Processing A/C compressors (pics)

Today I set aside a group of a/c compressors for my grandson to cut up. The main reason for this is to show the difference in yields between refrigerator and a/c compressors. He started with 11 compressors that weighed 727 pounds. The final numbers were 656 pounds of shred, 20.5 pounds of oil and 48.5 pounds of field copper. The gross return was .25 a pound and a net of .22 a pound.

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It took 30 minutes to cut the tops off, remove the windings and drain the oil.

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10 minutes to cut the ends off.

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And another 30 minutes to pull out the copper for a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes.


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So refrigerator compressors have a better yield, but I can get trailer loads of a/c compressors versus pickup loads of refrigerator compressors.

Nice slideshow. Very helpful! Just a quick question, what do you use to get the copper out of the stator so quickly? It looks like some kind of prybar.

Gravitar, it's a seal puller from Sears. NAPA carries the same one with a black handle.

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Originally Posted by freonjoe

Gravitar, it's a seal puller from Sears. NAPA carries the same one with a black handle.

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http://www.harborfreight.com/media/c...mage_17503.jpg

I would just sell the compressors whole at .37# looks like alot of work for .22#. Here is the web site to the yard I use to get .37# Scrap Metal Recycling | Catalytic Converter | Auto Core | A/C Pump Core | Starter Core | Alternator Core | Brass | Stainless metal | Copper | Aluminum | metal recycling | Gator Core Recycling Center | 813.241.2673 | Tampa, FL 33619 also looks pretty cold to me, I've been working in shorts and t-shirts. When you go to this web site click on price list.

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Originally Posted by freonjoe

Gravitar, it's a seal puller from Sears. NAPA carries the same one with a black handle.

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Ah, thank you! I'm assuming you put one of the hooks in the loop of copper then push it towards the stator and use it as a lever? Very cool idea.

Happy, the most any yard in my area will pay for sealed units is .09 a pound.

Happy, I checked out that website and it has sealed units listed at .25. That would be an awesome way to get rid of compressors with aluminum windings if it wasn't 2700 miles away!

I understand that in some areas the yards don't want to pay much for them. In that case then I would brake them down as well. Dose the oil get thick when it's cold out? The snow is pretty to look at but I wouldn't want to work in it.

Are you using a plasma cutter to cut the tops off? any specific settings for the gas and air?
This has been my only issue with these compressors..im using a Diablo 6" metal demolition cutting blade 1/8-1/2
for the huge ones but i always told "POP" THE PLASMA WAS THE WAY TO GO..very help full thanx

Yes, I am using a plasma cutter. I have a Hypertherm 30 and I run it at 25-30 amps. On 220 volts it has pretty much 100% duty cycle. As far as air pressure, it is internally regulated.

wow dude your awsome thank you very very much...but one more thing.. there's no BOOM right?

No BOOM! That's one of the advantages of a plasma cutter.

will the flame burn up the goods on the inside

Rambro, plasma cutters don't use a flame so as a rule you don't get any fire to burn things up with.

I love my plasma cutter. As Joe has demonstrated they work great on compressors. I will not go back to cutoff wheels if I don't have to.

I have managed to set a few on fire, but overall it's quick and easy. Also set insulation on fire when I was cutting down commercial food warmers.

It truly is like a hot knife through butter. I didn't know how true that statement was until I bought my machine.

Very nice set up you have there Joe, Your shop reminds me of my office. I work with a horses ass too.

Thanks fnd, the horses belong to my neighbor lady.

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Originally Posted by freonjoe

Rambro, plasma cutters don't use a flame so as a rule you don't get any fire to burn things up with.

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Excellent post freonjoe the reason plasma is safer to use cutting oil contaminated scrap is because the plasma stream uses compressed air to remove the molten metal from the melt zone, whereas an oxygen torch using pure oxygen to burn and remove slag from the cut zone. The oxygen torch will give you a volatile blow back cutting oil contaminated scrap especially if you cut into a pocket filled with oil. Which will happen on large cranes and dozers.

I've lost facial hair more times than I care to remember cutting up heavy equipment.

Says right on your oxygen gauge use no oil.

hey thanx you guys. Ill be calling on you guys again im sure. on my way to DONATE SOME PLASMA!