How should refrigerant be properly recovered from a system?

Using a recovery machine to extract refrigerant into specialized cylinders is the proper method for recovering refrigerant from a system. This process is essential for environmental safety and compliance with regulations. Recovery machines are designed to efficiently remove refrigerant from a system while ensuring that the refrigerant does not escape into the atmosphere, which would contribute to ozone depletion and violate environmental laws.

Specialized cylinders are constructed to withstand the high pressures of refrigerants and are designed to keep the refrigerant contained safely during transport and storage. This method ensures that the refrigerant can be reclaimed, recycled, or disposed of properly according to local and federal regulations.

The other methods outlined are not appropriate. Pouring refrigerant directly into a storage tank lacks the safeguards and controls provided by a recovery machine, while venting refrigerant into the atmosphere is illegal and harmful to the environment. Standard plumbing techniques are not applicable to refrigerant recovery, as these materials and processes require specific handling and equipment designed for high-pressure gas management.