What is typically the first step after recovering all liquid refrigerant from a system intended for overhaul?

The first step after recovering all liquid refrigerant from a system intended for overhaul is to ensure that all vapor has been recovered. This step is crucial because liquid refrigerant recovery alone does not guarantee that the system is free of all refrigerant. Any remaining vapor can contribute to environmental hazards and workplace safety issues if the system is opened for service.

Ensuring that all vapor has been recovered allows for a more complete evacuation of the refrigerant, minimizing the risk of exposure to refrigerants during the overhaul process. Additionally, after all vapor has been evacuated and the system is confirmed to be free of refrigerants, subsequent steps such as vacuuming the system or inspecting components can be performed safely and effectively. This ensures that the system is adequately prepared for the next steps in the overhaul process.