Empty R12 Tank

Dave in Texas on Tue August 24, 2010 10:56 AM

Are there any re-uses for these or are they just scrap metal when empty? Thanks

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At 2, I went home with a 10. At 10 I woke up with a 2 !!

bob234 on Tue August 24, 2010 12:28 PM

Some are refillable, and some aren't. It it is refillable, you can use it for a recycling container, when you evacuate your systems. I'm sure a A/C shop would take them.

HECAT on Tue August 24, 2010 12:49 PM

Disposable "one way jug" container disposal procedure:

DOT specification 39 (49 CFR & 178.65) cylinders (small propane, refrigerant, calibrating gases, etc) are designed as single trip, non-refillable cylinders to be used one time for the initial storage and shipment of a compressed gas and then destroyed. These cylinders are designed of minimum strength materials and will not tolerate the repeated flexing of refills. Federal law forbids transportation of such cylinders if they have been refilled, with a fine of up to $25,000 and a 5-year imprisonment (49 United States Code, 1809). To prevent reuse of such cylinders, they shall be evacuated to the local Environmental Protection Agency standards, equalized to atmospheric pressure and then destroyed. The method of destruction is not critical, but the cylinder must be rendered incapable to contain any compressed gas under pressure. Once the cylinder has been rendered useless as a container, it shall be disposed of with solid waste or as scrap metal. These non-refillable cylinders (NRC) are NOT hazardous when empty.

Procedure:
Ã¢ÂÂ¢Remove, capture, and or dispose of original contents in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
Ã¢ÂÂ¢Open cylinder valve and allow the controlled release of any residual gas pressure in an exhaust hood or well-ventilated location.
Ã¢ÂÂ¢Leave cylinder valve fully open.
Ã¢ÂÂ¢Render the cylinder unusable by putting a hole in the cylinder.
Ã¢ÂÂ¢Dispose of cylinder with solid waste or as scrap metal.

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HECAT: www.hecatinc.com You support the Forum when you consider www.ackits.com for your a/c parts.

FLUSHING TECHNICAL PAPER vs2.pdfÃÂ

Dave in Texas on Tue August 24, 2010 2:51 PM

ok, thanks. Scrap metal recycling pile.

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At 2, I went home with a 10. At 10 I woke up with a 2 !!

mk378 on Tue August 24, 2010 3:48 PM

Use a recovery machine on it first to get to below -4 vacuum, so even the EPA will consider it truly "empty". Then either punch a hole in it or break off the valve and recycle it with other iron and steel. Metal recyclers won't accept intact tanks because they might contain hazardous materials or dangerous pressure. Some even want you to cut the thing completely in half.

newton5 on Wed August 25, 2010 1:41 AM

When did the R12 tanks become equipped with one way valves?
I know that all R134a tanks are so equipped.

I remember using very common kits to convert R12 tanks to mobile compressed air tanks, back in the day. The conversion kits were available from K-Mart (cheap) on up to the Snap On dealer (much better quality). Such portable air tanks are widely available, purpose built, larger and inexpensive today so conversion of an old refrigerant bottle is a moot point.

Other than low pressure (~150psi) compressed air I can't think of any other safe use for an old R12 bottle.

mk378 on Wed August 25, 2010 7:48 AM

Even air is not that safe because the tanks are just bare metal on the inside. Filled with damp compressor air they will rust out quickly.

iceman2555 on Wed August 25, 2010 9:35 AM

They make great targets. Add a bit of fuel...add a bit of air pressure...not much...just a bit....and sometimes...not all the time like in the movies...one may even experience a slight....sometimes..a bit more than slight.....large gaseous explosive type release. Heck...sometimes it is absolutely fantastic.
As HECAT states...render the cylinder unusable by putting a hole in the cylinder. Works well with old propane cylinders also.
This falls under the warning; DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS AT HOME!!!! This stunt is being conducted by well trained professional idiots.

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