The question of where exactly is non-ferrous metal in the design of an old refrigerator most often arises among those who plan to recycle household appliances or are engaged in professional repairs. The refrigeration unit is a real storehouse of valuable resources, but their distribution throughout the body is uneven. The main value for sellers is copper and aluminum, which make up a significant part of the mass of internal systems.
Before proceeding with disassembly, it is necessary to clearly understand that tsvetmet in the refrigerator does not lie in the form of ingots, but is integrated into complex engineering units. The maximum concentration of copper is concentrated in the compressor and condenser grill, while aluminum predominates in evaporation systems of modern models. Incorrect determination of the type of metal can lead to a decrease in final revenue upon delivery, since prices for copper and aluminum differ significantly.
You will be faced with the need to disassemble equipment into its component parts in order to separate precious alloys from black steel and plastic. This process requires not only physical strength, but also an understanding of the refrigeration circuit. In this article we will analyze in detail which components contain precious metals and how to properly extract them.
Compressor: the main source of copper
The heaviest and most valuable element in terms of copper content is compressor. This is the “heart” of the refrigerator, which circulates refrigerant throughout the system. Inside the sealed compressor housing, made of black steel, there is an electric motor whose windings are made of pure copper. It is for the sake of this winding that compressors are of the greatest interest to processors.
However, simply removing the compressor from the frame is not enough to obtain metal. To get to the valuable contents, you need to open the steel casing, which is extremely difficult and dangerous to do at home. Therefore, most often compressors are handed over entirely, and their cost is calculated at a separate tariff or as a mixture of non-ferrous metals with a high iron content. The weight of copper in one standard household compressor can vary from 0.5 to 1.2 kg, depending on the power and year of manufacture.
It is important to note that inside the compressor there is also refrigeration oilwhich must be drained before delivery or recycling. The presence of oil can reduce the cost of scrap, so professionals prefer to pre-condition the equipment. In addition, high and low pressure copper tubes are suitable for the compressor, which must also be dismantled.
⚠️ Attention: Opening the compressor housing with a grinder or a hacksaw can lead to ignition of residual refrigerant or oil vapors. Carry out work only in a well-ventilated area away from sources of open flame.
Extracting copper from a compressor requires specialized equipment, so in a garage processing environment it is usually assessed comprehensively. If your goal is maximum profit, you should consider selling the entire unit to specialized collection points that have industrial lines for processing electric motors.
Condenser grid and pipelines
The back of the refrigerator, which we see when standing against the wall, is a condenser. In old Soviet-made models, such as ZIL or Saratov, this grille is almost always made of pure copper. It has a characteristic reddish-yellow hue and considerable weight. In more modern units, manufacturers often replace copper with steel with anti-corrosion coating or aluminum to reduce the cost of construction.
The pipelines connecting the compressor to the condenser and evaporator are also made of non-ferrous metal. High pressure (discharge) copper tubing is typically thinner and harder, while low pressure (suction) tubing has a larger diameter. When dismantling, it is important to carefully cut them, maintaining the maximum length, since scrap copper pipes are valued higher than broken pieces or shavings.
To determine the grating material, you can use a simple magnet. Copper and aluminum are not magnetic, whereas coated steel grating will respond to a magnet. This is a simple but effective way separation of metal even before active disassembly begins. If the grating is steel, its content in the category of non-ferrous metals will be minimal or zero.
- 🔸 Copper grating has a characteristic reddish sheen on the cut and does not rust, but oxidizes into a green coating.
- 🔸 Aluminum tubes are lighter than copper and often have a silver color or are covered with white insulation.
- 🔸 Steel elements will be attracted to the magnet and weigh more with their volume.
When disconnecting the tubes from the compressor, use a pipe cutter or a quality hacksaw to avoid flattening the ends if you plan to reuse them. This is not critical for scrapping, but a neat cut makes sorting easier.
Evaporator and internal cooling system
There is an evaporator located inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments. In older models, this could be a coil of copper tubing located behind the back wall or built into the shelves. However, in the vast majority of modern refrigerators, including popular brands Indesit, Atlant i Beko, the evaporator is made of aluminum.
The aluminum evaporator is often a thin plate with pressed-in channels or a tube system attached to the inner wall of the chamber. Its dismantling requires caution, since aluminum is a soft metal that easily wrinkles and tears. The weight of aluminum in the evaporator can be from 1 to 3 kg, which makes this unit significant when assembling a large volume of scrap.
Some models are equipped with a system No Frostwhere the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel in the freezer. These units use a fan to circulate air. Dismantling the evaporator in No Frost refrigerators is more labor-intensive, as it requires the removal of many plastic fasteners and decorative elements.
| Unit type | Basic material | Approximate weight (kg) | Complexity dismantling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor (winding) | Copper | 0.5 - 1.2 | High |
| Condenser (grid) | Copper / Steel | 1.5 - 3.0 | Average |
| Evaporator | Aluminum | 1.0 - 2.5 | Average |
| Pipelines | Copper | 0.3 - 0.8 | Low |
It is worth remembering that prices for scrap non-ferrous metals are determined by the market and may change. Before delivering a large batch, it makes sense to check the current prices in your region, since the cost of copper can be several times higher than the cost of aluminum.
Why is there less copper in new refrigerators?
Manufacturers are trying to reduce the cost and weight of equipment. Replacing copper with aluminum and steel saves resources, although this may slightly reduce the energy efficiency and maintainability of the unit.
Electrical wiring and additional components
In addition to the main refrigeration circuits, the design contains an electrical control circuit. The wiring to the compressor, thermostat, light bulb and sensors is made of copper. Although the weight of the insulated wire is small, when processing dozens of refrigerators, a considerable amount accumulates. To extract pure copper, the wire is often burned (which is environmentally harmful and prohibited) or mechanical stripping methods are used.
Small amounts of other non-ferrous metals may also be found in the control system. For example, old thermostats and start relays may have used contacts made of silver or alloys based on it, but their quantity is microscopic and is not of interest for normal delivery. The main attention should be paid to the power cables.
No Frost system fans contain small electric motors, which also have a copper winding. It only makes sense to dismantle them separately if the volume of equipment being processed is very large. In other cases, the plastic fan housing and the motor itself are disposed of along with other illiquid items.
When disassembling the electrical part, follow safety precautions. Even when unplugged, a device can store residual charge in capacitors (although this is rare in refrigerators, unlike other electronics). Use dielectric gloves and proper tools.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove non-ferrous metal by burning wire insulation or plastic parts of the refrigerator. The smoke released when burning plastic and freon is extremely toxic and hazardous to health.
Tools for safe disassembly
In order for the search and extraction process non-ferrous metal to be effective and safe, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate tools. Using the wrong products can result in injury or damage to the metal, reducing its value. The main emphasis is on cutting tools and protective equipment.
To dismantle the case and internal panels you will need screwdrivers of various types (phillips and flat), since the fasteners can be varied. Some modern models use hidden screws or plastic latches that require careful handling. To remove the condenser grille and cut the tubes, a grinder (angle grinder) with metal discs or powerful metal scissors are indispensable.
☑️ Tools for disassembling the refrigerator
Pay special attention to personal protective equipment. When working with metal, there is a high risk of getting cut by the sharp edges of sheet metal or getting metal shavings in your eyes. In addition, dust, mold, or foam residues may accumulate inside old refrigerators, so a respirator would be a good idea.
If you plan to disassemble the compressor, you may need a heavy chisel and sledgehammer, or a powerful reciprocating saw. However, as mentioned earlier, opening the compressor for the sake of winding at home is impractical due to the labor-intensive and dangerous process.
Environmental aspects and disposal
When dismantling the refrigerator for the sake of non-ferrous metal, we must not forget about environmental responsibility. A refrigerant (freon) circulates inside the system, which, when released into the atmosphere, contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer and increases the greenhouse effect. Older models used R12 freons, which are especially dangerous.
When the tubes become depressurized, gas escapes out. Although one refrigerator will not change the global environmental situation, mass uncontrolled disposal of equipment creates serious problems. Professional collection and recycling points have equipment for pumping out and neutralizing freon before crushing the case.
In addition, the thermal insulation of the refrigerator (foam) may contain substances that require special disposal. Disposing of leftover plastic and insulation into regular landfills is prohibited by law in many countries. Try to hand over disassembly waste to specialized organizations that guarantee proper recycling.
Approximately how many kg of copper can be obtained from one refrigerator?
On average, from one standard household refrigerator you can obtain from 1.5 to 3 kg of copper, if you count the compressor winding, copper condenser grille and tubes. However, the real output depends on the model: in old Soviet refrigerators there is more copper, in modern ones it is often replaced with aluminum and steel.
Is it possible to hand over the entire refrigerator as non-ferrous metal?
No, the entire refrigerator is accepted as scrap ferrous metals (iron) or as electronic equipment, which is cheaper. To get the price of non-ferrous metal, it is necessary to dismantle and sort copper, aluminum and brass separately from the steel case.
Is gas from the refrigerator dangerous during disassembly?
Yes, at high concentrations, freon can displace oxygen, causing suffocation. In addition, upon contact with an open flame, some types of freons decompose to form phosgene, a chemical warfare agent. Work only in ventilated areas.
Where is brass located in the refrigerator?
Brass is rarely found in the refrigerator and in small quantities. It can be used in some connection fittings, adapters or as part of electrical connectors. The main mass is copper and aluminum.