Sealed motors

I have sealed motors , One is at least 50 lb and many more at other sizes any way in the past i have cut some open (small ones) and it does takes some time. I don't have a torch & i figure the cost of gas would come into play also. Now once you have it apart getting the copper out takes a bit more time also. I would say 45 min is a safe time frame for the whole deal. for sure it is not getting done in 15 min.
Also once I hit upon a AL motor instead of copper.
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So a 50 pounder will pay out .12 = $6

Or try for the copper
48 LB @.10 selling as short $4.80
if you are lucky 2 lb copper @ $2.40 = $4.80
for a total $9.60

PROFIT is $3.60 at best but most likely a bit less.
I don't think it might be worth my time ,considering some might not even be copper windings any way. smaller units have at best 1 lb copper

Unless some one can inspire me I ready to sell as is

P S
I also am not crazy about to freon oil smell as they are cut.

I find it rather amusing that a self taught individual takes more care working with dangerous and potentially toxic substances such as freon in this case.

Compressors removed can and will retain a certain amount of freon in the oil,when cutting these sealed units work with plenty of ventilation or you could die from exposure to Phosgene gas.

ACUTE PHOSGENE GAS EXPOSURE IN A 49-YEAR-OLD REFRIGERATOR TECHNICIAN
Daniel Kim, DO*, Brendan Carmody, MD, John M. Chandler, MD, James Morton, MD and Leo C. Rotello, MD

National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD

INTRODUCTION: Phosgene (carbonyl chloride) gas is of historical interest and has important industrial applications today. Historically, it was the most lethal of World War I war gases. It is estimated that nearly 80% of the poison gas deaths during that war were caused by phosgene exposure. In the post 9/11 era, phosgene remains a potential, highly toxic chemical weapon. Additionally, phosgene poses significant risk to some workers who may be occupationally exposed. This case report demonstrates a known hazard of refrigeration workers suffering phosgene poisoning after heating chlorinated fluorocarbons (Freons).

CASE PRESENTATION: 49 year-old refrigerator technician was admitted to our intensive care unit following phosgene gas exposure. The patient reports using a welding torch while soldering a refrigerator coil which contained Freon. Following vaporization of Freon to phosgene the patient immediately noted a peculiar, pungent smelling gas. He then experienced lacrimation and a burning sensation in his mouth and throat, followed by severe dyspnea, wheeze and cough. On arrival to the emergency department the patient was dyspneic and complained of chest tightness and palpitations. The patient’s heart rate was 140 bpm, blood pressure was 110/60, oxygen saturation was 98% on a non-rebreather facemask. Physical examination revealed an obese male in moderate distress. His conjunctiva was injected. His respirations were mildly labored but clear to auscultation. The cardiovascular exam was irregularly irregular. The remainder of his exam was normal. Chemistries and complete blood count were within normal limits. An arterial blood gas revealed a pH of 7.39, pCO2 of 36 mmHg, and pO2 of 92 mmHg on a FiO2 of 1.0. The patient’s chest X-ray was normal and telemetry monitoring showed a ventricular rate of 140 bpm and atrial fibrillation. Following CDC and OSHA recommendations, appropriate measures were taken to minimize risk of poisoning hospital personnel including monitoring of the patients exhaled gas phosgene levels. This remained detectable (>1 ppm) for approximately 5 hours, after which isolation procedures were discontinued. The patient was admitted to the ICU for observation with rapid resolution of hypoxic respiratory failure and was discharged within 48 hours.

DISCUSSIONS: This patient’s symptoms were typical of those seen after exposure to phosgene at a concentration exceeding 3 ppm. 1 The possibility of occupational exposure of refrigeration workers to phosgene has been rarely reported. Adequate purging of refrigeration pipes before welding should help to reduce this risk significantly. Phosgene is a highly toxic gas, and exposure may have a fatal outcome. Respiratory symptoms may be delayed by a latent period of several hours before acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) becomes apparent. The mechanisms of lung injury have been elucidated in animal models to include acylation and lipid peroxidation. These processes result in denaturation of proteins and lipids, irreversible alterations of membrane structures, and disruption of enzyme and other cell function. 2 Treatment is primarily supportive as there is no known antidote for phosgene. The most severe cases benefit from close monitoring and positive pressure ventilation, but the role of corticosteroids and other adjuncts of care remain controversial. Specific treatment regimens for phosgene exposure and ARDS have not been investigated in human, prospective randomized controlled trials.

CONCLUSION: Phosgene exposure is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Physicians should be aware of the risk of phosgene exposure when heat is applied to Freon, commonly used in a variety of industries. Patients with a history of exposure should be admitted to the hospital for observation given the potential for delayed onset of respiratory failure and ARDS.

DISCLOSURE: Daniel Kim, No Financial Disclosure Information; No Product/Research Disclosure Information

REFERENCES

1. Diller WF. Pathogenesis of phosgene poisoning. Toxicology and Industrial Health1985; 1 (2):7 –7
2. Borak J and Diller WF. Phosgene exposure: mechanisms of injury and treatment strategies. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine2001; 43 (2):110 –110[

I just hate giving the copper away, If really needed work (like picking slows down a bit ) it's there (taking them apart) , just need to decide. A bird in the hand is worth more then 2 in the bush. like they say

After reading above info ,I except that I might not want that exposure as yes i realize freon is in the oil . That has to be a carcinogen as it stands.
I have taken apart only 3 and felt they were one of my hardest messy projects and one was copper clad so that must be part of the ratio
I know ways to clean them before i open them (I feel no need to spell it out), People in the know I am sure Know how also. . I'll keep them a little longer and if i see steel/copper start to rise more.,Just unload em.

Originally Posted by freonjoe

Gus, I do all my cutting outside my shop. My cutting table is set up next to a dumpster bin that I toss the carcasses in after I drain the oil. CH, today is compressor cutting day, if you want, I'll post the yeilds and time involved.

I'm not worried about you personally its the other forum members who have no knowledge of freons other uses besides being a **** good refrigerant.

I would hate to have to read on the INJURED SCRAPPER thread of an injury that could have been avoided. If we get someone seriously injured we may have to install a paypal donate button to help support his/her family while they're in recovery.

Since most members are processing, they should be aware of the high concentrations of ammonia in RV fridges,the ammonia is in much higher concentrations that what you get in cleaning products a rupture in the system could bring you down to your knees with burnt lung tissue.

The some of the older refrigerators units used sulfur dioxide, another killer substance if mishandled.

Since you have formal training in refrigeration you would be aware that if in your duties as a licensed technician had you come across a sulfur dioxide fridge still in operation it is your duty to condemn the unit and order it removed from the residence.

I'm not licensed in this trade and do not have that authority, but I sure can send out caution flags.

This fridge below could be charged with either freon or sulfur dioxide, check the label to be sure before attempting to cut the compressor open for a few ponds of copper.