Step 1: The pre-processing stage
The actual demanufacturing process begins with the pre-processing stage known as Step 1. SEG has developed a CFC evacuation facility which is available either as a closed unit built into a container for use out-of-doors, or as an open unit for use inside a building.
Step 1 involves the evacuation of the CFC-oil mixture from the cooling circuit and the subsequent separation of the mixture into its components by passage through a sequence of thermal and pressure treatment units. After separation, the amount of CFCs in the recovered oil is no more than 0.1 %, which is low enough to allow the oil to be recycled. Once the cooling circuit has been evacuated, the empty compressor is cut from the appliance using the facility's hydraulic shears and the glass shelving, cables, mercury switches and capacitors are also removed.
The special features in Step 1 of SEG's demanufacturing process:
- Practical, flexible design
The CFC evacuation facility is available either as a single or a dual-operator model and can be supplied in a closed container or as an open-access processing station for interior use. The unit has been designed for mobility and can be transported to its point of use by a fork lift truck or lorry - a feature which helps not only to reduce transport costs, but also to make the recycling and recovery process more transparent. Floor-level leakproof drip pans keep the unit's operating area clean.
- Trouble-free, safe operation
The facility is essentially automatic. The few operator manipulations that are required can be performed by a person who has received appropriate training. The filling of the CFC collection cylinder proceeds via an electronically controlled weighing machine. When the cylinder is full, the recovery unit switches off automatically.
- Around-the-clock operations throughout the year
The SEG CFC evacuation facility has been designed for continuous duty and can be used in three-shift operations. A powerful hot-air blower is included so that an appliance can be warmed locally, thereby ensuring complete CFC recovery even at temperatures below freezing.
- Efficient evacuation of CFCs and comprehensive material recycling
The hoist lifts the appliance placing it into the best position for complete evacuation. The SEG universal evacuation tool in combination with a high-performance vacuum pump guarantees the complete recovery of the refrigerant. Compressors are removed from the appliance with the help of the integrated hydraulic shears.
- Quality-approved procedures
The processing of end-of-life refrigerators and freezer appliances is fully compliant with the verifiable minimum standards published by the RAL Quality Assurance Association.
- If you would like to learn more or if you need more detailed technical data, contact SEG now for further information and assistance.
- The following detailed information is available in pdf format for immediate downloading.
- Process diagram (56 KB)
- Brochure: CFC Evacuation Facility (1.300 KB)
- Brochure: Refrigerator and Freezer Demanufacturing (3.100 KB)
