VAC-5S Abrasive Recovery System with CS-500 Dust Pre-Separator, Complete Set

Contracor VAC-5S – Abrasive Recovery System with CS-500 Dust Pre-Separator

The Contracor VAC-5S abrasive recovery system with CS-500 dust pre-separator is an electrically powered vacuum recovery system for collecting, cleaning, and reusing used abrasive media. The system was specifically developed for use with mineral abrasives, which typically generate increased amounts of dust and a higher proportion of fine particles that can no longer be used during the blasting process.

The additional, freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator separates reusable abrasive media from dust, fine particles, and unusable material before it reaches the actual filter unit. The processed abrasive media is then conveyed to the storage tank mounted directly on the Contracor Z-200 blast pot and automatically returned to the blasting process.

With a drive power of 5.5 kW, a recovery capacity of up to 3.5 metric tons per hour, and a maximum suction hose length of 10 meters, the VAC-5S is suitable for stationary blast rooms where mineral abrasive media are to be economically recovered and reused.

Your Benefits at a Glance

• ✅ Specifically developed for mineral abrasive media
• ✅ Additional freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator
• ✅ Effective separation of usable and unusable abrasive media
• ✅ Recovery capacity of up to 3.5 metric tons per hour
• ✅ High-performance electric vacuum unit with 5.5 kW
• ✅ Integrated high-performance cartridge filter
• ✅ Automatic pulse jet cleaning of the filter element
• ✅ Automatic refilling of the blast pot
• ✅ Reduced consumption of new abrasive media
• ✅ Reduced dust load within the material cycle
• ✅ Reduction in disposal and cleaning costs
• ✅ Less manual material transport
• ✅ Compact solution for stationary blast rooms
• ✅ Ideal for Contracor Z-200 series blast pots

📦 Package Contents

• Contracor VAC-5S vacuum abrasive recovery system
• Electrically powered vacuum unit with 5.5 kW
• Freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator
• Manual emptying of the dust pre-separator
• Integrated high-performance cartridge filter
• Automatic pulse jet filter cleaning
• Abrasive storage container
• Device for automatic refilling of the blast pot
• Floor hopper with grating
• 3 m abrasion-resistant rubber suction hose
• Suction hose inner diameter 63.5 mm (2½")

Technical Specifications

Dimensions (mm)

Specifically for Mineral Abrasive Media

During blasting, mineral abrasive media often generate a higher proportion of dust, abrasion residue, and broken grains than reusable metallic abrasive media. These fine particles should be separated as reliably as possible from the still-usable abrasive media before reuse.

The VAC-5S was developed specifically for this application. The additional CS-500 dust pre-separator reduces the load on downstream system components and improves the separation of reusable abrasive media from unusable material.

As a result, a clean, processed portion of the material returns to the blast pot, while dust and spent fine particles are removed from the cycle.

Efficient Abrasive Recovery

The used abrasive media is placed into the floor hopper using a broom or shovel. From there, the electric vacuum unit draws the material through the connected rubber suction hose and transports it to the CS-500 dust pre-separator.

The CS-500 performs an initial separation of the material flow. Larger abrasive particles that can still be reused are separated from lighter dust, fine particles, and unusable material. The recovered abrasive media is then conveyed to the recovery unit for further processing and storage.

The cleaned material is fed into the storage hopper, which is mounted directly on or above the Contracor Z-200 blast pot. From there, the abrasive media automatically falls back into the pot and can be reused.

CS-500 Dust Pre-Separator

The freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator is the key feature that distinguishes the VAC-5S from the standard VAC-5 model. It is located in the material flow path upstream of the main filter unit and performs initial coarse separation and dust removal.

The pre-separator removes a large proportion of dust, broken abrasive grains, and light contaminants from the material stream at an early stage. This reduces the dust load on the cartridge filter and helps maintain consistent suction performance.

The material separated in the CS-500 is collected and emptied manually. This allows the quantities of dust and unusable abrasive media removed from the recovery process to be monitored.

• ✅ Pre-separation of dust and fine particles
• ✅ Separation of usable and unusable abrasive media
• ✅ Reduced load on the downstream cartridge filter
• ✅ Improved processing of mineral abrasive media
• ✅ Separate container with manual emptying

Integrated Cartridge Filter with Pulse Jet Cleaning

After pre-separation, the integrated cartridge filter handles fine filtration of the conveyed airflow. The filter area of 7.5 m² and the polyester filter medium enable reliable separation of fine dust particles.

Automatic pulse jet cleaning cleans the filter cartridge using short bursts of compressed air. This dislodges dust particles adhering to the filter surface, helping airflow and suction performance remain as constant as possible.

The upstream CS-500 reduces the amount of dust that reaches the cartridge filter. As a result, the main filter is subjected to less load than in a system without a pre-separator.

Automatic Filling of the Blast Pot

The reusable abrasive media is collected in the integrated storage container after cleaning. This container is mounted directly on the Contracor Z-200 blast pot and enables automatic recirculation of the material.

As soon as the blast pot is ready to be refilled, the cleaned abrasive media falls from the storage container back into the pot. This largely eliminates the need to manually collect, transport, and refill the recycled material.

Automatic filling reduces interruptions in blasting operations and supports a continuous material cycle.

Up to 3.5 Metric Tons of Recovery Capacity per Hour

The VAC-5S achieves a recovery rate of up to 3.5 metric tons per hour. This makes the system suitable for professional stationary blast rooms with a regular volume of mineral abrasive media.

The actual flow rate depends on various operating conditions. These include the type of abrasive, grit size, bulk density, moisture content, dust content, hose length, hose routing, and any differences in elevation.

The complete set comes with a 3-meter-long, abrasion-resistant rubber suction hose with an inner diameter of 63.5 mm. The maximum permissible suction hose length is 10 meters.

Economical Reuse of Abrasive Media

Even with mineral abrasives, some of the material used may still be suitable for further passes after the blasting process. Without appropriate recovery and cleaning technology, this usable portion is often disposed of along with dust and spent material.

The VAC-5S separates the various components of the collected material and returns the reusable portion to the blast pot. This reduces the need for new abrasive media.

At the same time, the amount of manual cleaning required in the blast room, the number of internal material transports, and the amount of abrasive media to be disposed of are reduced.

• ✅ Reduced need for new abrasive media
• ✅ Reuse of suitable portions of mineral abrasive media
• ✅ Reduction in waste volume
• ✅ Less manual cleaning work
• ✅ Automatic return to the blast pot
• ✅ Fewer interruptions in the workflow
• ✅ More cost-effective operation of the blast room

Floor Hopper with Grating

The floor hopper included in the complete set serves as a central collection point for used abrasive media. The material lying on the shop floor is swept or shoveled into the hopper and then drawn in by the vacuum unit.

The integrated grating traps larger foreign objects before they can enter the suction hose. This protects the suction line, pre-separator, and filter unit from coarse contaminants.

This type of material collection is particularly suitable for compact stationary blast rooms in which a full-area automatic return system is not to be installed.

Suitable Abrasive Media

The VAC-5S was specifically developed for the recovery of reusable mineral abrasive media. Depending on the application, grit size, and material condition, this may include certain reusable mineral abrasives or recyclable abrasive mixtures.

The maximum specified grain size is based on G40 steel shot and ranges from approximately 0.30 to 0.80 mm. This specification serves as a technical size reference. Other factors critical to actual suitability include grain shape, bulk density, moisture content, dust content, and flow behavior.

The material must be dry and sufficiently free-flowing. Abrasive media that is very damp, clumped, or mixed with large foreign objects can impair the suction and separation processes.

Optional Handheld Suction Tube

A handheld suction tube with support wheels and a handle is available as an option for flexible collection of abrasive media over larger floor areas. This accessory is supplied with a 10-meter-long PU suction hose.

The handheld suction tube allows targeted cleaning of areas that cannot be reached directly via the stationary floor hopper. The support wheels make it easier to guide the suction tube and reduce physical effort.

The handheld suction tube is not included in the standard scope of delivery for the VAC-5S complete set.

🔧 Applications

• Stationary blast rooms
• Blast rooms using mineral abrasive media
• Steel construction and metal fabrication
• Vessel construction and plant engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Automotive and commercial vehicle manufacturing
• Surface preparation before coating
• Removal of rust, scale, and old coatings
• Processing of large steel structures
• Applications with increased dust generation
• Retrofitting existing Contracor Z-200 blast pots

Operating Requirements

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

The system must be installed on a level and sufficiently load-bearing surface. The system weight of approximately 500 kg must be taken into account when planning the installation site as well as during transport and installation.

Suitable routing must be planned between the floor hopper, CS-500, vacuum unit, and blast pot. In addition, there should be sufficient space for manual emptying of the dust pre-separator, filter maintenance, and access to the system components.

Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance is essential for maintaining consistently high suction, separation, and recovery performance. In particular, the CS-500 dust pre-separator, cartridge filter, pulse jet cleaning system, and suction hoses should be inspected regularly.

The CS-500 collection chamber must be emptied manually depending on dust generation and operating time. If the pre-separator is not emptied in a timely manner, this can impair separation efficiency and place a greater load on downstream filters.

The floor hopper, grating, and material flow paths should also be regularly cleared of foreign objects, deposits, and clumped material.

• Empty the CS-500 dust pre-separator regularly
• Check the separation chamber for deposits
• Check the filter cartridge regularly
• Check the function of the pulse jet cleaning system
• Inspect suction hoses for abrasion and leaks
• Clean the floor hopper and grating
• Keep material flow paths free of foreign objects
• Check the storage tank and automatic filling system
• Have electrical components serviced by qualified personnel

VAC-5 or VAC-5S?

The VAC-5 is a suitable solution for conventional recovery of suitable reusable abrasives. The VAC-5S is particularly recommended for mineral abrasives and applications that generate higher levels of dust, as the additional CS-500 pre-cleans the material flow before it reaches the main filter.

Why the Contracor VAC-5S?

The Contracor VAC-5S is a compact complete solution for blast rooms where mineral abrasive media are to be economically recovered and reused. The combination of an electric vacuum unit, a freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator, cartridge filter, and automatic blast pot refilling forms a coordinated material cycle.

The CS-500 removes a large proportion of dust and unusable fine particles before the main filter unit. This reduces the load on the cartridge filter and improves the quality of the recycled abrasive media.

With a recovery capacity of up to 3.5 metric tons per hour, the system is suitable for professional stationary applications. At the same time, automatic recirculation reduces manual labor and supports more cost-effective blasting operations.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of the VAC-5S?
The VAC-5S collects used abrasive media, separates usable material from dust and unusable components, and automatically returns the cleaned abrasive media to the blast pot.

For which abrasive media was the VAC-5S developed?
The system was specifically developed for reusable mineral abrasive media that can generate increased amounts of dust during blasting.

What distinguishes the VAC-5S from the VAC-5?
The VAC-5S additionally features the freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator. This separates dust, fine particles, and unusable material before it reaches the main filter unit.

What is the function of the CS-500?
The CS-500 serves as a pre-separator. It reduces the dust load on the downstream cartridge filter and improves the separation of reusable and unusable abrasive media.

How do you empty the CS-500?
The dust pre-separator is emptied manually. The emptying intervals depend on the amount of dust, the abrasive media, and the daily operating time.

For which blast pots is the VAC-5S suitable?
The recovery system is designed for Contracor Z-200 series blast pots.

Is the Z-200 blast pot included?
No. The blast pot is not included and must be ordered separately.

What is the recovery capacity?
According to the manufacturer, the maximum recovery capacity is up to 3.5 metric tons per hour.

How long can the suction hose be?
The maximum recommended suction hose length is 10 meters. The complete set includes a 3-meter-long rubber suction hose.

What is the diameter of the included suction hose?
The inner diameter is 63.5 mm or 2½ inches.

Is the suction hose abrasion-resistant?
Yes. The hose included as standard is made of abrasion-resistant rubber and is designed for transporting abrasive media.

What is the maximum grain size that can be processed?
As a technical reference, the manufacturer specifies a maximum grain size of up to G40, or approximately 0.30 to 0.80 mm.

Can every mineral abrasive be reused?
No. Reusability depends on the type of material, grain stability, contamination, and condition after blasting. Disposable abrasives that disintegrate very easily are only suitable for a recovery cycle to a limited extent.

How is the abrasive media collected?
The used material is placed into the floor hopper using a broom or shovel and then extracted by the vacuum unit.

What is the grating used for?
The grating traps larger foreign objects and protects the suction line, dust pre-separator, and filter unit from coarse contaminants.

How is the main filter cleaned?
The filter cartridge is automatically cleaned by short bursts of compressed air using the pulse jet cleaning system.

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

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

What is the drive power?
The electric vacuum unit has a drive power of 5.5 kW.

How loud is the VAC-5S?
The sound pressure level specified by the manufacturer is 72 dB(A).

How heavy is the system?
The specified total weight is approximately 500 kg.

Is a handheld suction tube included?
No. A handheld suction tube with support wheels, a handle, and a 10-meter PU suction hose is available as an option.

Can the VAC-5S be retrofitted into an existing blast room?
Yes. The system is suitable for retrofitting existing stationary blast rooms, provided that a suitable Contracor Z-200 blast pot and the necessary connections are available.

Why is it worth recovering mineral abrasive media?
By separating usable abrasive media, dust, and unusable fine particles, a portion of the material can be reused. This reduces material consumption, waste volume, and the effort required for manual cleaning.