Compressor scrap is unusable air conditioning or refrigeration compressors sold as scrap metal. They are stored separately due to potential contaminants and multiple types of metals. Compressor scrap requires a different billing system and poses environmental risks, requiring special measures for storage and disposal.
Compressor scrap is any unusable air conditioning or refrigeration compressor collected for the purpose of sale as scrap metal. Compressors are typically stored separately from other scrap metal for a variety of reasons. The first is the potential presence of contaminants such as oil and residual refrigerant gas in compressor housings. The second is the fact that compressors are sealed units containing multiple types of metals which require a separate billing system from that applied to individual scrap metals. These metals typically include aluminum, steel, cast iron, and copper.
Compressors for air conditioning and refrigeration generally have a very long life, but eventually fail and become unusable. When this occurs they are typically subject to a supercharger salvage scheme which sees them sold as a specific class of salvaged metal known as supercharger scrap. Because compressors are sealed units and often still contain trace amounts of refrigerant gas and lubricating oil, they are typically stored in batches separately from other scrap metal. In fact, there are many scrap dealers who deal exclusively in compressor scrap, generally being better equipped to deal efficiently with the unique requirements around compressor disposal.
Another reason to differentiate between compressor scrap and other classes of scrap metal is the diversity of materials that make up a compressor. In most cases, the outer casing of the compressor along with parts such as bolts, fasteners and piston rings will be made from steel. The piston will typically be made from an aluminum alloy, while several bearings will be white metal. The compressor drive motor will contain steel and aluminum parts and a significant amount of copper wire. This range of metals require a different billing system to that applied to clean single material scrap which require compressor scrap to be treated as a separate entity.
Like all contaminated scrap, compressor scrap also poses an additional environmental risk. In most countries, this requires that scrap be stored and disposed of subject to several special measures which do not apply to other classes of waste material. Those involved in the storage and removal of compressor scrap should always be aware of these risks and take precautions to protect themselves and the environment from unnecessary exposure to compressor oil. Technicians and repair personnel should also dispose of unserviceable compressors responsibly, preferably at a compressor scrap facility.
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