Refrigeration system is an important technology, widely used in manufacturing plants, cold storage, and supermarkets. To ensure stable and efficient operations, refrigeration system inspection is necessary. In this article, Tan Long will provide information about the refrigeration system, the reason for inspection, the time of inspection, the cost as well as the competent authority for inspection.
According to Circular No. 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH issued on December 30, 2019 by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, the inspection of refrigeration systems, chiller systems and air conditioning systems is a mandatory requirement of the State to assess the technical condition and ensure the safety of these systems.
Find out what a refrigeration system is?
Refrigeration system is a device that uses refrigeration technology to lower the temperature of air or other substances to a level lower than the ambient temperature, serving the purpose of cooling and sometimes heating. Normally, this system operates based on the thermodynamic cycle, transferring heat from one place to another. Simply put, this is a system that has the ability to cool and maintain a stable temperature within a certain range.
In addition, the refrigeration system plays a role in adjusting the temperature according to production requirements to preserve the product. Depending on the storage temperature characteristics of each type of product, the structure refrigeration system are designed differently to meet the needs of users. Currently, refrigeration system widely used in many fields such as industry, medicine, food processing and in households.
Why is it necessary to inspect the refrigeration system?
Refrigeration system Often installed in factories, plants and businesses, where the safety of many workers is directly related. Therefore, any equipment that affects workplace safety must ensure stable operation to avoid unwanted incidents.
Inspection refrigeration system Following the correct procedure brings many important benefits, including:
- Ensuring safety for people and property: Inspection helps detect and promptly correct potential risks, protect the health and lives of workers, and minimize the risk of material damage.
- Increase labor productivity: When the system operates stably and without problems, labor productivity will be significantly improved.
- Reduce refrigerant loss and protect the environment: A well-maintained system will optimize refrigerant usage, thereby minimizing negative environmental impact.
- Provide necessary legal evidence: Inspection is a legal basis to provide to the insurance company or customer in case of risk assessment or compensation claim.
- Compliance with legal regulations: For equipment in the list of strict safety requirements, inspection is mandatory to meet the regulations of the competent authority.
Refrigeration system inspection is not only a responsibility but also an optimal solution to ensure safety and operational efficiency for the business.
Standards for inspection of refrigeration systems and air conditioning systems
The standards and regulations applied in the inspection of refrigeration and air conditioning systems must be approved by the competent authority. Below are the important standards commonly used:
- QCVN 01:2008/BLDTBXH: National technical regulation on occupational safety for boilers and pressure vessels.
- QCVN 21:2015/BLDTBXH: National technical regulations on occupational safety applicable to refrigeration systems.
- QTKD 08:2016/BLDTBXH: Technical safety inspection process for refrigeration systems.
- TCVN 8366:2010: Standards for pressure vessels, specifying technical safety requirements in design, structure and manufacture.
- TCVN 6104:2015 (ISO 5149): International standards for refrigeration systems and heat pumps, including safety and environmental protection requirements.
- TCVN 6008:2010: Standards for pressure equipment, technical regulations and testing methods for welds.
- TCVN 9358:2012: Standards for installation of equipment grounding systems for industrial facilities, specifying general requirements.
- TCVN 9385:2012: Standards for lightning protection for buildings, guidance for design, testing and maintenance of systems.
In addition, the system can be tested according to international standards, however, these standards must not be lower than the domestic regulations. This ensures safety and fully meets the legal requirements in Vietnam.
How to check the cooling system?
Refrigeration system inspection is the process of assessing and confirming the technical safety status of the refrigeration system, according to the prescribed technical standards or regulations. This process is carried out according to Circular No. 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH dated December 30, 2019 of the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs.
Some standards applied in refrigeration system inspection include:
- TCVN 6104:1996 Refrigeration and heating systems – Safety requirements
- TCVN 8366:2010: Pressure vessels - Standard requirements for design and manufacture
- TCVN 6008:1995: Pressure equipment - Welds - Technical requirements and testing methods
- TCVN 7472:2005: Pressure equipment - Welded joints
Necessary conditions for refrigeration system inspection
Before conducting a refrigeration system inspection, the following conditions must be ensured:
- Refrigeration system in ready state: The entire system must be prepared and ready for operation to perform the inspection.
- Full profile and documents: Documentation relating to the design, installation, operation and maintenance of the system must be fully provided.
- Favorable environment and weather: Environmental and weather factors must not affect the accuracy and objectivity of the inspection results.
- Ensure occupational safety and hygiene conditions: During the inspection process, occupational safety and health regulations must be strictly followed to protect the inspector and those around them.
Full compliance with the above conditions is an important factor to ensure the inspection process is effective and accurate.
Refrigeration system inspection process according to Circular No. 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH
According to the regulations of the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, the refrigeration system inspection process includes 6 basic steps, of which the two most important steps are:
Step 1: Check technical documents
First, the inspector will review the entire technical documentation of the system, including:
- Specifications, design documents, and engineering drawings.
- Ensure completeness and accuracy of documentation to understand the structure and operating principles of the system.
Step 2: General technical check inside and outside
The inspector will conduct a detailed inspection of the entire system, including:
- Visual inspection:
- Detect defects such as corrosion and deformation on metal surfaces.
- Assess the condition of the insulation layer.
- Check stairs, working platforms and operating environmental conditions.
- Non-destructive testing (NDT): Use modern methods such as ultrasound, radiography, penetrant, or magnetic powder to detect hidden defects inside metals, pipes and welds.
These two steps help ensure that the refrigeration system is comprehensively assessed, potential risks are promptly detected, and the safety level of the system is determined before being put into operation.
Step 3: Testing
After completing the general inspection, the technician will conduct testing to evaluate the system's performance. This process includes:
- Check pressure and temperature.
- Evaluate other specifications to ensure the system operates as designed.
Step 4: Check safety mechanisms and measuring equipment
Safety devices, guards and measuring equipment will be thoroughly tested to ensure:
- The system's protection function works effectively.
- Accurate measuring equipment, meeting technical requirements.
Step 5: Test operation
The specialist will test the system under actual operating conditions to:
- Evaluate stability during operation.
- Ensure the system meets technical and safety requirements in the working environment.
Step 6: Processing inspection results
Finally, the test results will be summarized and evaluated:
- If the system meets the requirements, the specialist will confirm and issue a certificate of inspection.
- In case of a problem being detected, specific recommendations will be made on corrective actions or upgrades to improve performance and ensure system security.
This process ensures the refrigeration system operates stably, safely and efficiently.
How long is the refrigeration system inspection certificate valid?
Paper refrigeration system inspection has a term of 03 years. For systems using refrigerant flammable, toxic, corrosive to metals or used for more than 12 years, periodic inspection period is 02 years.
For systems using flammable, explosive, toxic, or metal-corrosive refrigerants that have been used for over 12 years or systems that have been used for over 24 years, the inspection period is 01 year.
If the manufacturer or facility requests a shorter inspection period, that requirement must be followed. When shortening the period, the inspector must clearly state the reason in the inspection report.
Cooling system inspection time
The inspection of refrigeration systems must comply with the regulations of relevant authorities and ministries. The inspection timelines are divided into:
- First inspection: Conduct immediately after installation and before putting the system into operation.
- Periodic inspection: During use, the refrigeration system needs to be periodically inspected to ensure safety and efficiency:
- Normal inspection cycle: 3 years/time.
- For systems containing toxic or explosive media: 2 years/time.
- Abnormal testing: Done in special cases, including:
- At the request of the authorities or the using unit.
- After changing the installation location, or performing repairs, replacing important parts.
- When the system has been out of use for more than 12 months and needs to be checked before re-operation.
Timely inspections not only ensure compliance with the law, but also help the system operate safely, stably and prolong the life of the equipment.
Refrigeration system re-inspection period
The re-inspection period of the refrigeration system is determined based on many factors such as: operating time, working mode, technical condition, type of refrigerant used, as well as regulations of the manufacturer or operating facility.
According to Technical safety inspection process of refrigeration system Issued by the Department of Labor Safety, the specific re-inspection period is as follows:
- Regular periodic inspection cycle: 3 years/time.
- For refrigeration systems using flammable, toxic or corrosive refrigerants:
- 2 years/time if the system has been operating for over 12 years.
- 1 year/time If the system has been in operation for more than 24 years, or when the refrigerant is flammable, explosive, toxic, or corrosive to metals.
Compliance with the re-inspection deadline not only ensures operational safety but also helps improve operating efficiency and prolong the life of the system.
Conclude
Refrigeration system inspection is an important process to ensure performance and safety. This process includes condition assessment, equipment testing, flow and pressure, refrigerant, noise and vibration, performance testing, system protection testing, and reporting of results.
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