The question of how much copper is in the Atlant two-chamber refrigerator most often arises among those who plan to scrap equipment or are engaged in professional repair of household appliances. The Belarusian manufacturer has produced hundreds of modifications over the years, and the exact figure depends on the specific model, year of manufacture and type of refrigerant used. On average, owners can expect to receive from 3 to 7 kilograms of non-ferrous metal, but these data are averaged and require detailed clarification.
The cost of scrap directly affects the interest in the internal filling of units. Many people mistakenly believe that the entire heat exchanger is made of pure red metal, however, modern environmental standards and rising costs of raw materials have made adjustments to the production process. Understanding the actual design helps to avoid disappointment when weighing and correctly assess the economic feasibility of dismantling old equipment.
In this article we will analyze in detail the design of refrigeration circuits, the influence of compressors of different generations on the total weight and the specifics of modern models. You will learn where exactly to look for a valuable resource and why numbers on the Internet can differ significantly from reality. Analysis of the technical characteristics will allow you to get an accurate idea of the content of precious metals in your unit.
General structure of the heat exchange circuit
The main place where non-ferrous metals accumulate in the refrigerator is the refrigerant circulation system. The classic scheme includes a condenser located at the rear of the unit and an evaporator, which can be built into the walls of the chamber or made in the form of an open coil. It is these elements that were traditionally made from tubes with a diameter of 3 to 6 millimeters, ensuring effective heat exchange.
Condenser in old Atlant models, it was often made in the form of a suspended black lattice structure, but it was the copper tube that was hidden inside this black paint. In newer series, the manufacturer switched to using steel sheet capacitors glued to the rear wall of the case, which significantly reduced the amount of scrap recovered. The evaporator in two-chamber models is most often hidden behind the plastic panel of the freezer.
The connecting lines running from the compressor to the system are also of interest to assemblers. They can be made of steel or copper, which depends on the specific modification and production period. When disassembling, it is important to consider that the net weight of the entire system is not equal to the weight of pure metal, since it is necessary to take into account the weight of the solder, varnish coating and possible steel inserts.
⚠️ Attention: When mechanically separating metals (tearing steel tubes from copper), be extremely careful. Thin-walled tubes easily burst, scattering small, difficult-to-assemble pieces, which reduces the final weight of the scrap being handed over.
The influence of the type of compressor on the weight scrap
The heart of any refrigerator is the compressor, and it is its type that largely determines how much copper you can extract. Atlant two-chamber refrigerators used various units, ranging from Soviet and early post-Soviet models to modern inverter systems. The weight and composition of the compressor is a separate item in the balance of non-ferrous metals.
Old models equipped with heavy units of the series DH or early NMTcontained a significant amount of winding copper in the electric motor. In such compressors, the weight of the stator winding alone could reach 1–1.5 kilograms, and the total weight of non-ferrous metals in the assembly exceeded 2 kg. This made them extremely attractive for recycling, although it required a complex procedure for opening the sealed casing.
Modern compressors, such as Atlant CT-1120 or units from third-party manufacturers (Danfoss, Secop), have become more compact and effective, but the amount of copper in them has decreased. Manufacturers are optimizing designs by using less metal and more synthetic materials for insulation. In addition, new models often use aluminum windings or combined alloys, which are valued much lower for scrap.
The secret of determining the type of metal in the winding
A damaged winding can be checked with a magnet - copper is not magnetic, but neither is aluminum. However, aluminum is significantly lighter and has a lighter color when broken. An accurate result can only be obtained by chemical analysis or weighing after complete cleaning.
When assessing the potential metal output, you should pay attention to the compressor markings. If the model specifies R600a (isobutane) refrigerant, this often (but not always) indicates thinner heat exchanger tubes since this gas requires less system volume. Accordingly, the total weight of copper parts in such refrigerators will be minimal.
Differences between models: old vs modern series
The evolution of Atlant refrigeration equipment can be clearly seen in the changes in the materials used. If you are disassembling a refrigerator made in the 90s or early 2000s, your chances of finding a full copper circuit are very high. At that time, technology allowed the use of thick-walled tubes that lasted for decades and contained a lot of valuable raw materials.
Models produced after 2010, especially series with the No Frost or “Weeping Wall” system, often have combined contours. Aluminum, being cheaper and lighter, is gradually displacing copper from mass production. The evaporators of modern chambers often use aluminum steel or pure aluminum, which at the scrap metal collection point is priced at minimum prices.
Below is a comparative table showing the approximate copper content depending on the era of production of equipment:
| Period of production | Type condenser | Evaporator material | Approximate weight of copper (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990–2005 | Tubular (copper) | Copper / Aluminum | 5.0 – 7.5 |
| 2006–2015 | Sheet (steel) / Tubular | Aluminium | 2.5 – 4.0 |
| 2016–2026 | Sheet (steel) | Aluminum / Alloy | 1.0 – 2.5 |
It is important to understand that the data in the table are averaged. A specific model may differ from the stated standards due to changes in the supply of components. For example, during the transition period, the plant could use the remains of old pipes for new buildings, so the actual weight is always determined experimentally.
The specifics of the No Frost system and its effect on the composition
Atlant refrigerators with the system No Frost have a more complex design of the evaporator, which is located hidden, usually behind the back wall of the freezer. This unit is a coil with aluminum plates placed on it to increase the heat transfer area. Disassembling such an element is labor-intensive and often economically impractical due to the low yield of pure metal.
Unlike the drip system, where the evaporator can be made in the form of a sheet on the back wall of the refrigeration chamber (often aluminum), in No Frost forced air circulation is used. The tubes here are thinner and the connections are made using soldering, which makes separating the metals more difficult. The weight of copper in such systems is minimal, the bulk of which is made up of aluminum plates and steel housing.
⚠️ Attention: When trying to remove the evaporator from the No Frost system, there is a high risk of damaging the plastic box of the freezer. At low temperatures, plastic becomes brittle and cracks from the slightest impact, turning useful equipment into a pile of garbage.
Additional heating elements (heating elements) are also used in systems with automatic defrosting. Inside them there is a nichrome spiral, which is of no interest for recycling for copper, but requires careful handling during disposal. The presence of a large number of electronics and sensors in modern models also does not add weight to non-ferrous metals, but complicates the recycling process.
Technical nuances and connection materials
When disassembling a refrigerator, you may encounter so-called “adapters”. These are the areas where the copper tube connects to the steel or aluminum tube. For this, special bimetallic inserts are used. When handing over scrap, such areas often require removal, as they reduce the purity of the metal. The weight of these inserts is negligible, but their presence indicates the complexity of processing the contour.
Another important aspect is solder. Silver or copper-phosphorus solder is traditionally used to join copper tubing. In older refrigerators the amount was significant due to the large number of connections. Modern models use less soldering or use mechanical connections, which also affects the final weight. Annealing the tubes before handing over allows you to remove the remaining solder and insulation, increasing the category of scrap.
☑️ Preparation for disassembling the circuit
It is worth mentioning the capillary tube. This is a very thin copper tube that runs along or is glued into the main line. Despite the small diameter, in the long circuits of two-chamber refrigerators its length can reach several meters, which in total gives tangible grams, and sometimes hundreds of grams of pure metal.
Economic feasibility and disposal
Is it worth disassembling the Atlant refrigerator for the sake of copper? The answer to this question depends on current scrap prices and your labor costs. If you have one old unit, the proceeds will hardly cover the cost of tools and time spent disassembling. However, if you have several pieces of equipment or a whole warehouse of decommissioned equipment, the process becomes profitable.
In addition to copper, there are other valuable components in the refrigerator. The steel body is sold as ferrous scrap metal, plastic (if collection points are available) can also be recycled. Electronic control boards contain precious metals, but extracting them at home is impossible and dangerous. A compressor, if it cannot be repaired, is also scrapped, where its metal casing and winding are valued primarily.
⚠️ Attention: Prices for non-ferrous metals are unstable and depend on stock exchange quotes. Before starting mass dismantling of equipment, check the current prices in your region, as they may change weekly.
Do not forget about environmental responsibility. Freon contained in the system, when released into the atmosphere, destroys the ozone layer. Professional recycling facilities are equipped to safely collect the refrigerant. By handing over the entire refrigerator to a specialized organization, you can get less money, but keep the environment clean.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to accurately determine the weight of copper based on the model of the refrigerator?
It is impossible to indicate the exact weight without opening it, since the Atlant plant could change component suppliers within the same models. The technical data sheet contains information about the refrigerant and volume, but not about the mass of metals. The real weight will only be shown by weighing after cutting.
Why is there less copper in new refrigerators?
This is due to the rise in price of raw materials and the transition to more environmentally friendly refrigerants, but requiring different design solutions. Aluminum and steel are cheaper, lighter and easier to process, which reduces the cost of the final product for the consumer.
Does it make sense to burn insulation from pipes?
It is strictly not recommended. When rubber insulation and varnish are burned, toxic substances are released that are harmful to health and nature. In addition, burnt copper loses its properties and can be accepted by collection points with a reduction factor or with a fine.
Where is the most copper located: in the freezer or refrigerator?
In two-chamber models, the main lines often pass through both chambers. However, the condenser itself (if it is tubular) is located outside, and the evaporator is inside the freezer compartment (in No Frost models) or on the back wall of the refrigerator (in drip units). The main volume of metal is concentrated in the condenser and compressor, and not inside the chambers.
What to do if the tubes are not magnetic, but also do not look like copper?
Most likely, you are faced with an aluminum alloy or copper-plated steel (in rare cases). Aluminum is not magnetic, but it is much lighter than copper and has a silver color when cut. Copper-plated steel will be magnetic. For an accurate determination, you can drop nitric acid (carefully!) or simply compare the weight of pieces of similar size.