VAC-5 Abrasive Recovery System, Complete Set

Contracor VAC-5 – Automatic abrasive recovery system for cost-effective abrasive blasting

The Contracor VAC-5 abrasive recovery system is a high-performance, electrically powered vacuum recovery system designed for the automatic recovery, cleaning, and reuse of used abrasive media. The system collects the used abrasive media, reliably separates dust and fine contaminants, and then returns the cleaned abrasive media directly to the blast pot.

The largely closed-loop abrasive media circulation system significantly reduces the consumption of new abrasive media, disposal costs, and the cleaning work required in the blast room. The VAC-5 is particularly suitable for stationary blast rooms with limited space, as well as for retrofitting existing Contracor Z-200 series blast pots.

Your Benefits at a Glance

• ✅ Automatic recovery and reuse of blasting media
• ✅ High recovery capacity of up to 4 metric tons per hour
• ✅ High-performance 5.5 kW electric vacuum pump
• ✅ Integrated high-performance cartridge filter
• ✅ Automatic pulse jet cleaning of the filter element
• ✅ Automatic refilling of the blast pot
• ✅ Compact design for stationary blast rooms
• ✅ Reduction in abrasive consumption
• ✅ Lower disposal and cleaning costs
• ✅ Shorter downtime thanks to automated material recirculation
• ✅ Ideal for retrofitting Contracor Z-200 blast pots

📦 Package Contents

• Contracor VAC-5 vacuum recovery system
• Electrically powered vacuum unit
• Integrated high-performance cartridge filter
• Automatic pulse-jet filter cleaning
• Abrasive storage container for automatic refilling of the blast pot
• Floor hopper with grating
• 3 m rubber suction hose

Technical Specifications

Dimensions (mm)

Efficient Abrasive Recovery

The VAC-5 collects the used abrasive media through the bottom hopper and transports it to the recovery unit via the connected suction hose using the generated vacuum. There, dust, abrasion residue, and light contaminants are separated from the reusable abrasive media.

The cleaned abrasive media is then fed into the storage tank located above the blast pot. From there, it is automatically returned to the blast pot and is available for the next blasting operation. This eliminates the need for the operator to manually collect, transport, or load the recovered material into the blast pot.

Integrated Cartridge Filter with Pulse Jet Cleaning

The VAC-5 features an integrated high-performance cartridge filter with a filter area of 7.5 m². The polyester filter media reliably traps fine dust particles and light contaminants from the airflow.

Automatic pulse jet cleaning cleans the filter cartridge using short bursts of compressed air. Adhered dust is dislodged from the filter element, thereby maintaining filter performance and reducing the need for manual maintenance. Automatic filter cleaning ensures a consistent airflow and reliable suction performance during operation.

Automatic Filling of the Blast Pot

A key advantage of the VAC-5 is the automatic recirculation of the cleaned abrasive media back into the blast pot. The recovered material is first collected in the integrated storage tank. As soon as the blast pot is ready to be refilled, the abrasive media is automatically returned to the pot.

This eliminates labor-intensive manual steps. At the same time, interruptions in blasting operations are reduced because the recovered abrasive media is quickly made available again.

High Recovery Rate

With a recovery capacity of up to 4 metric tons per hour, the VAC-5 is suitable for professional blast rooms and industrial applications with regular abrasive media throughput. The maximum possible suction hose length is 10 meters.

This allows the system to be used even when the blasting area is not located directly next to the recovery unit. Actual recovery performance may vary depending on the type of abrasive, particle size, hose routing, conveyance distance, and degree of contamination.

Cost-Effective Blasting Operations

Abrasive media represent a significant cost factor in ongoing blasting operations. Without recovery, used abrasive media must be regularly collected, disposed of, and replaced with new material. As a result, reusable abrasive media are often disposed of even though they are technically still suitable for further blasting cycles.

The VAC-5 recycles usable abrasive media back into the process after cleaning. This can significantly reduce the need for new abrasive media. At the same time, it reduces the effort required for manual facility cleaning, internal material handling, and the disposal of used abrasive media.

• ✅ Lower consumption of new abrasive media
• ✅ Reduction in waste volume
• ✅ Less manual cleaning work
• ✅ Automated return to the blast pot
• ✅ Shorter breaks between blasting operations
• ✅ Better use of reusable abrasive media

Compact Solution for Stationary Blast Rooms

The VAC-5 combines vacuum generation, abrasive collection, filtration, and a storage tank in a compact, stationary unit. This makes the system particularly suitable for blast rooms where space is limited.

The system can be used to equip new blast rooms or to retrofit existing Contracor Z-200 blast pots. Thanks to its modular design, the recovery technology can be integrated into existing workflows without having to build an entirely new blast room.

Floor Hopper for Targeted Material Collection

The floor hopper included in the complete set serves as a central collection point for used abrasive media. The material is swept into the hopper or collected directly in the work area and then automatically extracted.

The sturdy grating prevents larger foreign objects from entering the recovery system. This reduces the risk of blockages or damage within the suction line.

Suitable Abrasive Media

The VAC-5 is designed for reusable abrasive media. According to the manufacturer, the system can be operated with, among other things, steel shot up to size G40, or 0.30 to 0.80 mm.

However, the suitability of an abrasive medium does not depend solely on particle size. Bulk density, particle shape, moisture content, degree of contamination, and flow behavior also influence conveying and separation performance. Moist, clumped, or heavily contaminated materials can impair recovery performance and should be inspected before use.

🔧 Applications

• Stationary blast rooms
• Industrial blast rooms
• Steel construction and metal fabrication
• Vessel and plant construction
• Mechanical engineering
• Automotive and commercial vehicle manufacturing
• Surface preparation before coating and painting
• Rust removal and removal of old coatings
• Machining of large steel components
• Retrofitting of existing Contracor Z-200 blast pots

Operating Requirements

A suitable electrical connection with 3-phase 380 to 420 V / 50 Hz is required to operate the VAC-5. A suitable compressed air supply is also required for the automatic pulse-jet cleaning of the cartridge filter.

The recovery system should be set up on a stable, level surface and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When planning, take into account the position of the blast pot, the routing of the suction line, the maximum permissible suction hose length, and access for maintenance and cleaning work.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure consistently reliable recovery performance, the filter element, suction lines, bottom hopper, and abrasive hopper should be inspected regularly. Wear, material buildup, or foreign objects can reduce suction performance and impair the flow of material.

Special attention should be paid to the filter cartridge and the automatic pulse-jet cleaning system. Despite automatic cleaning, the filter element must be inspected regularly—depending on dust load and operating time—and replaced as needed.

• Check the filter cartridge regularly
• Check the function of the pulse jet cleaning system
• Inspect suction hoses for wear and leaks
• Remove larger foreign objects from the floor hopper
• Check abrasive containers and material flow paths
• Have electrical components inspected according to the maintenance schedule

Why the Contracor VAC-5?

The Contracor VAC-5 is a compact and powerful solution for operators of stationary blast rooms who want to use reusable abrasive media more economically. The combination of high recovery efficiency, integrated dust separation, automatic filter cleaning, and autonomous refilling of the blast pot reduces manual labor and improves material utilization.

When used in conjunction with a Contracor Z-200 blast pot, in particular, it creates a coordinated system for professional blasting operations. With a recovery capacity of up to 4 metric tons per hour, the VAC-5 is suitable both for retrofitting existing systems and for planning new stationary blast rooms.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of the VAC-5?
The system collects used abrasive media, separates out dust and light contaminants, and automatically returns the cleaned abrasive media to the blast pot.

For which blast pots is the VAC-5 suitable?
The recovery system was developed for use with Contracor Z-200 series blast pots and is particularly suitable for retrofitting existing systems.

Is the Contracor Z-200 blast pot included in the scope of delivery?
No. The blast pot is not included in the VAC-5 complete set and must be ordered separately.

What is the recovery capacity?
According to the manufacturer, the maximum recovery rate is up to 4 metric tons per hour. The actual achievable value depends, among other things, on the type of abrasive, the hose routing, and the degree of contamination.

What is the maximum length allowed for the suction hose?
The maximum recommended suction hose length is 10 meters.

What abrasive media can be used?
The system is suitable for reusable abrasive media. According to the manufacturer, steel shot can be processed up to a grit size of G40, or 0.30 to 0.80 mm.

Can single-use abrasive media also be recovered?
In principle, the system can collect and clean material. However, the economic benefit of recovery is particularly evident with reusable abrasives. Disposable abrasives often degrade more quickly and produce a higher proportion of fine particles.

How is the dust separated from the abrasive media?
Dust and light contaminants are separated from the heavier abrasive media by the airflow and collected in the integrated cartridge filter.

How do you clean the filter?
The filter cartridge is cleaned by an automatic pulse jet cleaning system using short bursts of compressed air.

Is a handheld suction tube included in the package?
No. A handheld suction tube with support wheels and a handle is available as an option.

What is the floor hopper used for?
The floor hopper serves as the central collection point for used abrasive media. The material is swept into the hopper and then automatically extracted.

Can the VAC-5 be retrofitted into an existing blast room?
Yes. The system is particularly well-suited for retrofitting existing stationary blast rooms with a Contracor Z-200 blast pot.

What type of electrical power supply is required?
A three-phase power connection with 3~ 380 to 420 V / 50 Hz is required.

Is compressed air required for the VAC-5?
Yes. A suitable compressed air supply is required for the automatic pulse-jet cleaning of the cartridge filter.

How loud is the VAC-5?
The specified sound pressure level is 72 dB(A). Depending on the installation location and work environment, additional soundproofing measures may be advisable.

Why is abrasive recovery worth it?
Reusing the abrasive media reduces the need for new material, minimizes disposal costs, and shortens the required cleaning time. At the same time, the blasting process becomes more efficient and cost-effective.