Air-conditioner: MATERIAL RECOVERD | Matsushita Eco-Technology Center
Materials composition of an air-conditioner
The pie chart below shows you the materials contained in an air-conditioner by weight.
PIE CHART: Steel 55%, Copper 17%, Plastic 11%, Aluminum 7%, Other materials 10%
Materials composition of an air-conditioner (Percentage by weight / Units: %)
Source: 1982 data of air-conditioners from the Association for Electric Home Appliances of Japan
Steel, copper and aluminum of 99% or greater grade is recovered from an air-conditioner and then reused as raw materials for new products.
Main components of an air-conditioner
Here is a list of the main components of an air-conditioner.
Heat exchanger (Interior component)
When the cooler is switched on, the heat exchanger plays the important role of absorbing the vaporization heat from the refrigerant to make the air cold. It plays the opposite role when the heater is switched on. The component is a treasure pot for recycled material because of all the aluminum and copper it contains. Heat exchanger (Exterior component)
Same as interior component, it plays the important role when it is switched on. The component is also a treasure pot for recycled material because of all the aluminum and copper it contains.
Interior grill
This part uses the main parts of the indoor unit, such as the heat exchanger and fan. It can be made of variety of materials, such as plastic, steel, or wood. Compressor
As the name suggests, the compressor applies pressure to the refrigerant so that it turns into a liquid. The component is covered with a steel shell and inside, it is packed full of components such as a steel motor.
Fan (Interior component)
This fan blows cool air into the room during cooling operation and warm air into the room during heating operation. If it is made of steel it can be recycled. Fan (Exterior component)
The fan expels heat collected by the heat exchanger from the outdoor unit. If it is made of steel it can be recycled.
Four-way Valve
This valve changes the refrigerant's flow direction when operation is switched
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Refrigerator: MATERIAL RECOVERD | METEC TOUR | Matsushita Eco-Technology Center
Materials composition of a refrigerator
The pie chart below shows the materials contained in a refrigerator by weight.
PIE CHART: Steel 50%, Plastic 40%, Copper 4%, Aluminum 3%, Other materials 3%
Source: 1982 data of refrigerators from (Percentage by weight / Units: %)
Source: 1982 data of TVs from Association for Electric Home Appliances of Japan
Metals (steel, copper and aluminum), plastics and insulation foam (urethane foam) is recovered from refrigerators and recycled to make raw materials for new products.
Main components of a refrigerator
Here is a list of the main components of a refrigerator.
Compressor
The compressor, which is covered with a thick layer of steel, is stuffed with many components including steel motors and a copper tower. Its main role is to compress the refrigerant until it liquefies. Insulation
Urethane foam is used to insulate the refrigerator to prevent the cool air from the inside escaping and the hot air from the outside penetrating in. During the recycling process, any fluorocarbons contained within the urethane foam is extracted and collected separately. This is how the foam is detoxified.
Evaporator
This part converts the refrigerant from gaseous into liquid form, causing it to cool due to evaporation heat. It contains steel and aluminum, which can be recycled. Motor
The motor provides the motive force to turn the fan. It contains materials, such as steel, copper, and plastic, that can be recycled.
Fan
The fan is made of ABS plastic and is used to blow cold air into the interior of the refrigerator. Old fans are sent to a specialized contractor for processing. Cabinet
This is made of sheet steel with an outer coating of colored paint. It is sent to electric furnace plant for recycling
Heating Rod
The heat produced by the refrigerant when it changes from a gas to a liquid is released via the heating. It is made of copper piping and steel, which can be recycled.
Material resources that are recovered from refrigerators
Metals (steel, copper and aluminum), comp
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