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Compressor Scrapping 101 PLEASE

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    fabricator4207 started this thread.
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    Compressor Scrapping 101 PLEASE

    Starting a new job seperating types of metals from engines/compressors and need to know some specifics. What maximum thickness should I expect? Types of metals? Size plasma cutter required? Any help here is much appreciated thanks.


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    seperating types of metals from engines/compressors

    there's a large range involved there fab, you'll likely get some answers if you'll hang out a bit
    Last edited by Bear; 12-16-2013 at 11:49 PM.

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    *good answers ; )

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    My experiances with fridge, freezer, ac compressors, ect.. is it is a good idea to saw or use a cutoff wheel on them. I know when you burn them (use torch) it does go faster but you have a lot better chance of getting burned by the burning oil, and the cases can and will explode (happened to a guy I scrapped with. He burned his arms, chest, neck and face and was all skin graphs). I normally take them in as shredable for the "electric motors" aren't that big to justify the work to pay difference.

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    Mechanic688's Avatar
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    And someone had mentioned about the burning freon in the oil makes a dangerous fume to breathe if your using a torch or plasma cutter.
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    Yes it is! It is a lot worse than stick welding and cutting galvanized metals.

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    Might want to check with yard. My yard buys seal units(compressors) at 45 cents a lb. With the oil in it. Doesn't make sense though caust the motors they only pay 22 cents lb. The steel casing they only pay 11 cents lb for. Its almost like they buying the oil or something.

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    Mseashell,. thats a crazy price. Good for you. You saying that they paid you 45 cents for the sealed units as they are. Thats a mistake or a scale guy looking for a holiday bonus!!

    Or Im just stupid. I am not that smart so its possible Ive been selling mine for 1/4 that price. Good deal for you. Im serious.

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    doyousmellit's Avatar
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    I torch em open all day. Blow a vent hole in the top first about the size of a nickel then your ready to rock all flaming oils will spurt out that direction just make sure it ain't pointed at your facepiece my father in law quit cutting compressors after making that mistake.

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    Quote Originally Posted by stillwaterrecycling View Post
    Mseashell,. thats a crazy price. Good for you. You saying that they paid you 45 cents for the sealedunits as they are. Thats a mistake or a scale guy looking for a holiday bonus!!

    Or Im just stupid. I am not that smart so its possbile Ive been selling mine for 1/4 that price. Good deal for you. Im serious.
    All the other yards around here give about 18-22 cents lb. They. Have been giving that price for quite some time. I will see if they have sent me an updated price sheet yet. I usually get one every Sunday evening or Monday morning. Everything has been dropping around here. Ill post the whole price sheet if I can figure out how to do it from this phone

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    I torch em open all day. Blow a vent hole in the top first about the size of a nickel then your ready to rock all flaming oils will spurt out that direction just make sure it ain't pointed at your facepiece
    You want to make sure you do not breathe any of the fumes, here's why;
    Do NOT under any circumstances screw around with freon gas. Burning this stuff can produce phosphene gas, a toxic gas used to kill WWI soldiers on the battlefield. A major concern in the WTC disaster was perhaps phosphene gas floating around (a tall structure takes a lot of Freon to air condition). Also called mustard gas way back when.

    Don't mess around at ALL with freon. It can kill when burned, and maim even when released onto your skin (can freeze it instantaneously). Don't mess around. Don't be stupid.

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    doyousmellit's Avatar
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    That would explain the dizzy feeling I got when the wind changed direction and I got a lungfull

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    Compressor Scrapping 101 PLEASE

    are you sure it was freon that did it? the rv fridges contain ammonia in them and that stuff can knock you out and fry your lungs in 30 seconds if you cut a full line.

    i used to send them as shred because they only bought them halfed or with a hole you could see daylight through. the oil also needed to be drained.

    after looking into it the oil is able to be sold and if you split them and gut the copper you average around $5-7.50 each after total breakdown.

    if you got the tools and ability to do it compressors are about half the value or more of fridges and 1/4-1/3 of a household ac unit. never done the bigger ones so cant comment on them.
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    doyousmellit's Avatar
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    I always drain the oil but there's always a bit of excess in there that unavoidably will catch if you use a torch. I've even set one on fire with a grinder but the grinders definitely the safer route. I don't think I've done any rv fridges I just buy old ac compressors off my local hvac guy. Thanks though now I know to stay away from them.

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    Mechanic688's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by doyousmellit View Post
    I always drain the oil but there's always a bit of excess in there that unavoidably will catch if you use a torch. I've even set one on fire with a grinder but the grinders definitely the safer route. I don't think I've done any rv fridges I just buy old ac compressors off my local hvac guy. Thanks though now I know to stay away from them.
    I think it was on of Freonjoe's posts that mentioned that the freon will mix with the oil and when the oil catches fire then so will the freon residue.

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    I get 15 cents a pound double what shred is so its worth it but not worth to cut apart its to hazardous and costs alot in tools for little return


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