After recovering liquid refrigerant from a centrifugal chiller, what is the next step?

After recovering liquid refrigerant from a centrifugal chiller, the next logical step is to recover vapor. This process is important because during the refrigerant recovery procedure, liquid refrigerant may settle at the bottom of the system while vapor remains in the upper portions. Recovering the vapor ensures that all refrigerant—both liquid and gas—is removed from the system, minimizing environmental impact and adhering to regulations regarding refrigerant handling.

Recovering vapor also prepares the system for maintenance or repairs, ensuring that no refrigerant is left behind that could later contribute to system inefficiencies or leaks. This step is crucial because refrigerants are often regulated substances, and any remaining vapor after liquid recovery can pose both environmental and safety risks.

In contrast, recovering oil, starting the compressor, or charging the system would not be appropriate immediately after the liquid refrigerant recovery because these actions come after ensuring that all refrigerant has been properly evacuated. Recovering oil may take place after all refrigerant has been removed, and starting the compressor or charging the system would only occur once the necessary servicing of the chiller has been completed.