The question of how much copper is in a compressor from a refrigeratoris of concern not only to professional recyclers, but also to owners of old equipment who have decided to scrap the unit. A refrigeration compressor is a sealed metal cylinder with valuable non-ferrous metals hidden inside. The main value here is the electric motor winding, made of pure wire.
However, it is impossible to get an exact figure “on the fly”, since the weight of the useful metal directly depends on the power of the unit, year of manufacture and manufacturer. Soviet models often contain more non-ferrous metal compared to modern energy-efficient ones analogues, where engineers strive to minimize weight and dimensions.
In this article we will look in detail at how copper yield is calculated, what factors influence the final weight and whether the game is worth the candle. You will learn why you can't just weigh the entire compressor and how to correctly assess the potential profit from scrap sales.
Design features of compressors
To understand where copper comes from, you need to look inside sealed housing. A compressor is a complex mechanical system where electrical energy is converted into the movement of pistons. The heart of this system is an electric motor, the stator of which is wound with copper wire. It is this winding that is of the greatest interest during disposal.
In addition to the winding, copper can be found in connecting tubes and heat exchangers, if they have not been replaced by aluminum by the manufacturer. Modern models, especially those made in China, often use aluminum wire copper plating, which significantly reduces the cost of scrap. It is almost impossible to determine this visually without opening it.
⚠️ Attention: Opening the compressor at home is strictly prohibited without special equipment and skills. Inside there is oil and refrigerant under pressure. Improper handling can lead to an explosion or poisoning.
The weight of the compressor “body” itself consists of the steel casing, which makes up the lion’s share of the mass, and internal components. Steel does not have the same value as non-ferrous metals, so when scrapping it is important to separate these fractions or know the approximate percentage of the yield.
Factors influencing the yield of copper
The answer to the question of how much copper is in the compressor depends on many variables. The first and most important is engine power. The more powerful the unit, the thicker and longer the wire used for winding, and the greater its final weight. Low-power models for minibars contain a minimum of non-ferrous metal.
The second factor is the era of equipment production. In the old days, when resources were not saved as strictly as now, manufacturers used pure M1 copper for windings. Modern technologies make it possible to use alloys or composite materials that weigh less and are cheaper to manufacture.
The type of compressor also matters. Standard piston models differ from inverter models. The latter may contain more electronics and specific alloys, which complicates processing and changes the ratio of the mass of useful components.
Average weight of copper in different models
For ease of assessment, we present averaged data. Of course, copper yield it may differ in each specific case, but these numbers will help form a general idea. Typically, copper makes up from 5% to 12% of the total mass of the compressor, if we are talking about high-quality performance.
Below is a table showing the dependence of the weight of the copper winding on the total mass of the compressor. Data collected based on statistics from recycling centers.
| Compressor type | Total weight (kg) | Copper weight (kg) | Yield percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low power (minibar) | 6 - 8 | 0.3 - 0.5 | ~6% |
| Medium power (standard) | 9 - 11 | 0.7 - 1.0 | ~9% |
| High power (two-chamber) | 12 - 15 | 1.1 - 1.5 | ~10% |
| Industrial/Soviet | 15+ | 1.8 - 2.5 | ~12% |
As can be seen from the table, even in the heaviest household compressor it is rarely possible to find more than 2.5 kg of pure copper. This is important to consider when planning scrap collection: to collect a ton of non-ferrous metal, you will need to process hundreds of pieces of equipment.
Why may the weight not match the table?
The weight may vary due to residual oil that is absorbed into the winding, or the presence of additional metal fasteners that were not removed before weighing.
Extraction and processing methods
The process of extracting copper from a compressor is called cutting. At professional collection points, this process is automated: the units are crushed in special shredders, and then the metals are separated by magnetic and air flows. At home, only the mechanical method is available.
First you need to remove the freon and oil. Then the body is sawn with a grinder. After opening, the stator is removed - a set of plates with winding. The most time consuming part is removing the copper from the core. This is often done by firing, but this method contaminates the metal and reduces its grade.
☑️ Safe cutting of the compressor
The best way is to mechanically bite out or press out the wire. This allows you to save high purity copper (grade M1), for which they pay the most. Burnt copper (grade M2 or M3) is cheaper due to oxides and impurities.
⚠️ Attention: When firing insulation, toxic substances are released. Use only mechanical methods or specialized ovens with a filtration system if you are doing this professionally.
Economic feasibility of delivery
Is the game worth the candle? To answer this question, you need to compare the cost of time and tools spent with the market price of scrap. At the time of writing, the price of copper fluctuates, but steel is much cheaper.
If you sell the entire compressor as "heavy scrap" or "mix", you will receive less money, but will save time on cutting. Reception points often handle recycling themselves and can offer a fixed price per unit of equipment or per unassembled weight.
However, if you have access to a large amount of equipment (for example, you are doing repairs or dismantling), then preliminary cutting and sorting of copper, aluminum and steel can increase your income by 2-3 times. The main thing is to find a reliable buyer who will not underestimate the grade of metal upon acceptance.
Where and how to hand over compressors for scrap
You can hand over the old compressor to specialized collection points non-ferrous and ferrous metal. Before your trip, be sure to check the reception conditions: do they take assembled equipment, do they require draining the oil, or do they prefer cut metal. Different companies may have different requirements.
There are also environmental recycling services that can pick up the refrigerator for free, especially if it is located within the city. This is a good option if your goal is just to free up space and not make money. To make a profit, it is better to look for private collection points or wholesale centers.
When handing over a large volume, it is useful to have a passport with you, since collection points are required to record the data of sellers to prevent theft of non-ferrous metal. This is a standard safety procedure.
Is it possible to return a compressor without opening it?
Yes, many points accept assembled compressors, classifying them as “scrap electric motors” or “mix”. However, the price per kilogram in this case will be lower than for pure copper, since the buyer will have to do the cutting himself.
What is the difference between copper and brass in a compressor?
Copper is used for motor winding, it has a reddish tint. Brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) can be found in valves or fittings and is yellow in color. The price of brass is usually lower than that of pure electrical copper.
How much does an empty compressor housing weigh?
After removing the insides and draining the liquid, the steel housing weighs approximately 60-70% of the total weight of the unit. This weight is sold as black scrap at a significantly lower price.
Is it dangerous to store old compressors at home?
Yes, if they have not been properly preserved. Residual oil may leak out, contaminating the floor and giving off an unpleasant odor. In addition, residual pressure may remain in the sealed case.