Stainless steel refrigerator.

[mtumbleson]

I just scored a stainless steel refrigerator for no money. It is 50 cubic feet which is a nice in between size oven for the 2 I currently have. Really the only potential problem I see is the insulation used in the refrigerator.

The insulation is foam; I really don’t see an easy way to remove it. It looks like it was assembled then injected with the foam. What do you guys think, could I just leave the current construction alone. Then line it with an insulation board and then add another inside skin like 18g galvanized?

I wonder if that would hold up?

[nuttyman]

maybe?? try heating it up & see how well it actually insulates heat. good score!

[mtumbleson]

Well I kind of hate to set the thing up, and then have to tare it down. Do you think that a 2" insulation board would be enough insulation against the factory foam in the fridge?

[nuttyman]

yeah probably

[fl70]

Nice find.
The injected foam is probably pic (polyisosanurate).
Maybe find a way to dissolve it then fill the gap with mineral wool.

[JTW37]

Got a Salamander? You might get enough heat to give you and idea of how it would react to heat. Just a thought.

[fl70]

Originally Posted by JTW37

Got a Salamander? You might get enough heat to give you and idea of how it would react to heat. Just a thought.

That's a good idea.
If it doesn't hold up, maybe it will burn or melt the foam.

[jrow]

mtumbleson,

If you want to try to remove the foam insulation. Try putting some lacquer thinner on it and see if it melts. If that doesn't work try using some swimming pool acid to melt it. Make sure you try it in a well ventilated space, outside.

John

[mtumbleson]

Originally Posted by fl70

That's a good idea.
If it doesn't hold up, maybe it will burn or melt the foam.

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:...salamander.jpg


Salamander? LOL that is the only salamander I know of.

[Waorani]

Sounds similar to what I've got but mine was a food warmer It operated at 200F but also had some type of foam insulation (looks like the foam I've seen in ice chests). I plucked out a chunk of the foam and experimented with it in an oven. It softened and darkened a bit at 450F but didn't melt, smoke, etc. I was still uncomfortable so I attempted to buffer the heat flow into it by lining the cabinet with 1/2" Hardiboard. It seems to work fine but I probably wouldn't use the hardiboard again. I almost wish I had just left it as it was and may eventually pull it out.

Try pulling out a small chunk of the foam and heating it up. I'd bet its the same as I've got and you might find that it will hold up ok.