Abstract: An apparatus and method for the removing halocarbon compositions from containers for recycling and reuse. The apparatus comprises a base, a support column pivotally attached to the base, a support plate capable of receiving and supporting the container, a clamping device slidably attached to the support column, a piercing device capable of forming an opening in the container, a tilting device capable of tilting the support column and the support plate, and a controller for controlling the clamping device, the piercing device and the tilting device. The method comprises the steps of positioning the container on the support plate, clamping the container and forming an opening in the container while the container is being clamped. The halocarbon compositions are removed through the opening formed in the container and are captured for recycling.

Abstract: A high efficiency, high rate system for recovering and removing non-condensable gases from a halocarbon composition. A collection tank with an integral heat exchanger unit is submerged in a liquid heat transfer medium and coupled to the halocarbon composition. Refrigerant injected into the heat transfer medium cools the heat exchanger unit and collection tank allows the separation of gases from the liquid phase of the halocarbon composition. The gases contained within the liquid phase are separated from the halocarbon composition by reducing pressure in the vapor (ullage) space of the collection tank. This vapor stream mixture of released gases pass through a flow control orifice that further cools the vapor stream condensing more liquid phase halocarbon from the mixture. This additional liquid separates from the vapor phase mixture and collects into a liquid trap arrangement of coaxial and helical geometry.