3.3
REFRIGERANT TESTS, CHARGING, AND START-UP
Split-system refrigerant piping systems shall be tested and charged as
specified in Section 15182 REFRIGERANT PIPING. Packaged refrigerant
systems which are factory charged shall be checked for refrigerant and oil
capacity to verify proper refrigerant levels per manufacturer's
recommendations.
Following charging, packaged systems shall be tested for
leaks with a halide torch or an electronic leak detector.
3.3.1
Refrigerant Leakage
If a refrigerant leak is discovered after the system has been charged, the
leaking portion of the system shall immediately be isolated from the
remainder of the system and the refrigerant pumped into the system receiver
or other suitable container. Under no circumstances shall the refrigerant
be discharged into the atmosphere.
3.3.2
Contractor's Responsibility
The Contractor shall, at all times during the installation and testing of
the refrigeration system, take steps to prevent the release of refrigerants
into the atmosphere. The steps shall include, but not be limited to,
procedures which will minimize the release of refrigerants to the
atmosphere and the use of refrigerant recovery devices to remove
refrigerant from the system and store the refrigerant for reuse or reclaim.
At no time shall more than 85 g 3 ounces of refrigerant be released to the
atmosphere in any one occurrence. Any system leaks within the first year
shall be repaired in accordance with the requirements herein at no cost to
the Government including material, labor, and refrigerant if the leak is
the result of defective equipment, material, or installation.
3.4
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE TESTS
Before each refrigeration system is accepted, tests to demonstrate the
general operating characteristics of all equipment shall be conducted by a
registered professional engineer or an approved manufacturer's start-up
representative experienced in system start-up and testing, at such times as
directed. Tests shall cover a period of not less than [48] [_____] hours
for each system and shall demonstrate that the entire system is functioning
in accordance with the drawings and specifications. Corrections and
adjustments shall be made as necessary and tests shall be re-conducted to
demonstrate that the entire system is functioning as specified. Prior to
acceptance, service valve seal caps and blanks over gauge points shall be
installed and tightened. Any refrigerant lost during the system startup
shall be replaced. If tests do not demonstrate satisfactory system
performance, deficiencies shall be corrected and the system shall be
retested. Tests shall be conducted in the presence of the Contracting
Officer. Water and electricity required for the tests will be furnished by
the Government. Any material, equipment, instruments, and personnel
required for the test shall be provided by the Contractor. Field tests
shall be coordinated with Section 15990A TESTING, ADJUSTING, AND BALANCING
OF HVAC SYSTEMS.
3.5
DEMONSTRATIONS
Contractor shall conduct a training course for the operating staff as
designated by the Contracting Officer. The training period shall consist
of a total [_____] hours of normal working time and start after the system
is functionally completed but prior to final acceptance tests. The field
SECTION 15700A
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