Barbara, please give the new generaation B&R recyclers a try.  They are more
enclosed than the glass ones you are currently using.  As Bruce says, they are
all metal.  I found them to be a 'dream' compared to the early generation
modes.  Allthough I am no longer doing histology full time,  I do believe in the
aspect of recycling.  In 1998 while setting up a reference lab that had
inherited the old generation B&R recyclers, we had the very same complaints that
you are receiving.  Once the switch was made to the new generation metal
enclosed models which also included formalin recycling, the complaints were
diminished greatly.  The QC that James did over a several month period bore out
the published results of purity.  In fact, the xylenes became more pure over
time which can create a problem with some of the tape coverslippers.  The tape
coverslippers depend upon the impurities contained in the non-recycled xylenes
mix to work properly.  The alcohols came back as a consistent 95% when the
recommended protocols for recycle decisions are followed.  The formalin needed
only to be rebuffered as it came back between 8-12%, which is consistent with
commercial batches if you do the hydrometer testing routinely.  So, please do
consider the latest generation of B&R recyclers.  James will do a thorough
installation and training of everyone connected to the system.  Happy
recycling!!  Sharon Osborn, San Francisco area 650.557.0653

"Weems, Joyce" wrote:

> I wouldn't begin to change. B/R is at the top of my list. Been with them
> since the mid 80s. j
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Bruce Gapinski [SMTP:BGapinski@pathgroup.com]
> > Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2001 7:33 AM
> > To:   'Barbara Stancel'
> > Cc:   'HistoNet@Pathology.swmed.edu'
> > Subject:      RE: Recycling Revisited
> >
> > Ms. Stancel,
> >       I don't understand what you'd gain by switching to another
> > manufacturer. After all the smell of spilled xylol is the same for any
> > system. I would like to point out that there is another alternative. B&R
> > makes a metal still. I love mine. By the way you might point out to your
> > safety committee, that your tissue processor heats xylene too.
> > Respectfully, Bruce Gapinski HT(ASCP)
> >
> >               -----Original Message-----
> >               From:   Barbara Stancel [mailto:bstancel@hotmail.com]
> >               Sent:   Sunday, July 01, 2001 5:40 AM
> >               To:     histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> >               Subject:        Recycling Revisited
> >
> >               Dear Histo Friends,
> >
> >               Please revisit the recycler issue with me.
> >
> >               I am looking for those of you have recyclers, specifically
> > the B&R and the
> >               CBG.
> >
> >               Background:  We have two B&R recyclers...been using them for
> > 10 years.  And
> >               for the last 4 years I get nothing but grief from our
> > tri-yearly safety
> >               audit and inspection people. They complain about the odors,
> > which we explain
> >               to them are there because sometimes we spill a little
> > solvent. They complain
> >               about heating solvents to a distillation point and the
> > "dangers" of
> >               explosions and fires.  I explain there have never been fires
> > or explosions
> >               with this type of system. I even point out the mounted fire
> > extinguishers.
> >               I am so tired of the same argument 3-4 times a year.  And
> > now the new kink
> >               may be the cool water pumps exceed noise levels!!!!
> >
> >               We recycle about 25 to 30 liters of ethanol and about the
> > same for xylene.
> >               We like our recyclers and feel confident in their results
> > and the most
> >               excellent service we receive from B&R. Thanks to Ann, Roger
> > and especially
> >               James Taylor! Our experiences have all been positive.
> >
> >               Despite how I feel about B&R, we are looking at a total
> > replacement of our
> >               recycling systems and are expecting a CBG demo in this week.
> > My biggest
> >               dilemma is TIME!!!!  We have two weeks to make a
> > decision!!!! There are
> >               special funds available RIGHT NOW which will replace all of
> > our recyclers
> >               with new ones, but we have to decided very quickly.
> >
> >               I have been through the Histonet Archives and read EVERY
> > SINGLE MESSAGE
> >               ABOUT RECYCLING I could find. I have spent five WEEKEND
> > hours researching
> >               and reading, trying to get a broad base for making this
> > decision.
> >
> >               Now that you have heard me whine......here is my request. I
> > would like to
> >               hear from anyone who has made the switch from B&R spinning
> > band distillation
> >               to a CBG type fractional distillation or visa versa!! I need
> > to know the
> >               compared quality of end product of both units and why you
> > changed. If you
> >               are in the continental USA, please include a phone number. I
> > may need to
> >               call and talk. (much faster than my typing!)
> >
> >
> >               Histologically yours,
> >
> >               Barbara Stancel, HTL(ASCP)
> >               USDA, FSIS,Pathology
> >               Athens, Georgia   30605
> >               Phone: 706-546-3556
> >               Fax: 706-546-3589
> >
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
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> >