Abstract: Amalgam and other particles of four microns or more in size are removed with at least 95% efficiency from a particle-containing fluid line, preferably connected to a single dental operatory. Desirably a plurality of parallel centrifugal separators have their inlets connected to the fluid line, and gas outlets connected to a dental vacuum pump. The bottom liquid and particle outlet drains to a particle filter. The filtered water can be reintroduced into the gas flow to the vacuum pump, and the collected particles are disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for testing the useful vacuum of a dental vacuum system having at least one high volume evacuator valve (HVE) or hose. The vacuum tester is simple, inexpensive, can be used by non-technical personnel, is easily fabricated to test a wide range of performance standards, and evaluates useful vacuum performance during full flow (that is a real-life situation). The tester includes two simple components, an adaptor tube that is placed into contact with an HVE or hose, and a vacuum indicating weight which cooperates with the adaptor tube. With the dental vacuum system operating the weight is brought into position with respect to the tube so that gravity acts to move the weight away from the tube, and then the weight is released. If the weight moves away from the tube the useful vacuum conditions of the dental vacuum system are insufficient, whereas if the weight stays in operative position with respect to the tube the useful vacuum conditions are sufficient.

Abstract: A dental vacuum system includes a sludge trap and liquid separator between dental operatories and a vacuum source (vacuum pump). The sludge trap separates out metals, such as silver, gold, and mercury, and other large particles from the fluid flow between the operatories and the vacuum source. By utilizing a static structure including a sanitary tee, a plastic pipe extending downwardly from the tee, and a slide valve, the metals may be easily collected, and periodically capped and sent to salvage, for the recovery of the metals. The liquid separator comprises a number of plastic pipes extending downwardly from a linear flow path of the fluid slurry to the vacuum pump. A number of sanitary tees are provided connected to the pipes, the pipes each having a larger cross-sectional area (diameter) than the fluid conduit connected to the vacuum pump. At their bottoms, the pipes are connected to a common drain valve. No-hub (quick release) couplings may be used for easy removal of components.