Sulfur Dioxide as Refrigerant

Here's a beauty....

http://rosie2010.hubpages.com/hub/GE-MONITOR-TOP-REFRIGERATOR-The-Most-Recognized-Vintage-Refrigerator

From what I have heard about the older SO₂ refrigerators, they were often supplied by a central compressor/condenser serving multiple evaporators, as in apartments. I don't know the function of the "globe tops", but the example shown doesn't show any condensing coils. Does any wiring go to it, as would be the case if a compressor was in there?

The compressor and condenser are located in the globe, and generate a great deal of heat when running...These type refrigerators are purported to be the most reliable ever made with many still in use today...I know people that said they used to use R-12 as a drop in replacement, but can't personally attest to it's longevity...R-12 has been discontinued for some time now, it's replacement 134-A is used in place now, more efficient but higher pressure....The original SO2 and methyl formate can no longer be used legally, so recharging with either of these is not an option...

As far as I know, both motor anf coils were inside the globe, and yes, the wiring goes to the rear of the globe

The first refrigerant used was ether employed by Perkins in his hand operated vapor compression machine. During nineteenth century so2,methy chloride and co2 found application as refrigerants. After the introduction of fluorocarbons due their excellent thermo-physical properties all natural refrigerants find less application. Recently due international environmental protocols these natural refrigerants get more attention.

"cool" discussion! :-)

If I am not mistaken SO2 is considered as an environmental threat or hazard, therefore you may not be able to use it.

how much $$ were they asking for it?

i would have bought it in a heartbeat if the price was right, working condition or not.......

Hi reefdiver, they were asking 350 U$S in a garage sale in Buenos Aires...

Why not update it with modern technology? Probably quieter and also more efficient as well as not being lethal or illegal!!!

Even replacing the insulation will improve the efficiency as well.....

Great box and if properly spray painted, could be a real eye catcher as well.....

that unit has Americna Restorations written all over it..........

As I did not have a camera when I saw it, I got the pic from the Internet just to show what fridge model I am talking about.

...and who is "Americna Restorations"????

Never heard of them before!!

it is a TV show on the history channel...........they do restorations on some really coll stuff.

http://www.history.com/shows/american-restoration

btw, i googled these and found one listed on Craigs List in Johnstown PA, for $250, hs was asking $450 and is working his way down

Hi Andy! I actually thought about updating it. My fear is it probably will loose it´s charm....

If it was not going to be used, I would probably just leave it as a dry cupboard, but if you really want to use it, then it has to be safe and legal....

Ah yes the good old days, SO2. I remember in my youth we were demoing an old Creamery Pacific Reach In cooler in a house in the SF bay area. So2 was not common any more it was the regular 22,502,and 12 so I just cut the lines under the house..........that rotten egg smell of the SO2 was........well bad, and I did not know that I could crawl that fast....

So with this one the globe at the top was a static condenser with a "pancake" compressor inside the globe. GE's pancake compressors were bullet proof and very quiet.

I have retrofitted one of these to now 134a, but you are going to need to remote the condensing unit.

Open the globe and cut the suction and liquid line. Install a new cap tube for the evaporator and suction line, 3/8 suction and 1/4 liquid. Use cap-tube sizing chart B for the cap-tube. Once you have made all those connections inside the globe stub the line out the back. A this point you can set a condensing unit anywhere you want under the house is usually best or in a garage. Run the suction and liquid lines between the two and switch the outlet you install with the units cold control.

Winner winner chicken dinner your running and cold again.

Thank you a lot for your useful reply! Knowing it is possible, now I ONLY have to do some sweet talk to my wife for her to approve my project!