On a Smart suction system, the amalgam separator is not a separate device. It is part of the machine. Cattani calls it the Hydrocyclone ISO and offers it in two models: ISO 18 and ISO 6. This article helps you understand which one equips your suction system and what it requires day to day.
One machine, three functions
Smart suction systems are semi-wet. They integrate a centrifugal separator and an amalgam separator. The Hydrocyclone ISO is that amalgam separator. It features electronic amalgam level control. According to Cattani, all of its amalgam separators are sold with this control.
For the practice, the benefit is practical: one machine to install, monitor and maintain. The Turbo Smart brochure describes electronics with amalgam level control and all safety devices. The amalgam level is among the information shown on the diagnostic display.
ISO 18 or ISO 6: the choice follows the suction system
You do not choose the Hydrocyclone on its own. It depends on the suction system.
Hydrocyclone ISO 18: for Turbo-Smart units
TheHydrocyclone ISO 18 equips Turbo-Smart units. Its specifications:
- maximum flow of 18 l/min according to ISO 11143;
- 250 ml amalgam container;
- dimensions: 415 × 190 × 225 mm (h × w × d).
Hydrocyclone ISO 6: for Micro-Smart units
TheHydrocyclone ISO 6 equips the Micro-Smart, with a version for the Micro-Smart Cube. Its specifications:
- maximum flow of 5.5 l/min according to ISO 11143;
- 115 ml amalgam container.
The Blok-Jet Silent 1, which combines suction and compressed air for two chairs, also integrates a Micro-Smart with Hydrocyclone ISO 6.
What flow “according to ISO 11143” means
Cattani states the maximum flow of its Hydrocyclones according to the ISO 11143 standard. It is the volume of liquid the separator can handle. It must match the fluids your chairs send to the suction system. The ISO 18, with the higher flow, goes with Turbo-Smart units, designed for several chairs. The ISO 6 goes with Micro-Smart units, designed for one or two.
The obligations that apply to your practice depend on your country and region. Check with the competent authorities. Cattani's technical documentation is available on the Documentation.
The amalgam container: plan it, don't suffer it
The container is made of unbreakable material, with an airtight lid. Handling stays clean. The suction system monitors how full it is and shows it on the display, with two alarms:
- 95%: time to plan the replacement;
- 100%: the container is full.
The maintenance guide from Cattani ESAM UK, the manufacturer's subsidiary, is clear: waiting until 100% can interrupt the practice's activity. Three simple habits:
- keep a spare container at the practice;
- appoint the person who responds to the 95% alarm;
- track the amalgam level, on the display or with the SmartApp.
Hydrocyclone maintenance
The Hydrocyclone ISO 18 manual sets out three intervals:
- every day: replace the dirty filter;
- at the end of each day: clean and disinfect the unit with a product specifically for suction systems and amalgam separators;
- every year: remove the upper part and clean all its components, especially the five openings.
At Cattani, the evening product is Puli-Jet Plus 2.0, drawn through with the Pulse Cleaner. Use the products specified by the manufacturer: according to the Smart manual, unsuitable products or products other than those specified by Cattani can void the warranty.
Installation conditions
The Hydrocyclones ISO 18 and ISO 6 operate at an ambient temperature between +5 °C and +40 °C. Bear this in mind if your equipment room is poorly ventilated or exposed to cold.
Who does what
Cattani distinguishes routine maintenance, carried out by trained practice staff, from extraordinary maintenance, carried out by a trained technician with original parts. The daily filter, the evening cleaning and the container change are part of the routine. The annual disassembly can be left to your technician.
For the standard and the alarms in detail, read our article “Amalgam separator: standard, alarms and maintenance”. The products are on the Hygiene.
A Cattani specialist can advise you
Want to check which Hydrocyclone equips your suction system, or organize container replacements? A Cattani specialist will answer you, backed by the manufacturer's documentation.
Ask a Cattani specialist for advice
Sources: Cattani documentation, brochure “L'Hydrocyclone ISO et ses applications”, p. 16; Cattani documentation, manual Hydrocyclone ISO 18, p. 15, 17, 19 and 20; Cattani documentation, manual Hydrocyclone ISO 6, p. 15 and 17; Cattani documentation, manual Smart 04-2024 (FR), p. 19, 20, 32 and 36; Cattani documentation, Turbo Smart brochure 02-2020, p. 4 and 6; Cattani, product sheet Blok-Jet Silent 1 (cattani.it); Cattani ESAM UK (Cattani subsidiary), Smart suction maintenance guide, p. 7 and 9.