose of wastes from the reclamation process in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. (e) The data elements for certification are as follows: (1) The name and address of the reclaimer; (2) A list of equipment used to reprocess and analyze the refrigerant; and (3) The owner or a responsible officer of the reclaimer must sign the certification stating that the refrigerant will be returned to at least the standard of purity set forth in appendix A, that the purity of the refrigerant will be verified using the methods set forth in appendix A, that no more than 1.5 percent of the refrigerant will be released during the reclamation process, that wastes from the reclamation process will be properly disposed of, and that the information given is true and correct. The certification should be sent to the following address: Section 608 Recycling Program Manager, Reclaimer Certification, Stratospheric Protection Division (6205J), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 20460. * * * * * 8. Section 82.166 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as follows: Sec. 82.166 Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. (a) Effective November 14, 1994, all persons who sell or distribute any class I or class II substance for use as a refrigerant must retain invoices that indicate the name of the purchaser, the date of sale, and the quantity of refrigerant purchased. (b) Purchasers of any class I or class II refrigerants who employ certified technicians may provide evidence that at least one technician is properly certified to the wholesaler who sells them refrigerant; the wholesaler will then keep this information on file and may sell refrigerant to the purchaser or his authorized representative even if such purchaser or authorized representative is not a properly certified technician. In such cases, the purchaser must notify the wholesaler in the event that the purchaser no longer employs at least one properly certified technician. The wholesaler is then prohibited from selling class I or class II refrigerants to the purchaser until such time as the purchaser employs at least one properly certified technician. At that time, the purchaser must provide new evidence that at least one technician is properly certified. * * * * * 9. Appendix A to subpart F is revised to read as follows: Appendix A to Subpart F--Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants This appendix is based on Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute Standard 700-93: Section 1. Purpose 1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to evaluate and accept/reject refrigerants regardless of source (new, reclaimed and/ or repackaged) for use in new and existing refrigeration and air- conditioning products. 1.1.1 This standard is intended for the guidance of the industry including manufacturers, refrigerant reclaimers, repackagers, distributors, installers, servicemen, contractors and for consumers. 1.2 Review and Amendment. This standard is subject to review and amendment as the technology advances. The dynamics of this technology is advancing so rapidly that changes to this standard must be frequent. Section 2. Scope 2.1 Scope. This standard specifies acceptable levels of contaminants (purity requirements) for various fluorocarbon refrigerants regardless of source and lists acceptable test methods. These refrigerants are R11; R12; R13; R22; R113; R114; R123; R124; R500; R502 and R503 as referenced in the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard Number Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc., Standard 34 1992). Copies may be obtained from ASHRAE Publications Sales, 1791 Tullie Circle, NE., Atlanta, GA 30329. Copies may also be inspected at Public Docket No. A-92-01, Waterside Mall (Ground Floor) Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC in room M-1500. In addition the following blends are listed: R22/152a/124 (53/13/34); R22/152a/124 (61/11/28); R125/ 290/22 (60/2/38); R125/290/22 (38/2/60). Section 3. Definitions 3.1 ``Shall'', ``Should'', ``Recommended'', or ``It Is Recommended''. ``Shall'', ``should'', ``recommended'', or ``it is recommended'' shall be interpreted as follows: 3.1.1 Shall. Where ``shall'' or ``shall not'' is used for a provision specified, that provision is mandatory if compliance with the standard is claimed. 3.1.2 Should, Recommended, or It is Recommended. ``Should '', ``recommended'', or ``it is recommended'' is used to indicate provisions which are not mandatory but which are desirable as good practice. Section 4. Characterization of Refrigerants and Contaminants 4.1 Characterization. Characterization of refrigerants and contaminants addressed are listed in the following general classifications: 4.1.1 Characterization: a. Gas Chromatography b. Boiling point and boiling point range 4.1.2 Contaminants a. Water b. Chloride c. Acidity d. High boiling residue e. Particulates/solids f. Non-condensables g. Impurities including other refrigerants Section 5. Sampling, Summary of Test Methods and Maximum Permissible Contaminant Levels 5.1 Referee Test. The referee test methods for the various contaminants are summarized in the following paragraphs. Detailed test procedures are included in Parts 1 through 9, 12 through 15, and 19 through 23 of Appendix-93 to ARI Standard 700: Analytical Procedures of ARI Standard 700-93, 1994, the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute. These parts of Appendix-93 to ARI 700 are incorporated by reference. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, 4301 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Copies may also be inspected at Public Docket No. A-92-01, Waterside Mall (Ground Floor) Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC in room M-1500 or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC. If alternate test methods are employed, the user must be able to demonstrate that they produce results equivalent to the specified referee method. 5.2 Refrigerant Sampling. 5.2.1 Sampling Precautions. Special precautions should be taken to assure that representative samples are obtained for analysis. Sampling shall be done by trained laboratory personnel following accepted sampling and safety procedures. 5.2.2 Gas Phase Sample. A gas phase sample shall be obtained for determining the non-condensables. Since non-condensable gases, if present, will concentrate in the vapor phase of the refrigerant, care must be exercised to eliminate introduction of air during the sample transfer. Purging is not an acceptable procedure for a gas phase sample since it may introduce a foreign product. Since R11, R113 and R123 have normal boiling points at or above room temperature, non-condensable determination is not required for these refrigerants. 5.2.2.1 Connection. The sample cylinder shall be connected to an evacuated gas sampling bulb by means of a manifold. The manifold should have a valve arrangement that facilitates evacuation of all connecting tubing leading to the sampling bulb. 5.2.2.2 Equalizing Pressures. After the manifold has been evacuated, close the valve to the pump and open the valve on the system. Allow the pressure to equilibrate and close valves. 5.2.3 Liquid Phase Sample. A liquid phase sample is required for all tests listed in this standard except the test for non- condensables. 5.2.3.1 Preparation. Place an empty sample cylinder with the valve open in an oven at 230 deg.F [110 deg.C] for one hour. Remove it from the oven while hot, immediately connect to an evacuation system and evacuate to less than 1 mm mercury (1000 microns). Close the valve and allow it to cool. 5.2.3.2 Manifolding. The valve and lines from the unit to be sampled shall be clean and dry. The cylinder shall be connected to an evacuated gas sampling cylinder by means of a manifold. The manifold should have a valve arrangement that facilitates evacuation of all connecting tubing leading to the sampling cylinder. 5.2.3.3 Liquid Sampling. After the manifold has been evacuated, close the valve to the pump and open the valve on the system. Take the sample as a liquid by chilling the sample cylinder slightly. Accurate analysis requires that the sample container be filled to at least 60% by volume, however under no circumstances should the cylinder be filled to more than 80% by volume. This can be accomplished by weighing the empty cylinder and then the cylinder with refrigerant. When the desired amount of refrigerant has been collected, close the valve(s) and disconnect the sample cylinder immediately. 5.2.3.4 Record Weight. Check the sample cylinder for leaks and record the gross weight. 5.3 Refrigerant Purity Characterization. 5.3.1 Primary Method. The primary method shall be gas chromatography (GC) as described in Appendix-93 to ARI Standard 700. The chromatogram of the sample shall be compared to known standards. 5.3.2 Alternative Method. Determination of the boiling point and boiling point range is an acceptable alternative test method which can be used to characterize refrigerants. The test method shall be that described in the Federal Specification for ``Fluorocarbon Refrigerants,'' BB-F-1421 B, dated March 5, 1982, section 4.4.3 which is incorporated by reference. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9328. Copies may also be inspected at Public Docket No. A-92-01, Waterside Mall (Ground Floor) Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC in room M-1500 or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC. 5.3.3 Required Values. The required values for boiling point and boiling point range are given in table 1, Physical Properties of Fluorocarbon Refrigerants and Maximum Contaminant Levels. 5.4 Water Content. 5.4.1 Method. The Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration shall be the primary test method for determining the water content of refrigerants. This method is described in Appendix-93 to ARI Standard 700. This method can be used for refrigerants that are either a liquid or a gas at room temperature, including refrigerants 11 and 113, and 123. For all refrigerants, the sample for water analysis shall be taken from the liquid phase of the container to be tested. Proper operation of the analytical method requires special equipment and an experienced operator. The precision of the results is excellent if proper sampling and handling procedures are followed. Refrigerants containing a colored dye can be successfully analyzed for water using this method. 5.4.2 Alternative Method. The Karl Fischer Test Method is an acceptable alternative test method to the Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration for determining the water content of refrigerants. This method is described in ASTM E700-79, (Reapproved 1990), Standard Test Method for Water in Gases Using Karl Fischer Reagent (American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA), which is incorporated by reference. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from the American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA. Copies may also be inspected at Public Docket No. A-92-01, Waterside Mall (Ground Floor) Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC in room M-1500 or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC. 5.4.3 Limits. The value for water content shall be expressed as parts per million by weight and shall not exceed the maximum specified (see tables 1 and 1a). 5.5 Chloride. The refrigerant shall be tested for chloride as an indication of the presence of hydrochloric acid and/or metal chlorides. The recommended procedure is intended for use with new or reclaimed refrigerants. Significant amounts of oil may interfere with the results by indicating a failure in the absence of chloride. 5.5.1 Method. The test method shall be that described in Appendix-93 to ARI Standard 700. The test will show noticeable turbidity at chloride levels of about 3 ppm by weight or higher. 5.5.2 Turbidity. The results of the test shall not exhibit any sign of turbidity. Report the results as ``pass'' or ``fail.'' 5.6 Acidity. 5.6.1 Method. The acidity test uses the titration principle to detect any compound that is highly soluble in water and ionizes as an acid. The test method shall be that described in Appendix- 93 to ARI Standard 700. This test may not be suitable for determination of high molecular weight organic acids; however these acids will be found in the high boiling residue test outlined in 5.7. The test requires a 100 to 120 gram sample and has a detection limit of 0.1 ppm by weight calculated as HCl. 5.6.2 Limits. The maximum permissible acidity is 1 ppm by weight as HCl. 5.7 High Boiling Residue. 5.7.1 Method. High boiling residue shall be determined by measuring the residue of a standard volume of refrigerant after evaporation. The refrigerant sample shall be evaporated at room temperature or at a temperature 50 deg.F [28K], above the boiling point of the sample using a Goetz bulb as specified in Appendix- 93 to ARI Standard 700. Oils and or organic acids will be captured by this method. 5.7.2 Limits. The value for high boiling residue shall be expressed as a percentage by volume and shall not exceed the maximum percent specified (see tables 1 and 1a). 5.8 Particulates/Solids. 5.8.1 Method. A measured amount of sample is evaporated from a Goetz bulb under controlled temperature conditions. The particulates/solids shall be determined by visual examination of the Goetz bulb prior to the evaporation of refrigerant. Presence of dirt, rust or other particulate contamination is reported as ``fail.'' For details of this test method, refer to Appendix-93 to ARI Standard 700. 5.9 Non-Condensables. 5.9.1 Sample. A vapor phase sample shall be used for determination of non-condensables. Non-condensable gases consist primarily of air accumulated in the vapor phase of refrigerants. The solubility of air in the refrigerants liquid phase is extremely low and air is not significant as a liquid phase contaminant. The presence of non-condensable gases may reflect poor quality control in transferring refrigerants to storage tanks and cylinders. 5.9.2 Method. The test method shall be gas chromatography with a thermal conductivity detector as described in Appendix-93 to ARI Standard 700. 5.9.3 Limit. The maximum level of non-condensables in the vapor phase of a refrigerant in a container shall not exceed 1.5% by volume (see table 1 and 1a). 5.10 Impurities, including Other Refrigerants. 5.10.1 Method. The amount of other impurities including other refrigerants in the subject refrigerant shall be determined by gas chromatography as described in Appendix-93 to ARI Standard 700. 5.10.2 Limit. The subject refrigerant shall not contain more than 0.50% by weight of impurities including other refrigerants (see table 1 and 1a). Section 6. Reporting Procedure 6.1 Reporting Procedure. The source (manufacturer, reclaimer or repackager) of the packaged refrigerant shall be identified. The refrigerant shall be identified by its accepted refrigerant number and/or its chemical name. Maximum permissible levels of contaminants are shown in table 1. Test results shall be tabulated in a like manner. Table 1.--Characteristics of Refrigerants and Maximum Contaminant Levels -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reference Reporting units (subclause) R11 R12 R13 R22 R113 R114 R123 R124 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Characteristics*: Boiling Point*............. F @ 1.00 atm.................. .............. 74.9 -21.6 -114.6 -41.4 117.6 38.8 82.6 12.2 deg.C @ 1.00 atm............. .............. 23.8 -29.8 -81.4 -40.8 47.6 3.8 27.9 -11.0 Boiling Point Range*....... K............................. .............. 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Typical Isomer Content..... By weight..................... .............. ....... ....... ........ ....... 0-1% 0-30% 0-8% 0-5% .............................. .............. ....... ....... ........ ....... R113a R114a R123a R124a Vapor phase contaminants: Air and other non- % by volume @ 25 deg.C....... 5.9 N/A** 1.5 1.5 1.5 N/A** 1.5 N/A** 1.5 condensables. Liquid phase contaminants: Water...................... ppm by weight................. 5.4 20 10 10 10 20 10 20 10 All other impurities % by weight................... 5.10 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 including refrigerants. High boiling residue....... % by volume................... 5.7 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.01 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.01 Particulates/solids........ Visually clean to pass........ 5.8 Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Acidity.................... ppm by weight................. 5.6 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Chlorides***............... No visible turbidity.......... 5.5 Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Boiling points and boiling point ranges, although not required, are provided for informational purposes. **Since R11, R113 and R123 have normal boiling points at or above room temperature, non-condensable determinations are not required for these refrigerants. ***Recognized Chloride level for pass/fail is 3ppm. Table 1A.--Characteristcs of Refrigerants and Maximum Contaminant Levels -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reference Reporting units (subclause) R401A R401B R402A R402B R500 R502 R503 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Characteristics*: Refrigerant ....................... ........... R22/152a/12 R22/152a/12 R125/290/22 R125/290/22 R12/152A 522/115 R23/13 Components. 4 4 Nominal Comp, ....................... ........... 53/13/34 61/11/28 60/2/38 38/2/60 73.8/26.2 48.8/51.2 40.1/59.9 weight%. Allowable Comp, ....................... ........... 51-55/11.5- 59-63/9.5-1 58-62/1-3/3 6-40/1-3/58 72.8-74.8/ 44.8-52.8/ 39-41/59-61 weight%. 13.5/ 1.5/ 6-40 -62 25.2-27.2 47.2-55.2 33-35 27-29 Boiling Point*..... F @ 1.00 atm........... ........... -27.6 to - -30.4 to - -56.5 to - -53.3 to - 16.0 18.5 52.9 49.0 C @ 1.00 atm........... ........... -33.4 to - -34.7 to - -49.1 to - -47.4 to - -33.5 -45.4 -88.7 26.6 28.6 47.2 45.0 Boiling Point K...................... ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 0.5 0.5 0.5 Range*. Vapor Phase Contaminants: Air and other non- % by volume @ 25 deg.C. 5.9 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 condensables. Liquid Phase Contaminants: Water.............. ppm by weight.......... 5.4 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 All other % by weight............ 5.10 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 impurities including refrigerants. High boiling % by volume............ 5.7 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.01 0.01 residue. Particulates/solids Visually clean to pass. 5.8 Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Acidity............ ppm by weight.......... 5.6 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Chlorides**........ No visible turbidity... 5.5 Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Boiling points and boiling point ranges, although not required, are provided for informational purposes. **Recognized Chloride level for pass/fail is 3ppm. 10. Appendix B to subpart F is amended by revising the introductory text to read as follows: Appendix B to subpart F--Performance of Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling and/or Reclaim Equipment This appendix is based on Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute Standard 740-93. * * * * * 11. Appendix D to subpart F is amended by revising section g to read as follows: Appendix D to Subpart F--Standards for Becoming a Certifying Program for Technicians * * * * * g. Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements Certifying programs must maintain records for at least three years which include, but are not limited to, the names and addresses of all individuals taking the tests, the scores of all certification tests administered, and the dates and locations of all testing administered. EPA must receive an activity report from all approved certifying programs by every January 30 and June 30, the first to be submitted following the first full six-month period for which the program has been approved by EPA. This report will include the pass/fail rate and testing schedules. This will allow the Agency to determine the relative progress and success of these programs. If the certifying program believes a test bank question needs to be modified, information about that question should also be included. Approved certifying programs will receive a letter of approval from EPA. Each testing center must display a copy of that letter. * * * * * Secs. 82.156, 82.160, 82.161, 82.162, 82.164, 82.166 and Appendix D [Amended] 12. Sections 82.156, 82.160, 82.161, 82.162, 82.164, 82.166, and appendix D are amended by removing the parenthetical statement containing the OMB control number at the end of the section. [FR Doc. 94-20169 Filed 8-18-94; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P