This document is a recycling manual for Dometic miniBar and miniCool absorption refrigerators, published in September 2003 by Dometic AB. It outlines the proper dismantling process for these refrigerators at the end of their life cycle, aiming to maximize material reuse and recycling while ensuring safe disposal of non-recyclable components. The guide emphasizes a step-by-step approach with illustrations and a detailed table to facilitate the separation of materials and minimize dismantling time. It's noted that the guide provides a simplified description, and individual model specifications may vary.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Dometic miniBar and miniCool refrigerators is to provide cooling using an absorption refrigeration system. This system utilizes a cooling media consisting of ammonia and water, with a small amount of sodium chromate (less than 2% by weight) added as a corrosion inhibitor. The refrigerators are designed for use in various settings, such as hotels, where a compact and quiet cooling solution is desired. The manual focuses on the end-of-life process, not the operational function, but understanding the components involved in cooling is crucial for proper recycling. The absorption cooling unit, made of steel, contains the cooling media and operates under high pressure.
Important Technical Specifications:
While the manual doesn't list typical operational specifications like power consumption or cooling capacity, it provides critical information regarding the materials and components relevant for recycling:
- Cooling Media: Ammonia, water, and sodium chromate (less than 2% by weight). This is classified as hazardous to the environment and toxic waste. The absorber unit is under high pressure and must not be opened by unauthorized personnel.
- Plastic Materials: The exact type of plastic material is stated for components weighing more than 50g. Pure and separated thermoplastic materials are reusable.
- Polyurethane Foam:
- If the cabinet is marked "Pentan," the refrigeration units are CFC/HCFC-free.
- If not marked "Pentan," the foam contains CFC/HCFC and requires shredding with special closed recycling equipment.
- Metals: Ferric and non-ferric metals are reusable. Aluminium is specifically mentioned for evaporator fins.
- Electrical and Electronic Components: Copper and other metals from these components can be recycled.
- Cooling Unit: Made of steel, it contains the cooling media and must be emptied by an authorized recycling company.
- Cabinet: Composed of plastic, metal, and PU foam.
Usage Features (Implicit for End-of-Life):
The manual primarily addresses end-of-life procedures rather than user-facing features. However, it implicitly highlights aspects of the refrigerator's design that impact its dismantling:
- Modular Design: Components like racks, shelves, door racks, thermo-sensor, feet, thermo-knob, evaporator cooling fins, interior light, door, and cover are designed to be removable, indicating a degree of modularity that aids in dismantling.
- Internal Lighting: The presence of an interior light (electrical waste) is noted as a component to be removed.
- Adjustable Feet: The feet are unscrewed, suggesting they might be adjustable for leveling during normal use.
Maintenance Features (Implicit for End-of-Life):
The manual does not describe maintenance features for the operational life of the refrigerator. Instead, it details "maintenance" in the context of end-of-life care, focusing on safe and environmentally responsible disposal.
- Safety Precautions:
- Child Safety: When storing refrigerators before disposal, doors and storage racks must be removed to prevent accidental locking or suffocation of children.
- Cooling Media Handling: Strict warnings are given regarding the cooling media. The absorber unit must not be opened. In case of contact (inhalation, eye contact, swallowing), immediate medical attention and specific first-aid steps are outlined.
- Sharp Edges: A warning to wear gloves when bending the lid and removing mineral wool due to the danger of injury from sharp edges.
- Dismantling Steps: A detailed, illustrated, step-by-step guide for dismantling the refrigerator:
- Remove racks and shelves.
- Remove door racks.
- Loosen and remove the thermo-sensor.
- Unscrew the feet.
- Remove the thermo-knob.
- Unscrew and remove the evaporator cooling fins.
- Remove the interior light.
- Unscrew and remove the door.
- Unscrew and remove the cover.
- Disconnect all electrical wiring.
- Remove all screws and take out the cooling unit, using a jemmy if necessary to break it out of insulation.
- Bend the lid and remove it with the mineral wool.
- Remove the heating element.
- Remove the condensed water container.
- The cooling unit should be emptied by an authorized recycling company.
- The cabinet should be scrapped.
- Material Separation: The guide emphasizes separating materials into categories for recycling or waste: plastic, metal, aluminium, electrical waste, mineral wool, electrical scrap, and hazardous cooling media.
- Specialized Disposal: Specific components like the cooling unit and polyurethane foam (if containing CFC/HCFC) require handling by authorized recycling companies with specialized equipment.
- Information Resources: Contact information for Dometic environmental co-ordinators in Germany, Sweden, and Hungary, as well as a general email for other countries, is provided for further information on recycling techniques and authorized disposal companies.
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