Warning about Compressor Scrap

Hi everybody. I'm new to this forum but have been running my own salvage gig for around 10 years. Part of my business is in compressor scrap. For years I've been using an angle grinder to cut open my compressor cases.

I recently saw a post on here about somebody using torches to do the same thing. I can't find that post now but I wanted to give you a warning about torching compressors.



When the oil inside a compressor is heated, it gives off fozine gas. This isn't exactly healthy for you. Be careful everybody

Not to be a jerk but if you want to research it more its spelled phosgene gas it is heavier than air and will displace oxygen in your lungs and kill you.

Not to mention that cutting them open with a grinder will heat them up as well. Just saying.

Lol I wasnt sure how to spell it, I typed how I thought it would be spelled on google and that popped up, must be something else lol.

Using a grinder will also heat them up, but not enough to create heat to generate that gas. I usually try to grind at the highest weld at the top. There's still going to be some residue there but not enough to realy matter.

If you do a google search you'll find that phosgene gas was the deadliest gas used in WWI. The downfall of it was that it could take up to 24 hours to kill you. That's why it's so important when cutting compressors to make sure you're doing it in a well ventilated area. Preferably outside on a windy day.

Originally Posted by c4f5

Phosgene gas is created when any type of freon is burned. Bear it in mind when cutting on any type of a/c or refrigeration unit, or near a/c components on a car. Assuming that you have evacuated the freon, there will only be trace amounts. Most of what is burning is compressor oil, but traces are in there none the less. When cutting on these items, I always do it outside and stand upwind, with my head higher than the cutting area.

Do you scrap compressors? If so do you use a torch or grinder?

I use a plasma cutter but I think a lot of people on here are using grinders.

Yeah I mainly use a grinder myself, but plasma cutter, great idea. Gotta even quicker than a torch

Quicker and no oil fires!

Freonjoe, Thanks buddy you have just made my day!!

Will it still create the gas after draining the oil out? Just wondering...

Originally Posted by c4f5

Assuming that you have evacuated the freon,

As a former maintenance worker, I know fully well that playing with freon gernerally requires either certification or a licence. I've been reading a few posts here and there about folks scrapping A/C units and it makes me cringe. I think that anyone who wishes to play around with these things should take the classes and learn the proper way to deal with freon, especially the different types of freon, the recovery process, and how to dispose of it.

Originally Posted by MDJSalvage

Do you scrap compressors? If so do you use a torch or grinder?

Yes I do. 10 minutes and half a disc for the grinder. 30 seconds with a torch. I lean toward the torch. I also let them drip for a few days into a pan empty before cutting.

Thanks! That was going to be my next question, wheather you drained them out first or just zipped right into them with the torches. What is the general consensus here as far as draining them first or just torching them with the oils inside?

I agree with billygoat too. I am an HVAC licensed tech and have the full recovery machine setup. Never ever ever let freon loose in the environment. Its harmful it and expensive to you if you get caught.

I am a licensed HVAC tech. I set the compressors on my cutting table (outside) and cut the tops off. Then pull the windings and tip the compressor upsidedown to drain the oil. After I'm done cutting compressors for the day, I empty the drain pan into a 250 gallon storage tank.

Originally Posted by MDJSalvage

Thanks! That was going to be my next question, wheather you drained them out first or just zipped right into them with the torches. What is the general consensus here as far as draining them first or just torching them with the oils inside?

I agree with billygoat too. I am an HVAC licensed tech and have the full recovery machine setup. Never ever ever let freon loose in the environment. Its harmful it and expensive to you if you get caught.

First time I cut one, I did not drain it first. Firey mess.

c4f5, are you using a torch to cut them with?