The question of the content of non-ferrous metals in household appliances often arises among those who are involved in the disposal of old equipment or professional repairs. Owners of Soviet and modern brand refrigerators Biryusa are no exception. Many are interested in whether the game is worth the candle and exactly how much copper can be extracted from a failed unit.
The answer to this question is not as clear-cut as it might seem at first glance. The weight of useful metal directly depends on the year of manufacture of the device, the model of the installed motor-compressor and its technical condition. Average output pure metal varies over a fairly wide range, and it is important to understand exactly where this figure comes from.
It is worth immediately noting that modern compressors are significantly different from their predecessors from the USSR. If you expect to scrap the unit, you need to clearly understand the internal structure of the unit. In this article we will analyze in detail how much copper is in the compressor from the Biryusa refrigerator, and whether it is worth disassembling it yourself for the sake of non-ferrous metal.
The design of the motor-compressor and sources of copper
To understand where the metal comes from, you need to look inside the sealed casing. The main consumer of copper in this unit is electric motor, which drives the piston group. It is the stator windings that are of the greatest interest to miners of recyclable materials.
In the classic circuit of an asynchronous motor, copper wire is wound around an electrical steel core. The number of turns and thickness of the wire determine the power and starting characteristics of the motor. In addition to the windings, small amounts of copper can be found in the contact groups and connecting wires coming out of the housing.
⚠️ Attention: There is oil inside the compressor, which is a hazardous waste. When opening the casing, be prepared for the fact that you will have to dispose of the technical fluid according to environmental safety rules.
It is important to distinguish between the concepts of “compressor weight” and “copper weight”. The total weight of the unit can be from 9 to 15 kg, but the lion's share of this mass is occupied by ferrous metal (steel body, stator, rotor, valves) and oil. Copper makes up only a small, albeit valuable, part of the total mass.
Why is there less copper in some compressors?
In modern models, manufacturers often use aluminum instead of copper for windings in order to save money. Such motors are lighter and cheaper, but their cost at the scrap collection point will be significantly lower, since aluminum is valued cheaper.
Factors influencing the weight of non-ferrous metal
The amount of resource extracted is not a constant for all models Biryusa. There are several key factors that determine the final scrapping weight. First of all, this is the era of refrigerator production.
Soviet units produced before 1990 were famous for their maintainability and the use of high-quality, albeit heavy, materials. Compressors of that time, such as the HC or FCmodels, contained more copper in the windings compared to modern counterparts. This is due to other energy efficiency standards and technological processes of that time.
The second important factor is refrigeration unit capacity. Double-chamber models or large-volume refrigerators require more powerful compressors. Accordingly, the windings in them are thicker and longer, which increases the metal yield. Single-chamber small-capacity models, popular in the dormitory segment, will contain a minimum amount of non-ferrous metal.
It is also worth considering the condition of the device. If the compressor burns out, the windings could burn out or be partially destroyed by a short circuit. In such cases scrap yield it decreases, since part of the metal turns into oxides or burns out completely. In addition, some receivers may underestimate the price for “burnt” scrap.
Average copper weights in different models
Based on data from scrap metal collection points and reports from repairmen, average values can be derived. They will help you get your bearings before you begin dismantling. The figures are given for fully operational engines.
For old Soviet models, which are still found in operation or garages, the typical weight of the copper winding is in the range from 0.9 to 1.3 kg. This is a fairly high figure, which makes their disassembly cost-effective if you have several pieces of equipment.
More modern models, including refrigerators Biryusa made in the 90s and early 2000s, were equipped with compressors where the weight of copper was already about 0.6–0.8 kg. Engineers sought to reduce the size and weight of the units, which led to optimization of the use of materials.
| Compressor type | Year of manufacture (approximate) | Copper weight (kg) | Total weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soviet (HK, FC) | 1970–1990 | 0.9 – 1.3 | 12 – 14 |
| Post-Soviet (Atlant, Don) | 1991–2005 | 0.6 – 0.8 | 10 – 12 |
| Modern (inverter) | 2010–present | 0.3 – 0.5 | 9 – 10 |
Modern inverter compressors, which are increasingly installed in new models, may contain even less copper - from 300 to 500 grams. However, their cost as used spare parts can exceed the cost of metal by several times.
Disassembly technology for metal extraction
If you are determined to extract copper yourself, you You will need a set of tools and compliance with safety precautions. The process does not require sophisticated equipment, but it takes time and requires physical effort. The sealed casing is made of durable steel.
The first step is to remove the freon. Although the amount of gas in older refrigerators is small, it is not recommended to release the gas indoors. Then you need to cut off the top cover of the casing. To do this, it is most convenient to use a grinder with a metal disk or a powerful hacksaw.
- 🔨 Blinder: the fastest method, but requires caution so as not to damage the windings with sparks or a disk.
- 🪚 Hacksaw for metal: a labor-intensive option, but safe for the integrity of the internal elements.
- 🔥 Burning: is strictly not recommended, since burning the varnish insulation contaminates the metal and degrades its quality for the receivers.
After opening the case, you will see the “insides” of the motor. You need to disconnect the copper tubes and dismantle the electric motor itself. The windings fit tightly in the stator slots. To remove them, you often have to saw the stator or knock out the core.
⚠️ Attention: When working with an angle grinder, use safety glasses and gloves. Metal shavings and sparks can cause serious injury to the eyes and skin.
Separating copper from iron is the most labor-intensive step. The wire is wound very tightly. Some craftsmen use an ax to cut the end of the stator and pull out bundles of wire, others use hydraulic presses. At home, the easiest way is to bite the wire on one side and pull it out on the other.
Economic feasibility and scrap prices
Before picking up the tool, it is worth carrying out simple mathematical calculations. The market value of copper scrap fluctuates, but usually it is significantly higher than the cost of ferrous metal. However, you need to take into account labor costs.
If you disassemble one compressor from Turks and get, at best, 800 grams of copper, then at current prices this can amount to an amount equivalent to several liters of gasoline or a couple of lunches. This is unlikely to cover the cost of electricity spent on operating the grinder, and your time.
It’s another matter if you have accumulated a “collection” of 10-20 old units. In this case, the total yield of non-ferrous metal can be 10-15 kg, which is already a significant amount. Wholesale delivery is always more profitable than retail delivery.
It is also worth considering the availability of other non-ferrous metals. The compressor also contains brass (in valves and connections) and aluminum. Their weight is small, but for large volumes of processing they also count. Brass parts are often located in the discharge part.
Alternatives to disassembly: repair and disposal
Instead of sawing the compressor for the sake of a kilogram of copper, it is worth considering the option of its recovery or proper disposal. Many malfunctions, such as jamming of the piston group or failure of the starting relay, can sometimes be eliminated.
There is a method of “wedging” the compressor by applying increased voltage or mechanical action, which allows you to extend the life of the unit for several years. This is true if the refrigerator is needed for technical purposes, for example, as refrigerator for the garage or storing vegetables.
If the device completely fails, it is best to hand it over to a specialized organization for recycling household appliances. This ensures that freon does not escape into the atmosphere and that the oil is disposed of correctly. The environmental aspect today is becoming no less important than the economic one.
☑️ What to do before handing over the compressor
The influence of the type of refrigerant on the design
An important factor that indirectly affects the design of the compressor is the type of refrigerant used. Old models Biryusa worked on R12 freon, modern ones - on R134a or R600a isobutane. The transition to new refrigerants required a change in the design of motor-compressors.
Compressors for R600a (isobutane) often have lower performance and, accordingly, smaller dimensions and weight of windings. Isobutane is more efficient, so it requires less energy and a less powerful motor to achieve the same cooling performance. This directly reduces the amount of copper in the product.
In addition, new requirements for energy efficiency (classes A, A+, A++) dictate the use of more advanced alloys and designs, where minimizing losses is more important than the amount of material. Efficiency modern engines are higher, which allows the use of less copper to produce the same power.
Is it possible to determine the amount of copper by the sound of operation?
Indirectly - yes. Heavier compressors with more copper and iron often run quieter and with less vibration because the massive rotor and stator dampen vibrations better. Lightweight modern models may be noisier, although this also depends on the build quality and the presence of inverter control.
Is there silver or gold in the Biryusa compressor?
In industrial quantities - no. The contact groups of the starting relay (which is located outside, on the housing) may contain a tiny amount of silver to improve contact, but the sealed motor itself does not contain precious metals in extractable form.
Why is the weight of the compressor not equal to the weight of copper?
Because copper is only a conductor. The bulk (up to 90%) consists of steel (housing, shaft, piston, stator plates) and oil. Steel is necessary to create a magnetic field and mechanical strength, and oil is necessary for lubrication and heat removal.
To summarize, we can say that a compressor from a refrigerator Biryusa contains from 0.3 to 1.3 kg of copper, depending on the model and year of manufacture. Independent metal mining makes sense only when processing large quantities of equipment. In other cases, it is more advisable to consider options for repair or environmentally friendly disposal.
⚠️ Attention: Scrap prices and acceptance requirements may change. Before starting disassembly work or before going to the collection point, check the current prices and conditions in your region.