AC and Fridge Compressor Scrap, How is Copper Extracted?
You will be able to know more about AC and Fridge Compressor Scrap and how you can extract copper from it, qty of copper in a refrigerator scrap. Have you ever thought about how refrigerators and AC maintain low temperatures? It is an amalgamation of different machines, but the main part is the compressor. The compressor is the main part of the AC and refrigerator’s machinery. The compressor works as a pump that moves the air in the system.
Compressors are strong and sturdy and perform excellently in the lifetime of machines. It does not lose value even when the machine has retired. It is equipped with a large number of valuable coppers. If you want to know how the compressor benefits, you are at the right place. This guide aims to discuss AC and refrigerator compressors and the method to take them out. Copper in a Refrigerator Compressor will be discussed below.
What is AC and Fridge Compressor Scrap?
Refrigeration is the cooling technology that is evident in both air conditioners and refrigerators. It deals with the phenomenon of body cooling. The main component of this cooling process is the compressor. It plays a crucial role in compressing and controlling the flow of refrigerant. In the air conditioner and refrigerator, the compressor gets gas with low pressure and turns it into high pressure.
It generally works well as long as the machine is operating. When the machine is out of use, the compressor is still the apple of many people’s eyes due to the high amount of copper.
However, compressor scrap is an unserviceable air conditioning or refrigerator compressor collected for the sake of sale as scrap metal. Apart from copper, the compressor scrap contains many other compounds and metals that make it golden equipment for scrap collectors.
How are AC and Fridge Compressor Scrap Different from Others?
Due to many reasons, the compressor scrap is stored separately from other metals in the scrap.
- First of all, due to the potential presence of contaminants such as residual refrigerant gas and oil in the compressor housing.
- Secondly, these compressors are sealed units containing many different types of metals that require a separate billing system that is applied to individual scrap material. These scrap metals generally include steel, cast iron, copper, and aluminum.
- Some scrap dealerships that deal exclusively with compressor scrap usually follow efficient and clear deals with distinct requirements related to the disposal and settings of compressor scraps.
- Another feature that makes compressor scrap different from simple scrap is the abundance of material that makes up a compressor. Generally, the outer casing, along with other parts, for instance, fasteners, piston rings, and nut bolts, are made of steel. On the contrary, the piston is made of aluminum alloy. Whereas several bearings will be of white metal construction. The compressor’s motor is equipped with steel, aluminum, and a huge quantity of copper wire. All these metals will have different prices and methods of billing. So, it needs to be stored separately.
- The compressor scrap also has additional environmentally hazardous oils. Hence, stripping and storing compressor scrap is always a mindful task. That is why technicians and repair personnel are advised to store them carefully.
How Much Is Copper in a Refrigerator Compressor?
The amount of copper a compressor contains varies from size to size. The compressor of a small refrigerator contains around one pound of copper, whereas a large refrigerator compressor contains about 2.5 pounds of copper.
Value of Refrigerator Compressor Scrap
In the air conditioner and refrigerator, the type of copper found is known as #2 copper scrap. It implies that it contains oil and paints and can be welded to other materials. It is not as valuable as #1 copper scrap. However, you can still make a good amount from air conditioners and refrigerators compressor scrap.
As we have mentioned above that there are 2.5 pounds of copper in the compressor and #2 copper worth around $2.50. implies that with the copper of the large compressor, you can make up to $7. The compressors may also include copper tubing to add to your scrap and manifold your earnings. Anyhow, you need to remember that the price varies according to area and country.
How to Extract Copper from a Compressor?
The compressor is the hub of multiple metals. If you sell the compressor as a whole, you are missing the opportunity to make a good profit. If you want to extract copper from the compressor, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Disassemble the Compressor from the Fridge and AC
First, you must dismount the compressor from the AC or refrigerator. It is fixed with some bolts and screws and connected with wires. You need to cut the wires and open these screws. Also order copper wire scrap in bulk from our reliable company.
Step 2: Open the Compressor
To separate the metal from copper, you need to disassemble the compressor. If you want to sell all metals, you are suggested to use a hacksaw instead of a compressor. There are two methods of disassembling the models.
- Knocking out
- Cutting the back cap
Thin-walled models conveniently come out of the shell while knocking out. However, older and thin-walled models are impossible to knock out. If the oil has already been released, you can cut the cap with a hacksaw without making incisions.
There is a tube that will not let the cap leave the case. Well, you can do it with the help of a hacksaw. After removing the cap, you can see the entire motor. However, you need to cut both ends as all compressors are made of monolithic designs, and both sides of the cover are welled.
Step 3: Extract Copper
After disassembling, you need to unscrew the support bottle, gearbox, engine, and rotor. To take out copper windings and cores, you are not suggested to use a grinder because everything is set on the screws and can easily be disassembled.
Final Thoughts
The AC and refrigerator compressor scrap is valuable scrap that can help you make a good profit because it is equipped with many metals. Moreover, they follow different methods of storing due to the difference in billing methods.
However, it is not easy to disassemble a compressor due to its sturdy shell. It requires effort in case you are using a hacksaw. However, it is a reliable method that can save a lot.
Equally learn more about the cost of an old refrigerator compressor replacement, why you should order your goods from the UK. Here is more details about plastic recycling and how you can make money from it. We sell quality AC scrap at wholesale prices and in large quantities including a pound of weed and CBD oil products.
