The question about the content of precious and non-ferrous metals in household appliances is often occurs when preparing to hand over old equipment for recycling or when disassembling it for repair. Old Soviet and post-Soviet refrigerators, such as ZIL, Biryusa or Saratovcontain a significant amount of valuable materials that attract the attention of scrap dealers. The main object of interest here is the compressor, inside of which the windings of the electric motor are hidden.
The exact amount of copper depends on the model, year of manufacture and manufacturer of the unit. On average, the weight of useful metal that can be extracted from one motor varies from 0.5 to 1.2 kilograms, but this figure is not an absolute constant. It is important to understand that we are talking about pure copper, and not about the weight of the entire assembly complete with oil and steel casing.
In this article we will analyze in detail what the yield of metal depends on, how to properly dismantle it and what safety measures must be observed. You will find out why the weight of the windings differs from one manufacturer to another and whether it is worth spending time on completely dismantling the unit to obtain a clean product.
Factors affecting metal yield
The amount of copper in the compressor directly depends on the power of the electric motor and its design. Heavier units designed for larger chambers or dual-compressor systems require thicker wire and more turns. This automatically increases the mass of valuable metal in the core.
The year of production of the equipment also plays a significant role. Old Soviet models often used wire with a larger safety margin and less dense laying, which could increase the total volume of the winding, but not always its net weight. Modern models tend to miniaturize, using more compact winding patterns.
It is also worth considering the type of refrigerant for which the compressor is designed, although this has an indirect effect. Units working with freons that require high pressure may have a reinforced piston group design, which does not add copper, but increases the overall weight of the product.
Design features of compressors
The compressor is a sealed unit, inside of which there is an electric motor and a piston group. Copper is used here exclusively to create the stator and rotor windings. The stator is a stationary part where a wire is wound that creates a magnetic field.
The rotor in such engines is usually made of the “squirrel cage” type from aluminum or copper plates, but the main volume of non-ferrous metal is concentrated in the stator coils. Access to them is closed by a durable steel casing, which is welded hermetically.
It is important to note that in addition to the windings, copper can be found in the heat exchanger tubes if they are not made of steel or aluminum. However, in the compressor block itself, the tubes are most often made of steel, so the main focus when extracting metal shifts to the electrical part.
Table of copper weight in popular models
To assess the potential profit or Just for fun, you can turn to averaged data. Below is a table showing the approximate yield of copper from compressors of various brands, often found in old refrigerators.
| Compressor Brand/Model | Country/Manufacturer | Compressor weight (kg) | Approximate weight of copper (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SK-100 (Atlant) | Belarus | 9.5 - 10.0 | 0.9 - 1.1 |
| QD35Y / QD60Y | China (Jiaxipera) | 7.0 - 8.5 | 0.5 - 0.7 |
| FK 1.6 (ZIL) | USSR/Russia | 11.0 - 12.0 | 1.0 - 1.3 |
| Aspera (Danfoss) | Europe/Asia | 9.0 - 10.5 | 0.8 - 1.0 |
The data in the table are approximate, since technologies may change during production, and repairmen may replace original components with analogues. The actual yield of metal can be found out only after physical cutting.
Copper extraction process
To get to the precious contents, you need to open the sealed case. This is a labor-intensive process that requires special tools. Simply unscrewing the bolts is not enough here, since the body is welded.
First you need to drain the compressor oil. To do this, a hole is drilled in the lower part of the housing, often at the deepest point. The oil has a specific odor and requires proper disposal; pouring it down the drain is prohibited.
Next, using an angle grinder (grinder), the upper part of the “cap” is cut off. You need to act carefully so as not to damage the internal filling and windings. After removing the cover, access to the stator opens.
☑️ Tools for opening the compressor
Removal of the windings can be done in two ways: by burning out or mechanically pulling out. The first method is dirty and harmful, the second is more labor-intensive, but allows you to preserve the quality of the metal.
Safety precautions during disassembly
Working with scrap metal and power tools is always associated with risks. When sawing the compressor housing, small metal particles and sparks are formed. The use of safety glasses is mandatory.
⚠️ Attention: There may be residual pressure inside the compressor. Before starting work, make sure that all pipes are open and the pressure has been released to avoid sudden release of oil or gases.
The oil used in compressors is a petroleum product and may contain harmful impurities. Contact with the skin is undesirable, and inhalation of vapors when burning windings can cause poisoning. It is better to carry out work in the open air or in a well-ventilated room!
a ventilated room.
Sharp tools and metal shavings require the use of thick gloves. Cuts on the edges of a fresh cut are very painful and take a long time to heal due to contamination.
What to do with used oil?
Used compressor oil should not be poured into the ground or sewer. It should be collected in a sealed container and delivered to special collection points for petroleum products or processed in heating systems (if appropriate equipment is available).
Economic feasibility and disposal
Many people ask the question: is the game worth the candle? If we consider the extraction of copper for the sake of selling it for scrap metal, then the profit from one compressor will be minimal. The cost of ferrous metal (housing) is also low.
However, if you have several pieces of equipment or are doing this professionally, the process may make sense. In addition, proper disposal of refrigerators is important for the environment, as they contain freon and oils that are harmful to the environment.
When delivering equipment to specialized points, they often accept entire refrigerators without requiring their disassembly. In this case, you can receive a small compensation or a free removal service, saving your effort and time.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to extract copper by burning the insulation over an open fire. This violates environmental standards and may result in fines from supervisory authorities.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to extract copper without a grinder?
Theoretically, you can try to drill out the welding spots and knock the lid off with a hammer, but this is extremely difficult and time-consuming. A grinder significantly speeds up the process by making an even cut.
Are refrigerator tubes containing copper?
In older models, the condenser and evaporator tubes were often made of copper. In modern refrigerators, they are almost always made of aluminum or steel, since it is cheaper.
What is the copper yield as a percentage of the weight of the compressor?
On average, copper makes up about 8-12% of the total mass of the compressor unit assembly. The rest is steel, cast iron and oil.
Is it harmful to burn insulation from wires?
Yes, when varnish insulation and rubber burn, toxic substances are released. In addition, burnt copper loses in price when delivered to scrap collection points.