Before scrapping MVAC equipment, to what minimum vacuum must the refrigerant be recovered?

The minimum required vacuum level for recovering refrigerant from Mobile Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC) equipment is critical to ensuring that all refrigerant is properly removed before scrapping. Achieving a vacuum of 4 inches of mercury is necessary because it ensures that the refrigerant is adequately extracted and minimizes the risk of any refrigerant being released into the atmosphere during the scrapping process.

This standard is in place to comply with environmental regulations, which aim to protect the ozone layer and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Recovering to this level confirms that any moisture and non-condensables have also been eliminated from the system, further safeguarding against potential contamination and ensuring that the equipment is in compliance with EPA regulations.

Other values, while varying, do not meet the established requirement for effective recovery of refrigerant, thus reinforcing the importance of using 4 inches of mercury as the benchmark for successful recovery.