The recycling line of cooling devices has a key role in protecting the environment by Responsible management of end-of-life refrigerators and freezers. . . These equipments contain refrigerants and insulating materials (such as polyurethane foam) that can have a significant impact on the ozone layer and climate change if not properly treated. The purpose of this facility is to extract and recover these dangerous compounds, recycle valuable materials and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The technology is adapted to treat both CFC-based devices containing refrigerants (forbidden in Europe since 1995) and those using flammable alternative materials (such as volatile hydrocarbons – HCV).

The line is intended for recycling companies, local authorities and other organizations that manage electronic and household waste.

Description of the cooling device recycling facility

The recycling line is divided into two main stages: Stage I – Pretreatment and Stage II – Carcass treatment, each having distinct technical specifications and functionalities.

Stage I – Pretreatment

• Refrigerant and oil extraction: Drilling heads or punches are used for drilling, and refrigerants (CFC or HCV) are liquefied under pressure and stored in special tanks. The system integrates an oil post-treatment process to reduce the residual halogen content below 0.2%.
• Manual Dismantling: Hazardous components such as mercury switches and capacitors are removed, along with other materials such as glass, external cables or food debris.

Stage II – Carcass treatment

• Shredding of devices: Refrigerators are shredded using four rotary axle shredders. They operate at a low speed (~25 rpm) to minimize dust formation and the risk of explosion.
• Separation of materials: Solid materials (ferrous, aluminum, plastic) are separated by mechanical processes. Polyurethane insulating foam is separated by a density process.
• Matrix degassing: The insulating foam is treated to reduce the residual CFC content to below 0.2%. The released agents are captured and liquefied through a specialized system.
• Propellant recovery: An activated carbon adsorption system captures the propellant (CFC/HCV) agents, which are subsequently liquefied and stored.

Technical specifications

Rotary Four Axle Shredder

• Low speed (~25 rpm) for safety.
• Equipped with perforated sieves for precise dimensions of the resulting fractions.
• Advantages: robustness, easy maintenance (changing the knives without disassembling the major components).

Active carbon adsorption system

• Crash gas flow capacity: ~1,500 m³/h.
• Recovery >90% of the propellant agents according to DIN EN 50625-2-3.
• Low electrical consumption (~115 kW).
• Desorption made with superheated steam, eliminating the need for nitrogen for inertization.

Polyurethane foam treatment

• Advanced degassing for CFC reduction at <0.2%.
• Two-stage separators for purifying propellants.

The recycling line of cooling devices is an advanced technological solution for recycling of disposable refrigerators, refrigerators and freezers. Through its innovative and safe processes, it contributes significantly to protecting the environment by reducing harmful emissions and efficiently recovering valuable resources.