The question of how much copper is contained in a household refrigerator of the Yuryuzan brand often arises among owners planning to dispose of old equipment, or among craftsmen who engaged in the purchase of non-ferrous scrap. Soviet units, produced at the plant of the same name in Bashkiria, were famous for their reliability and the use of high-quality materials, which today makes them a valuable source of secondary raw materials. However, the exact figure depends on many factors: the year of manufacture, the specific model, as well as the safety of the internal components.
It is worth noting right away that pure copper there is not as much in a standard household refrigerator as many people think. The bulk of non-ferrous metals in these devices are aluminum and steel. However, proper disassembly allows you to extract the most liquid fractions, which are highly valued at collection points. In this article we will analyze in detail the design of "Yuryuzani", determine the location of the precious metal and calculate the approximate yield of raw materials.
It is important to understand that the process of extracting non-ferrous metals requires certain skills and tools. Improper dismantling can result in damage to valuable components or, more dangerously, personal injury. Therefore, before starting work, it is necessary to study the structure of the unit and prepare the appropriate tools. Safety when working with equipment should always come first.
Design features of Yuryuzan refrigerators
Yuryuzan refrigerators produced in the Soviet Union period and in the early 90s, belonged to the class of single-compressor two-chamber units. Their design has been simplified as much as possible to ensure durability and maintainability. The main element of interest for non-ferrous metal mining is the compressor and piping system. This is where the bulk of the copper is concentrated.
Unlike modern models, which often use steel or aluminum, the old Yuryuzans used higher quality materials. The heat exchanger, which is located behind the rear wall of the housing, was traditionally made of steel tubes, but the connections and coils inside could contain copper alloys. However, the main “donor” is himself motor-compressor. In Soviet engines, the stator winding was made of pure high-quality electrical copper wire.
The unit body is usually made of sheet steel with an enamel coating, which is of no value to non-ferrous metal collectors, but creates a significant amount of waste during processing. The interior of the chambers was often made of food-grade plastic or enameled steel. The doors were equipped with magnetic seals, which also do not contain valuable metals, but require careful removal during disassembly.
⚠️ Attention: In older models of refrigerators, freon R12 or R22 was used as a refrigerant. These gases are classified as ozone depleting substances. If the sealed system is damaged (for example, by sawing the pipes), gas may escape. Although it is not lethal in household quantities, inhaling its vapors is not recommended.
To understand where to look for metal, you need to know the main components of the device. Below is a table with the distribution of materials in the design of a typical Yuryuzan refrigerator:
| Refrigerator assembly | Basic material | Copper content | Liquidity upon delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor (winding) | Copper, steel, aluminum | High (up to 1.5 kg) | High |
| Heat exchanger (radiator) | Steel, aluminum | Low (solders, fittings) | Medium (like ferrous metal/aluminium) |
| Electrical wiring | Copper | Average (cable) | Average |
| Case and shelves | Steel, plastic | Absent | Low (black scrap) |
Where exactly is it located copper in old models
If you plan to disassemble the refrigerator for the sake of metal, you need to clearly understand the map of “deposits”. In Yuryuzan, as in most analogues of that time (ZIL, Saratov, Oka), copper is localized in three main places. The first and most obvious is electric motor winding the compressor. It is for this reason that the unit is most often opened.
The second place is the connecting tubes and capillaries. Unlike modern models, where pipelines can be aluminum or steel, copper was often found in Soviet technology. However, its quantity in the tubes is small compared to the mass of the compressor itself. The third place is the electrical wiring that goes from the thermostat to the compressor and the start relay. The cable there is thin, but the copper in it is clean.
It is worth noting that the heat exchanger (the grill at the back of the refrigerator) is made of steel in 95% of cases. There is no point in trying to pass it as copper - the inspectors will immediately identify the material with a magnet or visually. Aluminum evaporators inside the freezer are also not of interest for copper mining; they are sold separately as non-ferrous aluminum scrap.
The starting relay and thermostat deserve special attention. Inside these small boxes there are also small coils and contacts containing copper and silver. When mass processing dozens of refrigerators, collecting them makes sense, but for one unit, efforts to extract metal from the relay may not pay off.
Removing the compressor: step-by-step instructions
The most labor-intensive, but also the most profitable stage is removing and cutting the compressor. This is where the main volume is located non-ferrous metal. To get to it, you need to perform a series of sequential actions. Do not rush, as the compressor housing is made of durable steel, and there is oil inside.
First, you need to turn off the power to the refrigerator and move it away from the wall. Remove the rear metal panel covering the engine compartment. It is usually secured with several screws or latches. After removing the panel, you will see a compressor (black “barrel”), a capacitor (grid) and a start relay.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
First of all, disconnect the electrical wires going to the compressor and the starter relay Then you need to cut through the copper tubes that go to the motor housing. There are usually two or three of them (suction, discharge and sometimes process). Be careful: residual compressor oil may leak from the pipes, which has an unpleasant odor and stains everything around. Place the container.
After disconnecting the tubes and wires, the compressor can be removed from the frame. It is mounted on shock absorbers or bolts. Now the most important step is cutting. The fastest way is to cut off the top of the body with a grinder. Under the cover you will see a wound stator. If the winding is copper (it has a characteristic reddish-red color), it can be removed and cleaned of varnish. If the winding is dark or gray, it is aluminum, which is valued much cheaper.
⚠️ Attention: When working with an angle grinder, be sure to use safety glasses. Sparks from cutting metal can get into your eyes, and dust from burning winding varnish is harmful to breathe. Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
How much copper can be obtained from one unit
Now let's move on to the numbers that interest everyone. How many grams or kilograms can you get from one “Yuryuzani”? As already mentioned, a lot depends on the year of manufacture. On average, from one Soviet compressor you can get from 0.8 to 1.5 kilograms of pure copper wire (winding). This is the “exit” after cleaning the varnish and insulation.
If we count it in terms of the entire refrigerator, including tubes and wiring, then the total weight of copper rarely exceeds 2 kilograms. The bulk of the compressor is ferrous metal (steel housing and stator plates), which is sold separately at the price of ferrous scrap. Aluminum elements (if they are in the evaporator) will add a little more weight, but at aluminum prices.
It is important to consider the condition of the metal. If the refrigerator was left in damp conditions for a long time, the copper could oxidize and the insulation could harden. This reduces the cost of raw materials. The method of cutting also influences: “burnt” copper (burnt at a fire to remove varnish) is cheaper than “shine” (mechanically cleaned). However, for a small volume from one refrigerator, the difference in price will be insignificant.
Let's summarize the weight:
- 🔸 Compressor winding: 0.8 - 1.5 kg (main value).
- 🔸 Tubes and fittings: 0.1 - 0.3 kg (often brass or coated steel).
- 🔸 Wiring: 0.1 - 0.2 kg.
- 🔸 Total: about 1.5 - 2.0 kg of copper from one unit.
Economic feasibility and scrap prices
Is the game worth the candle? To answer this question, you need to look at the current prices for non-ferrous scrap metals. The market for recyclable materials is volatile, and prices vary depending on the region, exchange rates and demand from recycling plants. At the time of writing, the price of copper (mix) fluctuates widely, but usually amounts to several hundred rubles per kilogram.
If you hand over the entire refrigerator as black scrap, you will receive a minimum amount, since the main weight is steel. If you spend time disassembling, extracting copper and aluminum and selling ferrous metal separately, your revenue can increase by 2-3 times. However, it is necessary to take into account the depreciation of the tool, electricity costs (if you work with an angle grinder) and, most importantly, your time.
Factors influencing the price of copper
The price is influenced not only by the exchange value, but also by the percentage of contamination. Copper in shavings, mixed with solder or with residual oil will cost less than pure wire. Also, receivers may underestimate the weight due to “shrinkage” during melting.
For owners of garages or private houses where several old Yuryuzan, Saratov or ZIL refrigerators have accumulated, self-disposal makes sense. This allows you to turn bulky waste into cash and free up usable space. If there is only one refrigerator, it is easier to use the services of removal services or hand it over to a specialized equipment collection point, albeit for less money, but without unnecessary hassle.
It is also worth remembering about the environmental aspect. Proper disposal allows resources to be returned to the production cycle, avoiding the mining of new ore. Old refrigerators contain materials that can take centuries to decompose, so putting them in a solid waste landfill is not the best solution.
Safety and legal aspects
Disassembling household appliances is not only an economical, but also a potentially dangerous activity. Refrigerators contain flammable refrigerants (in some models) as well as flammable insulation materials. When working with an angle grinder, sparks can ignite residual oil or dust. Therefore, always have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Another important point is legal. The delivery of non-ferrous scrap by individuals is allowed, but collection points require passport data to record the transaction. This is a measure to combat the theft of non-ferrous metals. If you hand over a large number of compressors, you may be asked for documents confirming the legality of the origin of the scrap (for example, contracts for decommissioning of equipment).
Don't forget about the equipment. Thick gloves will protect your hands from sharp metal edges, a respirator will protect you from dust, and closed shoes will protect your feet from falling heavy parts. Following these simple rules will allow you to complete the recycling process without harm to your health.
In conclusion, the Yuryuzan refrigerator is a storehouse of quality materials created in an era when they did not think about saving. A competent approach to its disposal will allow you to receive a small financial benefit and contribute to preserving the environment.
Is it possible to hand over the entire refrigerator without disassembling it?
Yes, many scrap metal collection points accept entire refrigerators. However, in this case, they will estimate the weight of the device as “black scrap” or “mixed”, which is much cheaper than the cost of the recovered copper and aluminum. You will lose in price, but you will save time.
How to distinguish a copper winding from an aluminum one?
Copper has a characteristic reddish-golden color when cut or stripped. Aluminum - silver-gray. Copper is also heavier and softer. If you set fire to the wiring, the copper insulation will melt, and the aluminum wire can quickly burn out.
What to do with the oil from the compressor?
Technical oil from the compressor should not be poured into the sewer or onto the ground. It must be collected in a sealed container (plastic bottle or canister) and taken to a waste oil or hazardous waste collection point.
Are there precious metals in the Yuryuzan refrigerator?
Relay contacts and some electronic elements may contain silver or gold, but their quantity is microscopic. Getting them at home from one refrigerator is economically impractical and chemically dangerous.