The question of the content of non-ferrous metals in household appliances often arises among those who sell scrap or plan to independently repair old ones units. Refrigerators of the brand ZIL, produced for decades, were famous for their reliability and maintainability, which made their compressors a real storehouse of resources. Many owners, inherited or purchased secondhand, think about the value of components when the equipment fails.
On average, one compressor from a refrigerator ZIL contains from 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms of pure copper, if you take into account only the motor windings. However, the total mass of ferrous metal (steel) significantly exceeds this figure, amounting to about 9-10 kilograms. It is important to understand that the exact amount depends on the specific model of the unit, the year of manufacture and the type of motor-compressor installed.
The economic feasibility of independent copper extraction is often questioned due to the labor intensity of the process. To obtain clean scrap, it is necessary to completely destroy the sealed housing, which requires special tools and compliance with safety precautions. In this article we will look in detail at what the weight is made up of, how to properly dismantle the unit and what to expect at the output.
Compressor design and metal distribution
A refrigerator compressor ZIL is a sealed unit, inside which an electric motor and a pump group are located. The bulk of the body is made of steel, which is necessary to withstand the high pressure of the refrigerant. Inside this “shell” is hidden the electrical part, where the main value for non-ferrous metal collectors is located - the stator windings.
The engine consists of a rotor and a stator. The rotor, as a rule, is made of stacked electrical steel plates filled with aluminum or copper (in older and more powerful models). Stator is a stationary part containing coils of copper wire. It is the thickness of the wire and the number of turns that determine the final yield of copper. In older models, a wire with a larger cross-section was used, which increased weight, but reduced the risk of overheating.
It is important to note that in addition to the windings, the unit contains copper tubes and heat exchanger elements, but their weight is insignificant compared to the engine. When scrapping, most often the entire compressor is accepted as ferrous metal or an electric motor, since the price for extracting a clean wire rarely repays the time and effort spent.
Why is there less copper in new models?
Modern manufacturers strive to minimize weight and cost. Instead of pure copper wire, aluminum or copper-plated aluminum is often used, and the windings are made thinner, which reduces weight, but requires more precise control electronics.
Factors influencing the weight of copper in different models
The amount of non-ferrous metal directly depends on the series of the refrigerator and the compressor installed in it. The equipment ZIL could be equipped with units of its own production or third-party factories (for example, Biryusa or Atlant in later modifications). Old Soviet models produced in the 70-80s contained more copper due to less stringent resource saving standards.
There is a direct relationship between the power of the compressor and the volume of the windings. Large-volume two-chamber refrigerators required more powerful motors, and accordingly, the copper “filling” in them was heavier. The energy efficiency class also influenced: older models consumed more energy, but had more massive windings designed for long-term operation in difficult conditions.
Below is a table showing the approximate ratio of the weight of copper and steel depending on the type of unit. The data are averaged, since technologies may have changed in different years of production.
| Compressor type | Approximate weight of copper (kg) | Total weight of the unit (kg) | Years of production |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-power (single-chamber) | 0.8 - 1.2 | 7 - 8 | 1970-1985 |
| Medium power (classic) | 1.5 - 1.9 | 9 - 11 | 1980-1995 |
| High power (large) | 2.0 - 2.6 | 11 - 13 | 1990-2000+ |
| Imported analogues in ZIL | 1.2 - 1.6 | 8 - 10 | 1995-2005 |
When assessing potential income, it should be taken into account that scrap prices fluctuate (fluctuate). The yield of pure electrolytic copper from one ZIL compressor is on average 15-20% of the total mass of the engine, the rest is steel and aluminum. This is a critical parameter for calculating the profitability of processing.
Technology for safe dismantling and disassembly
If you decide to extract copper yourself, you need to prepare for a labor-intensive process. The compressor is sealed, and you can’t just open it. The first step should always be to pump out the freon. Although in older models its quantity is minimal, it is not recommended to release gas into the room due to the displacement of oxygen and the possible toxicity of combustion products upon contact with fire.
To open the case you will need a hacksaw or an angle grinder (“grinder”). Attention: when working with an angle grinder there is a high risk of sparking. Since oil and refrigerant vapor may remain inside, be extremely careful not to cause a fire.
☑️ Preparing to disassemble the compressor
After opening the "flask" it is necessary to disconnect the pump group (cylinder and piston), which is usually secured to springs or rubber dampers. Next comes access to the electric motor. The stator is attached tightly, often with interference. To extract copper, the coils are often cut on one side and pulled out with bundles of wires on the other, or cut out with a chisel along with part of the core for subsequent cleaning.
⚠️ Attention: There is technical oil inside the compressor. It can be aggressive to the skin and contain wear products. Wear gloves and safety glasses, and take used oil to special collection points without pouring it down the drain.
Economic calculation: is the game worth the candle
Before taking up the tools, it is worth carrying out a simple mathematical calculation. The cost of non-ferrous scrap varies, but even at high purchasing prices, the income from one compressor rarely exceeds the cost of lunch in a cafe. The main profit in this business comes from scale: processing tens and hundreds of pieces of equipment.
Costs include not only time, but also consumables: grinder discs, saws, electricity, personal protective equipment. If you don't have professional equipment for quick cutting, the process can take 40 minutes to an hour per unit.
Also, there are logistics to consider. Transporting heavy refrigerators and compressors to a collection point also requires costs for fuel or the services of loaders. For a private individual who has one or two old refrigerators ZIL, it is more profitable to hand over the entire device to a specialized organization for recycling household appliances.
Environmental aspects and disposal
Independent disassembly of refrigerators and compressors carries certain environmental risks. In addition to oil, old units may contain refrigerant residues, which, when released into the atmosphere, contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer (especially R12 freons). Modern refrigerants are less harmful to ozone, but are greenhouse gases.
Steel housings and copper windings are 100% recyclable. Copper is one of the most recycled materials in the world, retaining its properties almost without restrictions. Proper disposal allows you to return these resources to the production cycle, reducing the need to mine new ore.
When you hand over equipment to official points, you guarantee that hazardous components will be neutralized by professionals. Illegal "garage" recycling often leads to soil and air pollution with combustion products of wire insulation and plastic.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Can a compressor from ZIL be used for other purposes?
Yes, old compressors ZIL are often used by DIYers to create compressors for airbrushing, inflating tires or pneumatic tools. They are reliable and capable of creating high pressure, but require modification of the lubrication system and installation of a receiver.
Does the year of manufacture affect the amount of copper?
Certainly. During the Soviet period (before 1991), material consumption standards were less strict, and more copper was used in windings. In post-Soviet times and in modern models, manufacturers strive to save money by using thinner wires or alternative alloys, which reduces the weight of non-ferrous metal.
Is the gas inside an old compressor dangerous?
In old refrigerators ZIL R12 freon was used, which is safe in terms of ignition, but harmful if inhaled in high concentrations and hazardous to the environment. When sawing a sealed housing, gas will escape, so it is better to carry out the work in a well-ventilated area or outside.
Is there aluminum in the compressor?
Yes, aluminum is present in the design. A rotor (in the form of cast-in plates) and some elements of the housing or fastenings are often made from it. However, the main value is the copper winding of the stator, which costs much more than aluminum on the scrap market.
Where can I find current prices for scrap copper?
Prices for non-ferrous metal change daily and depend on stock exchange quotes. To obtain accurate information, you need to contact the nearest scrap metal collection points in your region or check their official websites, since conditions may vary depending on the volume and purity of the material being delivered.