Choosing an amalgam separator for your office
More and more dentists are considering purchasing amalgam separator units to decrease the amount of amalgam in the wastewater leaving their offices. Although this decision is a positive one for the environment, it is not necessarily an easy one for the dentist.
These units differ in terms of capacity, physical dimensions, amalgam removal process, how captured amalgam is removed and recycled, how easily they are serviced and how often, and how much they cost to buy and operate. Without some guidance, evaluating amalgam separators can be like comparing apples and oranges. This guide was designed to help dentists identify their specific needs and the key aspects of their office systems that determine which separator unit(s) will be most suitable for their operations.
Step 1: Decision flow sheet
By answering a series of questions relating to your office set-up, the dentist is led to an initial list of separator units that will probably work for his or her office.
These questions include:
- Are your amalgam generating chairs centrally plumbed?
- Does your office have a wet ring or dry vacuum pump system?
- Is the space available for installing a separator unit at office grade or below grade?
- Do you need to install the separator ahead of or after either the wet ring or dry vacuum pump system?
The dentist’s answer to each of these questions will lead him or her to an appropriate set of potential separators for evaluation.
Step 2: Separator comparison matrix
This matrix allows a comparison of the initial list of separator units generated in the decision flow sheet above, helping the dentist zero in on which unit(s) is the best for his or her dental practice. The matrix provides both qualitative and quantitative comparisons of 15 different amalgam separator units produced by 11 different companies. The units have been commercially available since early 2004. It also provides telephone and Web site contact information for each manufacturer.
The evaluation criteria include:
- Model Dimensions—shows the height, width and depth, indicating how much space each unit requires.
- Flow Capacity—indicates the number of chairs (anywhere from 1 to 25) that can be serviced by one unit.
- Ease of Maintenance—a ranking of 1 to 3 shows the relative ease of maintenance compared to other units.
- Frequency of Maintenance—a ranking of 1 to 3, along with more specific information where available, indicates how often amalgam waste must be removed from the unit.
- Recycling Program Included?—indicates whether the manufacturer provides for an automatic system for removing and recycling the waste amalgam captured in the unit.
- Purchase Cost—provides both actual cost and a relative (1 to 3) ranking among units.
- O&M Cost—provides a relative ranking of operation and maintenance costs as well as specific information where available.
- Five-Year System Cost—provides both an estimated five-year cost (purchase plus O&M costs) and a relative ranking among units.
After working through the decision flow sheet (Step 1) and the matrix (Step 2), the dentist should have a good idea about which unit(s) is most suitable for his or her specific circumstances. Hopefully, this exercise will also result in a list of more specific questions for your dental equipment supplier or the separator manufacturer. Working together with your supplier or manufacturer’s rep, you should now be sufficiently prepared to purchase an amalgam separator unit that will meet your needs and protect the environment for many years to come.
Listing of amalgam waste recyclers
The WDA has compiled a listing of companies that recycle amalgam waste. Included is addresses and contact info for each as well as a checklist of materials accepted by each company.
*Note if you choose a recycler not on this list, be sure they are licensed to receive and handle these materials.
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