VERMONT

DENTAL

AMALGAM

SEPARATOR

PILOT

PROJECT

Field Testing Observations

of Six Models and

Practical Considerations

in Choosing an

Amalgam Separator

August 2004
Acknowledgements 

This project was conducted by Greg Lutchko and Gary Gulka of the Vermont Department of Environmental 

Conservation, Environmental Assistance Office. We thank the following for their assistance with project planning: the 

Vermont State Dental Society, both Peter Taylor, Executive Director, and Dr. Dan Ferraris, Board Member, and Glenn 

Frank of Patterson Dental. We thank Peter Berglund of Metropolitan Council Environmental Services, St. Paul, 

Minnesota for sharing his experience and expertise during the project. 

We also thank the following Vermont dentists for their participation as amalgam separator pilot installation sites: 

Dr. Brent Coffield 

Dr. Stuart Corso 

Dr. Francis D'Auria 

Dr. Michael Dick 

Dr. Dan Ferraris 

Drs. Judith Fisch and David Heaton

Dr. Gordon Gennrich

Dr. Richard Herbert 

Dr. Joyce Hottenstein 

Dr. John Liscio

Dr. Greg Maurer 

Dr. Elaine McLain 

Dr. David Neumeister 

Dr. Kenneth Pearson 

Dr. Lauren Shannard 

Dr. Cheryl Ullman 

Dr. Ken Van Meter 

Dr. Richard Venmar

We would also like to acknowledge the amalgam separator manufacturers who donated equipment and covered the 

cost of installation at the pilot sites, including: 

AB Dental Trends (Rasch 890) 

Air Techniques (Guardian Amalgam Collector) 

Bio-Sym Medical (Merc II) 

Pure Water Development (ECO II) 

Rebec (Catch 1000) 

SolmeteX (Hg5) 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) field-tested six commercially available dental 

amalgam separators over a six to eight month period in 2003 – 2004 in Vermont dental practices. The DEC 

contacted several vendors and manufacturers of amalgam separators who provided one to six units each and

covered the cost of installation at volunteer dental clinics. The objective of the study was to gather first-hand

information and experience with the installation and operational issues regarding amalgam separators over the 

course of the pilot. This information would then be shared with the Vermont dental community to familiarize them 

with the technologies to remove amalgam and its associated mercury and other heavy metals from the 

wastewater discharges. Field observations are reported for each of the amalgam separators including ease of 

installation, space and utility requirements, maintenance requirements, effects on suction systems, and 

performance issues. 

The pilot demonstrated that there are several commercially available amalgam separators that can reliably 

perform with minimal maintenance. In general, these separators did not interfere with vacuum or suction when

properly installed, maintained, and operated. The report includes a list of considerations and recommendations on

choosing an amalgam separator, product specifications, descriptions of the amalgam separators in the pilot, and 

unit cost information. 

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 1 
BACKGROUND

Dental offices have been identified as a source of mercury to municipal wastewater treatment plants and septic 

systems through placement and removal of dental amalgam. Dental amalgam is formed when mercury reacts with 

an alloy of silver, tin, and copper. Mercury makes up about 45-50 percent of dental amalgam. Municipal 

wastewater sludge containing mercury are sometimes incinerated, releasing elemental mercury to the air, and 

eventually settling on land and water. Municipal sludge can also be applied directly to agricultural lands, or 

disposed of in solid waste landfills, where the potential exists for release of mercury to air, water and soil. Some of 

this “environmental” mercury accumulates in the aquatic food chain, along with other sources of mercury, such as

mercury released from the burning of fossil fuels, like coal. Vermont and most other states have issued fish

consumption advisories, alerting the public to limit their consumption of certain fish due to high mercury levels. 

Mercury-containing amalgam particles are suctioned through dental vacuum lines where the larger particles are 

removed to some extent by chairside traps and vacuum filters. These devices can remove anywhere from 40 to 

80% of the amalgam particles by weight. Amalgam separator units, a newer technology that has recently entered 

the marketplace, can remove 95-99% or more of the amalgam from dental wastewater. Some states and 

municipalities around the country have mandatory requirements for installation of amalgam separators. Maine, 

New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts have recently enacted regulatory requirements for amalgam 

separators. Although there is currently no requirement for the installation of amalgam separators in Vermont, 

some dentists are beginning to install them. 

Vermont’s Advisory Committee on Mercury Pollution (ACMP) was established by the Vermont Legislature in 1998 

to seek methods to reduce mercury releases and risks to Vermonters and annually reports its findings and 

recommendations to the Legislature. In December 2002, a subcommittee of the ACMP was formed to evaluate 

the feasibility of dental amalgam separators as a technology to reduce mercury releases by dental clinics in 

Vermont. The subcommittee members consisted of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation 

(DEC), Vermont State Dental Society(VSDS), Mercury Policy Project of Montpelier, Vermont, and the National 

Wildlife Federation office in Montpelier. The ACMP directed the amalgam separator subcommittee to develop a 

pilot project to field test amalgam separators in dental clinics to gain first hand knowledge of installation and 

operational issues that could be shared with the dental community. No evaluation or testing of amalgam removal 

efficiency of the separators was considered in this study due to the cost and measurement challenges. This study 

gathered first hand information on installation and operational issues of six commercially available separators 

over a period of six to eight months. We believe that the results of this study answer the questions posed by the 

Advisory Committee and can serve as a useful guide to dental offices in choosing an amalgam separator.

AMALGAM SEPARATOR TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW 

Evacuation systems in existing dental practices typically contain either one or two components that are capable of 

removing solids such as amalgam particles from wastewater - chairside traps and vacuum pump filters. Chairside 

traps are commonly used in both wet and dry vacuum systems. They remove particles down to approximately 0.7 

mm. In addition to chairside traps, systems with a wet vacuum pump typically have a filter located just upstream 

of the pump that is designed to protect the pump from large solids. Vacuum pump filters have pore sizes of either 

0.84 mm (20 mesh screen) or 0.42 mm (40 mesh screen). Chairside traps and vacuum pump filters successfully 

remove anywhere from 40 – 80% of the total mass of amalgam particles from dental office wastewater, leaving 20

– 60% to be discharged to sewers and septic systems. 

Amalgam separators are designed to remove amalgam particles that are too small to be captured by chairside 

traps and vacuum filters. In 1999, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed a standard 

for dental amalgam separators (ISO 11143) that included a laboratory test method for determining the amalgam 

removal efficiency of amalgam separators. The standard also established a minimum amalgam removal efficiency 

of 95%. Manufacturers who want their amalgam separators ISO certified must have their equipment tested using 

the ISO 11143 testing method and meet all of the requirements of ISO 11143, including an amalgam removal 

efficiency of at least 95%. Certification is a step beyond simply performing the ISO 11143 removal efficiency test 

procedure. For an amalgam separator to be ISO 11143 "certified", a certification body must issue a certificate to 

the manufacturer confirming that the separator passed all of the requirements of ISO 11143. The certificate and 

the associated procedures serve as certification, which puts into place an ongoing quality control system between 

the certification body and the separator manufacturer. Most regulatory bodies requiring the use of amalgam

separators require that they be ISO 11143 certified. 

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 2 
Most amalgam separators are compatible with both wet and dry vacuum systems and are installed in the vacuum 

system between the operatories and the vacuum system discharge to the sewer. The location of the amalgam 

separator in the vacuum system depends primarily upon two things: 1) on whether the system has a wet or a dry 

vacuum pump, and 2) on the brand or type of amalgam separator being installed (see Figure 1). In offices with dry 

vacuum systems, the amalgam separator is installed either in the suction line just upstream of the air/water 

separator or in the air/water separator discharge line to the sewer. Amalgam separators installed in clinics with 

wet vacuum pumps are installed either at the inlet to the vacuum pump just upstream of the vacuum filter or at the 

vacuum pump discharge line to the sewer. In some cases, the existing equipment will not only dictate the 

installation location of the separator, but may also determine how the separator itself is configured. For example, 

two of the separators in the pilot can be purchased with or without an air/water separator depending on whether 

or not there is an existing one that can be utilized. All of these variables emphasize the need to consult with 

vendors and suppliers of both dental vacuum systems and amalgam separators prior to making a purchase. 

Amalgam separators remove amalgam by employing one or more of three technologies: sedimentation, filtration, 

and/or ion exchange. All of the amalgam separators in the Vermont pilot used sedimentation either alone or in 

conjunction with filtration and/or ion exchange. In separators incorporating sedimentation technology, the 

wastewater is directed through a collector box or cartridge that typically includes a series of chambers, baffles or

other means to slow the flow through the box, allowing the relatively dense amalgam particles to settle. 

Mechanical filtration is added in some units to help remove additional smaller particles that may have made their 

way past the sedimentation stage. Mechanical filtration consists of some type of fine screen or porous material 

that blocks the passage of very small particles. Some units include a third stage, ion exchange, that is capable of 

removing dissolved mercury from the wastewater. In the ion exchange process, dissolved mercury is adsorbed 

onto the surface of a resin or other material. Ion exchange is the only one of the three technologies capable of 

removing the dissolved fraction of mercury from dental wastewater. However, the ISO 11143 test procedure does 

not evaluate a separator's removal of dissolved mercury, only amalgam solids. 

Many of the amalgam separators in the pilot incorporate some type of bypass to allow continued operation of the 

vacuum system in the event there is a problem with the collector box or cartridge. However, while the unit is 

bypassing there may be little or no treatment of the wastewater occurring. In some amalgam separators, bypass 

is more difficult to detect than others and can go unnoticed for extended periods of time. 

PILOT PROJECT DESCRIPTION 

DEC staff contacted several vendors and distributors of amalgam separators who provided 1-5 units each and 

paid for installation costs at 18 Vermont dental clinics. The Vermont State Dental Society contacted members and 

identified participants. DEC arranged with one plumbing firm to do most of the installations. Three of the 

installations were performed by the manufacturer's own technician (Air Techniques Guardian Amalgam Collector). 

In two instances, local plumbers were used for the installations. Table 1 lists the amalgam separators in the pilot 

along with a description of the unit features and characteristics. The amalgam removal efficiencies reported in 

Table 1 were provided by the amalgam separator manufacturers and were determined through laboratory testing 

under controlled conditions. The actual removal efficiencies of amalgam separators installed in dental clinics may 

differ. 

DEC staff worked with the plumber to match the amalgam separator equipment being provided by the 

manufacturers with existing conditions at the participating dental clinics and DEC was present for most of the 

installations. Factors that were considered in matching the separators with dental offices included: space 

considerations, elevation of building sewer connection relative to vacuum pump, access to building sanitary 

system vent, and vacuum system type and configuration. Each amalgam separator was observed over a period of 

six months or more. Several visits were made to each site and observations were made on the following criteria: 

ease of installation, space and utility requirements, integrity of unit construction, sludge accumulation and 

frequency of cartridge/canister replacement, ease of cartridge/canister replacement, effect of the unit on the 

suction in the clinic, and problems with the separator clogging. The line cleaning practices and type of line 

cleaners used were noted. The number of operatories and hygiene chairs was noted and the use of special 

techniques such as air abrasion. 

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 3 
Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 4 
Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project 

Table 1 – Amalgam Separators Evaluated in the Vermont Pilot Project Amalgam Separator Name/Model # Manufacturer/Distributor

Removal Technology 

Physical Dimensions Installation 

Location 

Maximum Capacity 

Removal Efficiency1

Tested Flow Rate1

Suggested Collector/ Cartridge Replacement

Recycling/DisposalProgram

Cost 

Economy System Type 2/(ECO II)Manufacturer:Metasys MedizintechnikInnsbruck, Austria www.metasys.com Distributor: Pure Water Development, LLC. Miami, FL(877) 638-2797 or (305) 663-2989 www.ecotwo.compwdmetasys@aol.com

Sedimentation Diameter: 8.7"

Height: 13.8" 

Chairside or singlecentral locationupstream of the vacuum pump. 

6 - 8 chairs

96.7% 2 liters/min Manufacturer suggests

annual replacement. 

Yes. Supplier is contacted atyear-end for the replacement unit and the recycling kit, whichincludes shipping of the filled unit to Pure WaterDevelopment. Pure Water ships the separators toDental Eco Service inInnsbruck, Austria forrecycling. The dentist will receive a recycling certificate from PureWater Development. 

ECO II Kit (whithe initiaReplaceAnnual Line CleClean M

Guardian Amalgam Collector/A1000 Manufacturer/Distributor: Air Techniques, Inc. Hicksville, NY (800) AIR-TECH or (516) 433-7676 www.airtechniques.com 

Sedimentation Collector box and an 

8 gallon separator tank(for wet systems without air/waterseparators)Height: 48" Width: 14" Depth: 14" 

Single centrallocation between dental suction system separator/collection tank and building sewer drain. Theamalgam collection container and separation tankmust be located sothat the system will drain by gravity. 

7 chairs 99.3% 2.5 

liters/min 

Manufacturer provides the following replacement guidelines: 

 1-3 dentists, 9-12 months  4-7 dentists, 6-8 months 7 or more dentists, 6 

months or less 

Yes. Every amalgam collectorpackage includes allmaterials (includingpacking material and aprepaid FedEx shippinglabel) to send the fullcollector to BethlehemApparatus for recycling. The dentist will receive arecycling certificate fromBethlehem Apparatus.

The GudifferenA1400 [any duasystem gallon acollectio(includeA1100 fdry vac(includeA1300 fpump w(includeair/watetank): $collectoAfter inireplaceshipping collecto

Hg5 Manufacturer/Distributor: SolmeteXNorthborough, MA(800) 216-5505 or (508) 393-5115 www.solmetex.com

Sedimentation FiltrationIon Exchange

Height: 29" Width: 14" Depth: 8"

Single centrallocation just upstream of the vacuum pump. 

10 chairs 99.8%

97.4%

0.050 liters/min 0.750 liters/min 

Manufacturer suggests one to six months, depending on the number of dentists and the type of practice. 

Yes. Replacement cartridges come in a reusable box with all materials necessary for returnshipment of full cartridge to Mercury WasteSolutions (recycling company). The dentist will receive a recycling certificate from Mercury Waste Solutions. 

Hg 5 [PpurchasReplace(includeof cartriHg5 HV (includeinitial puHg10/Hsystems governmpurchas
Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project 

Amalgam Separator Name/Model # Manufacturer/Distributor

Removal Technology 

Physical Dimensions Installation 

Location 

Maximum Capacity 

Removal Efficiency1

Tested Flow Rate1

Suggested Collector/ Cartridge Replacement

Disposal/RecyclingProgram

Cost 

Merc II Manufacturer/Distributor: Bio-Sym Medical(800) 947-7550 

Sedimentation FiltrationIon Exchange

Length: 13" Width: 7"Height: 8"

Single centrallocation just upstream of the vacuum pump. 

8 chairs 95.2% 2 liters/min Annual replacement. Yes. 

Bio-Sym or an authorized dealer contacts the clinicprior to the annualchangeout to arrange forreplacement. The filledcollector is shipped toGFM Precious Metals inEdmonton, Alberta forrecycling. The dentist will receive a recycling certificate from GFMPrecious Metals. 

The initReplace$595 (inrecyclinreplace

Rasch 890 Manufacturer/Distributor: AB Dental Trends, Inc.Lyden, WA(800) 817-6704 www.amalgamseparation.com roger@amalgamseparation.com

Sedimentation FiltrationIon Exchange

Width: 10.25" Depth: 12.75"Height: 28.5" 

Single centrallocation between dental suction system discharge and the building sewer drain. Theamalgam collection container and separation tankmust be located sothat the system will drain by gravity. 

12 chairs 99.3%

96.7%

2 liters/min 4 liters/min 

Collection canister requires replacement after 18 doctormonths. 

Yes. The installation date is marked on the collectorbox when installed. The dental office must monitorthe amount of time the collector is in operation and contact AB Dental orone of their distributors fora replacement according to the recommended changeout schedule. The filled collector box isreturned to AB Dental for recycling by PreciousWaste Recovery Ltd. of London, England. Acertificate of disposal will be issued to the clinic fortheir records.

The Rapurchasconfiguexisting place: Rasch 8

use with systems separatwall/flooseparatcanisteRasch 8vacuum (includeand conRasch 8canisteshipping caniste

RME2000 Series Catch 1000Manufacturer/Distributor: Rebec, LLC. Lynnwood, WA(800) 569-1088 www.rebecsolutions.comcontact@rebecsolutions.com

Sedimentation Filtration

Width: 20" Depth: 7.5" Height: 23.5" 

Single centrallocation just upstream of the vacuum pump. 

8 - 10chairs

96.9% 1 liter/min Annual replacement. Yes. 

Rebec tracks the installation date of each collector and contacts the local dental dealer about 1 month before changeout is required to arrange for the shipment of the new collector. Once the changeout is made, the used collector is prepared for shipment and Rebec iscalled to have it pickedup. Once received, Rebec issues a certificate ofdisposal to the clinic fortheir records. The clinic can choose to have the mercury recycled byMercury Waste Solutions or disposed by ChemicalWaste Management at a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility. 

Rebec hvarious Catch 1purchasCatch 4$985 (ththe Catpilot, caCatch 9$3295 (Replace$395 (inrecyclinreplace

1 The information provided for tested flow rates and removal efficiencies were provided by the amalgam separator manufacturers. Information provided on dimensions, capacity, flow rate, removal efficiency, and collector/cartridge replacement applies to the models installed in the pilot. Where m

column of the table, the model installed in the pilot is identified with [PILOT UNIT]. The information was provided by the amalgam separator manufacturers. Information accurate as of 8/2004.
PILOT INSTALLATIONS/OBSERVATIONS

Amalgam Separator: ECO II 

Manufacturer: Metasys Medizintechnik 

Pilot Installations: 3 

Removal Technology: Sedimentation

Operational Description: The ECO II is an amalgam 

separator and a collection tank in a single unit. The 

air/water/solids mixture enters the unit through the 

inlet in the lid at the top. The amalgam particles are 

separated from the wastewater by sedimentation. 

Very fine particles are separated out in a second

sedimentation step and the air/water leaves the unit 

through an opening at the bottom. The housing of the 

ECO II is constructed of a transparent plastic, allowing

the solids accumulation level to be monitored. The 

housing is marked with lines indicating the 95% and 

100% full levels. The ECO II is ISO 11143 certified 

and has a removal efficiency of 96.7% at a tested flow 

rate of 2 L/min. 

Maintenance: The ECO II does not require any 

routine maintenance. However, the manufacturer 

recommends daily suction line cleaning using their line 

cleaner/disinfectant, Green & CleanTM or other 

enzymatic, non-foaming, pH neutral cleaner. Daily line 

cleaning will ensure the unit remains transparent to 

allow monitoring of the solids accumulation level. The 

manufacturer requires that the ECO II be replaced at 

least annually. The actual fill time will vary depending 

on the activity level in the dental practice. In the event 

the unit becomes overfilled, vacuum to the operatories 

may not be affected but the wastewater containing

amalgam particles will pass through the unit untreated 

and be discharged to the sewer. Because the unit is 

both the separator and collection tank, the entire unit is removed and replaced when full. Removal is simple: 

disconnect the upper hose and pour the provided disinfectant into the inlet. Seal the inlet with the provided plug. 

Disconnect the lower hose and seal with the provided plug. Remove the entire unit from its mounting bracket and 

ship to the mercury recycler using the shipping materials provided in the recycling kit. 

Pilot Installations: Three ECO II amalgam separators were installed and observed in the pilot. 

Pilot Installation Sites Wet/Dry Vacuum Operatory/Hygiene Chairs Notes 

Location 1 Wet 6/3 Air abrasion performed

Location 2 Wet 2/0 Endodontist 

Location 3 Wet 3/1 

Pilot Observations: 

 No loss of suction observed. 

 The small size of the unit allows for installation where space is limited. 

 Monitoring of the level of accumulated solids was easily accomplished through the unit's transparent 

housing. 

 The ECO II unit installed in Location 1 filled in less than six months (vendor claims annual changeout). 

Suspect frequent use of air abrasion to be the cause of the premature filling. 

 The unit that filled during the pilot was replaced. Changeout was simple and performed in less than ten 

minutes. 

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 7 
Possible Areas for Improvement: 

Inlet and outlet fittings are not standard plumbing fittings which may complicate installation. It would be helpful if 

the separator included a couple of short lengths of flexible hose that were sized to fit not only the fittings which 

connect to the inlet and outlet ports of the separator but also to standard plumbing fittings (i.e. 3⁄4" or 1" barbed 

fittings). Note: Subsequent to the installation of the ECO II units installed in the pilot, the manufacturer changed 

the fittings on the unit to better fit standard 1 inch hose.

Although none of the installed units leaked during the course of the pilot, the manner in which the hoses are 

connected to the unit is not very secure. Each of the two fittings has an o-ring on it to seal the connection and the 

fitting is simply pushed into the housing with the o-ring essentially holding it in place. Other units that rely on

similar means of connection include set screws on the fittings to prevent accidental disconnection. DEC would 

recommend adding set screws to the fittings or, as has been suggested by St. Paul Minnesota's Metropolitan 

Council Environmental Services, that unions be used to connect the unit to the plumbing. This would provide a 

more secure connection and would also allow the separator to be connected using standard plumbing fittings. 

It might be helpful to include a small funnel to facilitate pouring the disinfectant into the filled collector. One of the 

other units in the pilot that requires the addition of a disinfectant to the collector prior to packaging for shipment 

includes a funnel with the replacement collector. Note: The manufacturer stated that they are currently looking 

into changing the design of the disinfectant pouch to facilitate pouring the disinfectant into the unit.

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 8 
Amalgam Separator: Guardian Amalgam 

Collector/A1400 

Manufacturer: Air Techniques 

Pilot Installations: 3 

Removal Technology: Sedimentation

Operational Description: The Guardian Amalgam 

Collector A1400 is designed for installation in wet 

vacuum systems and consists of a solids collector box

(the initial purchase cost also includes a second, spare 

collector box) and an eight gallon air/water separation 

tank (CAS Separation Tank). The Guardian is also 

available in a configuration for dry vacuum systems.

The A1400 is installed just upstream of the vacuum 

pump. The air/water/solids from the operatories enters 

the CAS Separation Tank where the air is separated 

from the water/solids. The air passes through the 

separation tank and continues to the vacuum pump, 

while the water and solids accumulate in the separation 

tank. At the end of each day (or when the vacuum

system is shut down) a check valve opens allowing the

water/solids in the separation tank to flow into the 

Guardian Amalgam Collector. The solids are separated 

from the water by sedimentation and remain in the 

collector box and the water flows to drain by gravity. 

The units installed in the pilot included an adjustable 

stand so that the collector box could be set at the proper 

height to allow for gravity drain to the sewer connection. 

The Guardian is ISO 11143 certified and has a removal 

efficiency of 99.3% at a tested flow rate of 2.5 L/min. 

Maintenance: The Guardian Amalgam Collector does 

not require any daily maintenance, however, daily line 

cleaning is recommended using a non-foaming line 

cleaner such as their CleanStreamTM product. If the 

system includes the CAS Separation Tank, annual 

maintenance of the tank is required. This involves

hosing out the inside of the tank to remove any 

biological growth that may have accumulated inside the 

tank. The manufacturer requires that the collector box be replaced at least annually. The actual fill time will vary 

depending on the activity level in the dental practice. The A1400 is designed to prevent the discharge of amalgam 

to the sewer and does not include an automatic bypass of the collector box. If the collector were to fill or clog, 

liquid would accumulate in the CAS Separation Tank until it reached a point where a float inside the tank would 

cause vacuum to the operatories to be interrupted. This would alert dental office staff to check the system. 

Initially, this may only require that the collector box be rocked from end to end to settle the solids enough to allow 

the tank to drain and then the vacuum system can resume operation. However, this is an indication that the 

collector box is nearly full and will need to be replaced shortly thereafter. The manufacturer suggests the following 

guidelines for changeout of the collector box: 

1-3 dentists 9-12 months

4-7 dentists 6-8 months 

7 or more dentists 6 months or less 

Replacement of the collector box is simple and can be performed without interrupting vacuum to the operatories. 

Close the valve on the CAS Separation Tank, then pull the inlet and outlet fittings off the collector box. Pour some

disinfectant into the collector box, seal the inlet and outlet with the plugs provided in the collector replacement kit. 

The replacement kit also includes all the materials necessary to package and ship the collector box to the 

mercury recycler, Bethlehem Apparatus, who will in turn send the dentist a recycling certificate.

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 9 
Pilot Installations: Three Guardian Amalgam Collector A1400 amalgam separators were installed and observed 

in the pilot. 

Pilot Installation Sites Wet/Dry Vacuum Operatory/Hygiene Chairs 

Location 1 Wet 3/1 

Location 2 Wet 4/2 

Location 3 Wet 8/4 

Pilot Observations: 

 No loss of suction observed. 

 Product installation, replacement and recycling instructions are very thorough. 

 Eliminates the need for a vacuum pump filter in wet vacuum systems because only air from the

operatories passes through the vacuum pump, resulting in cost saving associated with the purchase and 

disposal of vacuum filters. 

 Collector box changeout is simple and can be performed without interrupting vacuum to the operatories. 

 None of the collector boxes filled during the course of the pilot. 

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 10 
Amalgam Separator: Hg5

Manufacturer: SolmeteX 

Pilot Installations: 6 

Removal Technology: Sedimentation/Filtration/Ion 

Exchange 

Operational Description: The Hg5 consists of an 

air/water expansion chamber and a replaceable solids 

collection cartridge. Air, water and solids enter an

air/water expansion chamber where their velocity is 

reduced allowing the water and solids to fall to the lower 

part of the chamber. The air exits the top of the chamber 

and is returned to its initial velocity. The water and solids 

drop into the collection cartridge where the larger particles 

settle. As the water level rises in the collection cartridge, it 

flows through a mechanical filter pack which provides 

additional filtration of the wastewater. The water that 

passes through the filter then passes through a 

proprietary resin for chemical filtration of dissolved

mercury. The water is then recombined with the air 

stream and proceeds to either the vacuum pump (wet 

system) or to the air/water separation tank (dry system). 

The Hg5 is ISO 11143 certified and has a removal 

efficiency of 99.28% at a tested flow rate of 0.050 L/min 

and 97.4% at a tested flow rate of 0.750 L/min.

Maintenance: The Hg5 does not require any daily

maintenance. Periodic flushing of the air/water expansion 

chamber may be required to remove any accumulated 

sludge. The manufacturer recommends daily line cleaning 

using a non-foaming, de-odorizing, sanitizing line cleaner 

with a pH between 4 and 10. The use of line cleaners 

outside this pH range may cause clogging of the 

cartridge's filter. (Note: Most sewer use ordinances in

Vermont prohibit the discharge of solutions with a pH

lower than 5.0 or greater than 9.5.) If the cartridge were to 

overfill or clog, the design of the Hg5 would allow the 

vacuum system to continue operating but wastewater

would be bypassing the amalgam collector cartridge. 

Maintenance primarily involves monitoring the solids accumulation level and changing the collector cartridge. The 

manufacturer requires that the Hg5's collector cartridge be replaced every six months or when the accumulated 

solids reach the fill line, whichever occurs first. The manufacturer sends reminder cards every six months to 

ensure each dental clinic is reminded to inspect their system. Replacement of the cartridge is relatively simple: 

begin by sanitizing the vacuum system. With the vacuum system still running, place the zip lock bag (included 

with the replacement cartridge) over the cartridge to catch any liquid that may drip from the air/water expansion 

chamber. Support the cartridge with one hand and remove the retaining pins. Pull the cartridge down to remove it 

from the expansion chamber. Remove the plastic caps from the replacement cartridge, place them on the inlet 

and outlet fittings of the used cartridge, and close the zip lock bag. Place the used cartridge in the shipping box 

for shipment to the mercury recycler. 

Pilot Installations: Six Solmetex Hg5 amalgam separators were installed and observed in the pilot. 

Pilot Installation Sites Wet/Dry Vacuum Operatory/Hygiene Chairs Notes 

Location 1 Wet 5/2 

Location 2 Dry 3/1 

Location 3 Wet 3/2 

Location 4 Wet 6/2 

Location 5 Wet 5/2 Air abrasion used

Location 6 Dry 4/2 

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 11 
Pilot Observations: 

 No loss of suction observed. 

 Installation is simple and fast. 

 Product installation, replacement and recycling instructions are very thorough. 

 Monitoring of the level of accumulated solids was easily accomplished through the collector cartridge's 

transparent housing. 

 Collector cartridge changeout is simple.

 None of the collector cartridges filled during the course of the pilot. As expected, the collector cartridge at 

Location 5 filled most rapidly due to the practice's use of air abrasion. 

 There was some liquid and solids build up in the air/water expansion chamber in some units during the 

pilot. Information on the manufacturer's website indicates this might be related to plugging of the filter in 

the cartridge due to the use of line cleaners with a pH outside the separator manufacturer's 

recommended range. 

 The unit installed at Location 2 developed a crack at the collector cartridge outlet resulting in small 

amount of leakage. The manufacturer supplied a replacement unit; no cause for the breakage was 

determined. Note: The manufacturer has stated that some materials used in the construction of the pilot 

units have since been changed to address this issue.

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 12 
Amalgam Separator: Merc II 

Manufacturer: Bio-Sym Medical 

Pilot Installations: 1 

Removal Technology: Sedimentation/Filtration/Ion 

Exchange 

Operational Description: The Merc II amalgam 

separator consists of a solids collector box that contains 

mechanical filtration and an ion exchange resin. The 

separator can be installed just upstream of the vacuum

pump (wet system) just upstream of the air/water 

separation tank (dry system) or between the air/water 

separation tank discharge and the sewer drain (dry 

system). The Merc II amalgam separator is a three-stage 

system that uses sedimentation, filtration and ion 

exchange. Wastewater enters the collector box through 

the inlet port and passes through a series of chambers 

where the solids are settled. The wastewater then 

passes through a filter that removes smaller particles.

Before exiting through the outlet port, the wastewater 

passes through an ion exchange resin that, according to 

the manufacturer, is capable of removing dissolved 

mercury. The Merc II is ISO 11143 certified and has a 

removal efficiency of 95.2% at a tested flow rate of 2 

L/min.

Maintenance: The Merc II does not require any daily

maintenance, however, the manufacturer recommends 

daily suction line cleaning. Maintenance primarily 

involves changing the collector box when full. The 

manufacturer suggests annual replacement of the 

collector box. The actual fill time will vary depending on the level of activity in the dental practice. Although the 

Merc II installed for the pilot did not include a built-in bypass, the separator inlet and outlet fittings have since

been changed to allow them to be removed from the collector box and connected together to allow for a bypass 

should the collector become plugged. Replacement of the collector box is simple: with the vacuum system turned 

off, disconnect the unions on the inlet and outlet ports of the collector box. Replace the halves of the unions which 

remain connected to the vacuum system plumbing with those provided with the replacement collector box. Screw 

the threaded plugs, also provided with the replacement box, into the open ends of the inlet and outlet port unions 

of the full collector box. The collector box is then shipped to a recycler. 

Pilot Installations: One Merc II amalgam separator was installed and observed in the pilot. 

Pilot Installation Sites Wet/Dry Vacuum Operatory/Hygiene Chairs 

Location 1 Wet 4/2 

Pilot Observations: 

 Loss of suction occurred after approximately six months of use. All that was required to restore suction 

was to shake the collector box to level the solids accumulating in the first chamber of the box. 

 Although the collector box contains a clear sight glass, a film developed on the glass that made

monitoring the level of accumulated solids impossible. This may have been caused by inadequate line 

cleaning practices at this location. 

 Collector box changeout is simple. 

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 13 
Possible Areas for Improvement: 

Merc II documentation should be more detailed. Although the pilot installation was very simple, it would be helpful 

if the installation/operation manual included installation instructions containing diagrams or photographs showing 

how the unit should be installed in various wet and dry vacuum systems. Also, since the unit has been redesigned 

to allow for bypass in the event of a problem with the collector, the installation/operation manual should also 

include instructions showing how to reconfigure the connections to the collector to allow for bypass. This should 

include diagrams or photographs for clarity. Replacement collectors should include specific instructions for the 

changeout, packaging and shipping of full collectors. Again, diagrams or photographs should be used in collector

changeout and packaging instructions where appropriate for clarity.

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 14 
Amalgam Separator: Rasch 890 

Manufacturer: AB Dental Trends 

Pilot Installations: 3 

Removal Technology: Sedimentation/Filtration/Ion 

Exchange 

Operational Description: The Rasch 890 amalgam 

separator can be purchased in a number of 

configurations tailored to the vacuum system in which it

is to be installed. The Rasch 890-1000 is used in wet 

vacuum systems and consists of a solids collector box

and an air/water separator. The Rasch 890-1000 is 

unique among the amalgam separators included in the 

pilot in that it is installed on the discharge side of the wet 

vacuum pump rather than on the suction side. The 

Rasch 890-6000 is used in dry vacuum systems and

consists of a solids collector box and a by-pass loop.

The unit is installed between the existing air/water 

separation tank and the sewer drain. Both of the Rasch 

units can be purchased with an optional bypass alarm to 

notify staff when wastewater is bypassing treatment. 

The Rasch amalgam separator is a three-stage system

that combines sedimentation, filtration and ion exchange 

in a single collector box. Wastewater enters the collector 

box through the inlet port and passes through a series of 

chambers where the solids are settled. The wastewater

then passes through a filter that removes smaller 

particles. Before exiting through the outlet port, the 

wastewater passes through an ion exchange matrix that, 

according to the manufacturer, is capable of removing

dissolved mercury. The Rasch 890 is ISO 11143 

certified and has a removal efficiency of 99.3% at 2 

L/min tested flow rate and 96.7% at a tested flow rate of 

4 L/min. 

Maintenance: The Rasch 890 does not require any 

daily maintenance, however, the manufacturer recommends that suction lines be cleaned daily according to the 

pump manufacturer's requirements. The manufacturer recommends replacement of the collector box 

approximately every 18 doctor-months. The actual fill time will vary depending on the level of activity in the dental 

practice. In the event the collector box fills or clogs, the unit incorporates an automatic bypass. Vacuum to the 

operatories will not be interrupted but wastewater would be bypassing the amalgam collector box. Replacement of 

the collector box is simple: with the vacuum system turned off, tilt the box in the direction of the outlet port to drain 

off any remaining water. Loosen the inlet and outlet retaining screws and pull the fittings from the box. Pour the 

disinfectant (provided with the replacement box) into the inlet and outlet ports and seal the openings with the caps

provided. Package and ship the collector box to the mercury recycler using the shipping materials provided. The 

dentist will receive a recycling certificate from the mercury recycler. 

 

Pilot Installations: Three Rasch 890 amalgam separators were installed and observed in the pilot. 

Pilot Installation Sites Wet/Dry Vacuum Operatory/Hygiene Chairs Notes 

Location 1 Wet 5/2 

Location 2 Wet 3 Installed 2 collector boxes in parallel 

due to flow rate

Location 3 Dry 16 Installed 2 collector boxes in parallel 

due to flow rate

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 15 
Pilot Observations: 

 No loss of suction observed. 

 Product installation, replacement and recycling instructions are very thorough. 

 No collector boxes filled during the course of the pilot. 

 Opacity of collector box doesn't allow monitoring of solids accumulation level. 

 Collector box changeout is simple. 

 In wet vacuum systems, the Rasch 890-1000 is installed on discharge side of a wet vacuum pump. All of 

the other amalgam separators in the pilot are installed on the suction side of a wet vacuum pump. 

Installation on the discharge side requires that the collector box be located so that it can drain by gravity 

into the building's sewer connection. 

 The installation at Location 2 required the addition of a second collector box installed in parallel with the 

first box to split the flow. The practice at this location has a two-pump wet system without water 

recirculation and both pumps are always operating. The combined flow from these two pumps exceeded 

the maximum flow rate of the single collector box. Due to the size of the practice at Location 3, the initial 

installation included two collector boxes to ensure that there was sufficient capacity to handle flow from 

the air/water separation tank when the system was shut down. 

 An optional audible bypass alarm is available for both Rasch units to alert staff when wastewater is 

bypassing treatment. 

Possible Areas for Improvement: 

The changeout of the collector box requires that the two set screws be backed out. An allen wrench should be 

included with the unit or, preferably, the set screws should be changed to a knurled thumb screw type that can be

removed by hand. 

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 16 
Amalgam Separator: RME2000 Series/Catch 1000 

Manufacturer: Rebec 

Pilot Installations: 2 

Removal Technology: Sedimentation/Filtration 

Operational Description: The Catch 1000 amalgam 

separator consists of an air/water separation chamber 

and a solids collector box. Air and water from the 

operatories enter the upper chamber. The water/solids 

fall to the bottom and flow through the collector box 

where the solids are removed by sedimentation and 

mechanical filtration. The treated water then rejoins the 

airflow from the operatories and proceeds to the vacuum 

pump. The Catch 1000 is ISO 11143 certified and has a 

removal efficiency of 96.9% at a tested flow rate of 1 

L/min. 

Maintenance: The Catch 1000 does not require any 

daily maintenance, however, the manufacturer 

recommends the use of an enzymatic line cleaner and

that suction lines be cleaned according to the vacuum

pump manufacturer's requirements. The manufacturer 

recommends annual replacement of the collector box. 

The actual fill time will vary depending on the level of 

activity in the dental practice. In the event the collector

box fills or clogs, the unit incorporates an automatic 

bypass so that vacuum to the operatories will not be 

interrupted. Replacement of the collector box is simple

and can be performed without interrupting vacuum to 

the operatories. Close the two valves between the 

air/water separation chamber and the collector box. 

Loosen and remove the outlet fitting then open the inlet 

valve slightly for a moment to remove some of the liquid 

that might otherwise spill. Disconnect the inlet fitting and 

remove the full collector box. Seal the full collector box 

using the brass caps that come with the replacement 

box. Package the collector box for shipment to the 

mercury recycler and contact Rebec to arrange for pickup. 

 

Pilot Installations: Two RME2000 amalgam separators were installed and observed in the pilot. 

Pilot Installation Sites Wet/Dry Vacuum Operatory/Hygiene Chairs Notes 

Location 1 Wet 4/2 

Location 2 Dry 10/4 Separator serving 2 offices 

Pilot Observations: 

 Fast, simple installation. 

 No loss of suction observed. 

 Product installation, replacement and recycling instructions are very thorough. 

 Durable stainless steel construction. 

 No collector boxes filled during the course of the pilot. 

 Stainless steel collector box does not allow monitoring of solids accumulation level. 

 Collector box changeout is simple and can be performed without interrupting vacuum to the operatories. 

 Includes shut off valves on inlet and outlet of collector box to prevent leakage during changeout. 

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 17 
CHOOSING AN AMALGAM SEPARATOR – CONSIDERATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

The pilot project demonstrated that there are several types or brands of amalgam separators that can reliably 

perform with minimal maintenance. In general, these separators did not interfere with vacuum or suction when

properly operated and maintained. The following considerations should help you in deciding which separator or 

separators are right for your office.

• ISO Compliance Choose an amalgam separator that is ISO 11143 certified. Separators that are ISO 

certified must pass all ISO 11143 requirements including removal of at least 95% of amalgam particles from 

the discharge.

• Wet and Dry Vacuum Systems All amalgam separators tested were compatible with wet and dry vacuum

systems. In some situations, amalgam separators can be purchased without an air/water separator if you 

have a dry vacuum system with an existing air/water separator. This can reduce the purchase cost of the 

separator. When comparing costs between brands, be sure you are comparing the costs for each unit based

on your vacuum system type and existing components.

• Maintenance Cost Considerations Aside from purchase and installation costs, the main cost of an 

amalgam separator will be the replacement and recycling of amalgam collector boxes or cartridges. In 

general, these will need to be replaced once or twice per year. Some vendors may require regular changeout 

of cartridges or collector boxes, even when they are not full. Check on this with the vendor or your dealer. We 

suggest that when comparing costs, consider the total cost for purchase and operating over a three-year

period. This will give you a more accurate picture of long-term costs. You can ask the vendor or dealer to help 

you with this calculation. See Table 2 for estimated 3-year system costs for amalgam separators in the pilot.

• Servicing the Separator We recommend that you purchase a separator that has a convenient 

replacement/recycling program for the cartridges/collector boxes. Some separators reported on in this project 

are not serviced or carried by dental suppliers in Vermont at this time. You need to know what maintenance 

and/or servicing you or your dental supplier will be responsible for. 

• Space Considerations If you have a small amount of space available near your vacuum system and 

discharge lines, then you should choose one of the smaller separators.

• Need for Access to Electrical Power None of the separators in this pilot required electrical hookup. 

However, there are some separators that have pumps that require an electrical source. This can add to 

installation cost and maintenance.

• Number of Chairs in Office Table 1 shows the capacity (in number of chairs and flow rate) for the 

separators in the pilot. Make sure you choose a separator that can handle your current and future capacity. 

Separators installed either on the discharge line of an air/water separation tank in a dry vacuum system or on 

the discharge side of a wet vacuum system require units with higher flow rates.

• Understand Collector Replacement Schedule All vendors/manufacturers of separators may require 

replacement at a specified interval – whether or not the collection canister is full. You should understand the 

replacement schedule that will apply to you. Dental clinics using air abrasion will accumulate solids at a much 

faster rate and may require replacement sooner. 

• Cleaning of Suction Lines Regular line cleaning with proper line cleaning solutions is extremely important 

to the proper functioning of all separators. The use of enzymatic and neutral pH line cleaners is 

recommended; line cleaners with a pH greater than 9.5 or lower than 5.0 should be avoided. Check with the 

separator vendor or your dealer for recommendations.

• Warranty of Vacuum System Check the terms of the vacuum system warranty to insure that installation or 

operation of the separator does not void warranty provisions.

• Installation Considerations If you purchase a separator from a dental supply company, they may install the 

unit. Otherwise you may need to contact a local plumber. Installation takes generally 1⁄2 hour to 2 hours.

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 18 
• Large Systems Large centralized systems serving multiple offices will often require custom designed 

separators. In these cases, it is recommended that the dental office work closely with a dental supplier and/or 

a vendor and carefully evaluate the options that are available for larger clinics.

• Amalgam Recycling/Disposal Documentation Confirm that you will receive documentation through the 

amalgam separator vendor/manufacturer that your amalgam waste has been recycled or disposed of at a 

facility licensed to handle mercury-containing wastes. You should keep these records on file.

• Treatment Bypass Many amalgam separators incorporate some type of bypass to allow continued operation 

of the vacuum system in the event there is a problem with the collector box or cartridge. During bypass, 

wastewater may be discharged with little or no treatment. In some units bypass is harder to detect than others 

and may go unnoticed for extended periods of time. When purchasing a separator be sure to understand how 

bypass occurs in that particular unit, how a bypass is detected and how to return the unit to normal operation 

as quickly as possible.

• Other Good Review Articles For further reading on amalgam separators, we recommend the following

articles that can be obtained on-line: Purchasing, Installing and Operating Dental Amalgam Separators, 

JADA, August 2003 and Re:Amalgam Recovery available from the Minnesota Dental Association at 

www.mndental.org, click on "dental professionals". In the future, the ADA will be conducting further review of 

amalgam separators as technologies change and evolve.

• See an Installed Amalgam Separator In choosing a separator, consider contacting or visiting one or more 

dental clinics with installed separators. Contact the DEC Environmental Assistance Office (EAO) at (800) 974-

9559 or your dental supplier for available installation sites. 

• Assistance Available Staff of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Environmental 

Assistance Office are available to provide assistance to dental offices in evaluating amalgam separator 

options. For more information, contact the Environmental Assistance Office at (800) 974-9559. 

Table 2 - Cost Comparison of Amalgam Separators in a Small Practice (4 Operatories, 2 Hygiene Chairs and 1 

Dentist) Over a Three-Year Period1

.

Amalgam 

Separator 

Vacuum 

System Type

Initial 

Capital Cost 

Collector/Cartridge

Replacement and 

Recycling Costs 

3-Years2

Total Cost for 

3-Years 

Annualized

Cost

ECO II wet/dry $650 $864 $1,514 $505

Guardian wet $3,255 $1,500 $4,755 $1,585

dry $1,500 $1,500 $3,000 $1,000

Hg5 wet/dry $695 $1,500 $2,195 $732

Merc II wet/dry $895 $1,785 $2,680 $893

Rasch wet $1,190 $1,192 $2,382 $794

dry $666 $1,192 $1,858 $619

Rebec3 wet/dry $895 $1,185 $2,080 $693

1

Cost information shown does not include labor associated with installation or maintenance of the amalgam separators. 2 The costs shown include replacement and recycling of collector/cartridge at the end of third year. 3 The costs shown in the table are for the Rebec Catch 400 amalgam separator. 

 

Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 19 
Vermont Dental Amalgam Separator Pilot Project Page 20 

REFERENCES 

Fan, PL, Batchu, H, Chou, HN, Gasparac W, Sandrik J, Meyer DM. Laboratory evaluation of amalgam 

separators. JADA 2002; 133: 577-89. 

McManus, KR, Fan, PL. Purchasing, installing and operating dental amalgam separators: practical issues. JADA 

2003; 134: 1054-1065. 

Technical Committee ISO/TC 106, Dentistry, Subcommittee SC 6, Dental Equipment – amalgam separators. Ref. 

no. ISO 11143: 1999(E). Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Standardization; 1999. 

Metropolitan Council Environmental Services and Minnesota Dental Association. Evaluation of amalgam removal 

equipment and dental clinic loadings to the sanitary sewer. 2001. Report No. 01-509. 

Minnesota Dental Association. Re: Amalgam Recovery. Available at www.mendental.org, click on "dental 

professionals".