Pressure equipment in a refrigeration system falls into the group subject to strict occupational safety requirements. Inspection is mandatory, and the accompanying document set decides whether the inspection can be carried out at all. This article lists what has to be on hand and where the gaps usually are.
Which equipment in a refrigeration system must be inspected
The pressure-bearing group in an industrial refrigeration system usually includes:
- High pressure tank
- Liquid separator
- Oil separator
- Intermediate vessel on multi-stage compression systems
- Condenser
- Pressure piping operating within the system
The specific list and the applicable thresholds follow the regulations in force — confirm them with the designated inspection body before planning.
Group 1 — Design and manufacturing records
- Design drawing of the equipment, showing dimensions, material and calculated wall thickness
- Strength calculation for the design pressure
- Material certificates for the steel used in fabrication
- Welding records: welding procedure, welder certificates
- Non-destructive testing results of the welds
- Pressure test report at the fabrication workshop
- Equipment data record — the original document that follows the equipment throughout its life
This is the group most often missing when equipment is bought through an intermediary. If the contractor fabricates in-house, this document set exists from the outset; if the equipment is bought in and installed, it has to be requested back from the manufacturer — a process that can take a long time and sometimes comes to nothing.
Group 2 — Installation records
- As-built installation drawings showing the position of each item within the system
- Refrigeration system schematic diagram
- Whole-system leak test report after installation
- List of safety devices: safety valves, pressure gauges and thermometers with calibration certificates
Group 3 — Inspection and operation records
- Inspection report and certificate from the most recent inspection, still valid
- Inspection sticker affixed to the equipment
- Operating log system
- Maintenance records, and repairs already carried out
- Safety training records for the operators
- Assignment decision naming the person responsible for operating the equipment
Three points at which inspection is mandatory
- First inspection — before the equipment is put into use
- Periodic inspection — at the interval prescribed for each type of equipment
- Extraordinary inspection — after major repair, structural change, relocation, or an incident
The third case is the one most often forgotten. After a major repair without re-inspection, the old certificate is no longer valid even if the expiry date printed on it has not passed.
Preparation before the inspection team arrives
- Clean the equipment and create safe access to every point that has to be examined
- Isolate the equipment from the system if the inspection procedure requires it
- Have the full three-group document set ready
- Arrange for an operator to be present to assist
- Check that safety valves and pressure gauges are still within calibration
Common sticking points
- Missing equipment data record — most common with second-hand equipment or equipment bought through several intermediaries
- No welding records and no non-destructive testing of the welds
- Safety valve or pressure gauge out of calibration
- A major repair has been done but no extraordinary inspection carried out
- The equipment cannot be reached because it is installed in a tight spot with no access route and no working platform
- Missing safety training records for the operators
Risks of skipping inspection
Beyond the safety risk to people and property, the business can also be fined, have an insurance claim denied when an incident occurs, and run into obstacles when customers or partners audit the plant — especially where the goods are exported.
Advice when investing in new equipment
Put the document requirement into the contract itself, rather than going to ask for it only when it is needed. State it clearly: the contractor hands over the full design, fabrication, welding and pressure-test records plus the equipment data record; and which scope the cost of the first inspection falls under.
This is also one reason to consider a contractor that fabricates its own equipment — the records come with it straight from production instead of having to be traced back through several intermediaries. Tân Long fabricates pressure equipment for refrigeration systems, complete with full technical records.
If equipment has to be replaced or additional units fabricated after inspection, read more about manufactures pressure equipment to order — the process from drawing to handover records.
Frequently asked questions about pressure equipment inspection records
Which equipment in a refrigeration system must be inspected?
The pressure-bearing group: high-pressure receivers, liquid separators, oil separators, intermediate vessels, condensers and pressure piping. The specific list and the applicable thresholds should be confirmed with the designated inspection body.
Which records are missing most often?
The equipment data record and the fabrication records — drawings, material certificates, welding records, non-destructive testing results and the workshop pressure test report. Most often missing on equipment bought through an intermediary.
When is an extraordinary inspection required?
After major repair, structural change, relocation, or an incident. This is the case most often forgotten — after a major repair without re-inspection, the old certificate is no longer valid even if the date printed on it has not passed.
What are the risks of skipping inspection?
Beyond the safety risk, the business can be fined, have an insurance claim denied when an incident occurs, and run into obstacles when customers or partners audit the plant.
What has to be prepared before the inspection team arrives?
Clean the equipment and create safe access, isolate it if the procedure requires, have the full design, fabrication and operating records ready, arrange for an operator to be present, and check that safety valves and pressure gauges are still within calibration.
How do you avoid missing records when investing in new equipment?
Put the document requirement into the contract itself: the contractor hands over the full design, fabrication, welding and pressure-test records plus the equipment data record, and makes clear which scope the cost of the first inspection falls under.
Related pages
- Refrigeration system inspection: procedure and intervals
- What a pressure vessel is
- Pressure vessels in refrigeration systems
- Safety in operating and repairing refrigeration systems
- Industrial pressure vessels manufactured by Tan Long
Doanh Nghiệp Đang Cần Khảo Sát, Nâng Cấp Hoặc Thiết Kế Mới Hệ Thống Lạnh Công Nghiệp?
Đội ngũ kỹ sư Cơ Điện Lạnh Tân Long với hơn 18 năm kinh nghiệm thực chiến chỉ đạo hơn 29 đại dự án quốc gia, cam kết tư vấn tính toán phụ tải nhiệt chuẩn xác, tối ưu hóa hệ số hiệu suất COP, chuyển dịch môi chất tự nhiên NH3/CO2 và tiết kiệm 20–30% chi phí điện năng vận hành.
Kỹ sư Nguyễn Toàn Thịnh (Giám đốc Kỹ thuật)
Hơn 18 năm kinh nghiệm thực chiến chỉ đạo tư vấn thiết kế và thi công hệ thống lạnh công nghiệp nặng, kho tự động ASRS và cấp đông IQF qua hơn 29 đại dự án quốc gia.
