VAC-7 Abrasive Recovery System, Complete Set

Contracor VAC-7 – High-Performance Abrasive Recovery System with Cascade Cleaner

The Contracor VAC-7 abrasive recovery system is a high-performance, electrically powered vacuum recovery system for the automatic collection, cleaning, and reuse of used abrasive media. The system transports the collected abrasive media to the recovery unit, separates dust, fine particles, and light contaminants, and then automatically returns the cleaned material to the blast pot.

Compared with the Contracor VAC-5, the VAC-7 features a more powerful side-channel blower and a highly efficient cascade cleaner. This provides increased suction and cleaning performance and makes the system particularly suitable for professional stationary blast rooms with regular abrasive throughput.

With a recovery capacity of up to 4 metric tons per hour, a maximum suction hose length of 10 meters, and automatic refilling of a Contracor Z-200 blast pot, the VAC-7 supports an economical, largely closed-loop abrasive cycle.

Your Benefits at a Glance

• ✅ Automatic recovery and reuse of suitable abrasive media
• ✅ Increased suction and cleaning performance compared with the VAC-5
• ✅ High-performance 7.5 kW side-channel blower
• ✅ Recovery capacity of up to 4 metric tons per hour
• ✅ Highly efficient cascade cleaner for abrasive reconditioning
• ✅ Integrated high-performance cartridge filter
• ✅ Automatic pulse jet cleaning of the filter element
• ✅ Automatic refilling of the blast pot
• ✅ Compact stationary design
• ✅ Reduced consumption of new abrasive media
• ✅ Lower disposal and cleaning costs
• ✅ Fewer manual material-handling steps
• ✅ Ideal for Contracor Z-200 series blast pots

📦 Package Contents

• Contracor VAC-7 vacuum abrasive recovery system
• High-performance electric side-channel blower
• Integrated high-performance cartridge filter
• Automatic pulse jet filter cleaning
• Abrasive storage container
• Integrated cascade cleaner
• Device for automatic refilling of the blast pot
• Floor hopper with grating
• 3 m rubber suction hose

Technical Specifications

Dimensions (mm)

Increased Suction and Cleaning Performance

The VAC-7 was developed for applications that require reliable abrasive recovery combined with particularly intensive cleaning of the recovered material. The powerful side-channel blower generates the vacuum required for material transport and provides high suction performance within the intended conveying distance.

Compared with the VAC-5, the VAC-7 offers increased suction and cleaning performance. The integrated cascade cleaner supports particularly effective separation of reusable abrasive media from dust, fine particles, and lighter contaminants.

This allows better-conditioned abrasive media to return to the blast pot, supporting a more consistent blasting process and reducing the proportion of unusable fines in the abrasive cycle.

Efficient Abrasive Recovery

The used abrasive media is placed manually into the floor hopper included in the package using a broom or shovel. From there, the VAC-7 transports the material through the suction hose to the recovery unit using the generated vacuum.

Inside the system, the collected material is cleaned and separated into different fractions. Reusable abrasive media enters the storage container, while dust, fine particles, and light contaminants are removed from the material stream.

After processing, the cleaned abrasive media is automatically returned to the connected blast pot. The operator therefore does not need to transport, screen, or refill the material manually.

Highly Efficient Cascade Cleaner

The integrated cascade cleaner is a key feature of the VAC-7. The recovered abrasive media passes through a controlled airflow within the cleaner. Lighter components such as dust, abrasion residue, and spent fine particles are separated from the heavier, reusable abrasive media.

Cleaning the abrasive media is important for a consistent blasting process. Excessive dust or fine-particle content can impair blasting performance, increase wear, and cause greater dust generation inside the blast room.

The intensive conditioning provided by the cascade cleaner supports more consistent quality of the recovered abrasive media and therefore helps create the conditions for reproducible blasting results.

Integrated Cartridge Filter with Pulse Jet Cleaning

The VAC-7 features a high-performance cartridge filter with a filter area of 7.5 m². The polyester filter medium removes fine dust particles and light contaminants from the airflow.

The filter cartridge is automatically cleaned by a pulse jet cleaning system. Short bursts of compressed air dislodge dust adhering to the filter surface. This supports consistent airflow and helps maintain suction performance during longer operating periods.

Automatic cleaning reduces manual maintenance. Nevertheless, the filter element must be checked regularly and replaced when necessary, depending on dust load, operating time, and filter condition.

Automatic Refilling of the Blast Pot

The cleaned abrasive media is first collected in the integrated storage container positioned directly on or above the connected Contracor Z-200 blast pot.

As soon as operating conditions permit refilling, the processed abrasive media automatically flows from the storage container back into the blast pot. Recovery and refilling are therefore integrated into the blasting system workflow.

Automatic refilling reduces downtime and facilitates continuous use of reusable abrasive media while reducing the physical effort required for manual collection and filling.

Up to 4 Metric Tons of Recovery Capacity per Hour

With a recovery capacity of up to 4 metric tons per hour, the VAC-7 is suitable for professional blast rooms and industrial applications with regular abrasive throughput.

The actual conveying rate depends on several factors, including abrasive type, grit size, bulk density, moisture content, contamination, hose length, hose routing, and any differences in elevation.

For steel grit up to approximately 0.8 mm, the standard 3-meter suction hose is designed for the stated application. Depending on the abrasive used, the hose length can be adapted. The maximum intended length is 10 meters.

Economical Abrasive Cycle

Reusable abrasive media can pass through multiple blasting cycles depending on the material and application. Without a recovery system, however, usable material is often disposed of together with dust and contaminants.

The VAC-7 returns used abrasive media in a controlled process, cleans it, and makes the reusable fraction available again for blasting. This can significantly reduce the need for new abrasive media.

At the same time, manual cleaning work in the blast room, internal material handling, and the volume of material requiring disposal are reduced. In regular blasting operations, this can provide a substantial economic benefit.

• ✅ Reduced consumption of new abrasive media
• ✅ Reuse of technically usable abrasive fractions
• ✅ Reduced disposal volume
• ✅ Less manual cleaning and material handling
• ✅ Automatic refilling of the blast pot
• ✅ Reduced operational interruptions
• ✅ Improved abrasive conditioning through cascade cleaning

Compact Solution for Stationary Blast Rooms

The VAC-7 combines vacuum generation, material transport, abrasive cleaning, dust filtration, and a storage container in a compact stationary unit. This enables the system to be used even in blast rooms where space is limited.

The system is suitable both for equipping new blast rooms and for retrofitting existing Contracor blasting systems. Combined with a Z-200 blast pot, it forms a coordinated system for recovering, conditioning, and reusing abrasive media.

Floor Hopper with Grating

The floor hopper included in the complete set serves as the central collection point for used abrasive media. Material lying on the floor is swept or shoveled into the hopper and then automatically extracted.

The integrated grating traps larger foreign objects and protects the suction line and downstream components from coarse contaminants. This reduces the risk of blockages and damage within the system.

The floor hopper allows the recovery system to be integrated into a stationary blast-room workflow without requiring a fully automatic floor conveyor system.

Suitable Abrasive Media

The VAC-7 is intended for recovering suitable reusable abrasive media. According to the manufacturer, steel grit up to G40, approximately 0.30 to 0.80 mm, can be processed.

Heavy or spherical abrasive media, such as stainless steel shot, are not intended for this system. In addition to grit size, suitability also depends on bulk density, particle shape, moisture content, and flow characteristics.

Damp, clumped, or heavily contaminated material can impair suction performance and material separation. The abrasive media should therefore be dry, free-flowing, and suitable for pneumatic recovery.

Optional Handheld Suction Tube

A handheld suction tube with support wheels and a handle is available as an option for collecting abrasive media manually from larger floor areas. The suction tube is connected to the suction line and enables targeted pickup of loose material directly from the shop floor.

The support wheels make the suction tube easier to guide and reduce physical effort when cleaning larger work areas. The handheld suction tube is not included in the standard package.

🔧 Applications

• Stationary blast rooms
• Industrial blast rooms
• Steel construction and metal fabrication
• Vessel and plant construction
• Mechanical engineering
• Automotive and commercial vehicle manufacturing
• Rail vehicle manufacturing
• Shipyards and maritime maintenance
• Surface preparation before coating and painting
• Rust removal and removal of old coatings
• Processing of large steel structures
• 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-7. Automatic pulse jet cleaning of the cartridge filter also requires a suitable compressed air supply.

The system must be installed on a level, load-bearing surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. The system weight of approximately 440 kg must be considered when planning the installation site and internal transport.

Suitable routing must be provided between the VAC-7, floor hopper, and blast pot. Sufficient space should also be available for operation, filter inspection, maintenance, and material discharge.

Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance is essential for sustained recovery and cleaning performance. In particular, the filter cartridge, pulse jet system, suction hoses, floor hopper, and cascade cleaner should be inspected at defined intervals.

Wear or leaks in the suction hoses can reduce suction performance. Deposits, foreign objects, or clumped abrasive media can obstruct material flow and should be removed promptly.

• Check the filter cartridge regularly
• Check the function of the pulse jet cleaning system
• Check the cascade cleaner for deposits and wear
• Inspect suction hoses for leaks and abrasive wear
• Clean the floor hopper and grating regularly
• Remove foreign objects from material flow paths
• Check the storage container and automatic filling system
• Have electrical components inspected by qualified personnel

VAC-5 or VAC-7?

The VAC-5 is an economical solution for conventional recovery in stationary blast rooms. The VAC-7 is recommended where higher suction performance and more intensive conditioning of the recovered abrasive media are required.

Why the Contracor VAC-7?

The Contracor VAC-7 is a powerful complete solution for operators of stationary blast rooms who want to automatically collect, intensively clean, and return reusable abrasive media to the blasting process.

The 7.5 kW side-channel blower, highly efficient cascade cleaner, integrated cartridge filter, and automatic blast pot refilling form a coordinated recovery system for professional use.

Particularly in regular blasting operations, the VAC-7 can significantly reduce the consumption of new abrasive media, manual cleaning effort, and the amount of material requiring disposal. At the same time, intensive cleaning supports more consistent quality of the abrasive media circulating in the system.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of the VAC-7?
The system collects used abrasive media, separates reusable material from dust and contaminants, and automatically returns the cleaned abrasive media to the connected blast pot.

What is the difference between the VAC-7 and the VAC-5?
The VAC-7 features a more powerful 7.5 kW side-channel blower and a highly efficient cascade cleaner. It therefore provides higher suction and cleaning performance than the VAC-5.

For which blast pots is the VAC-7 suitable?
The recovery system is designed for Contracor Z-200 series blast pots.

Is the blast pot included?
No. The Contracor Z-200 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 4 metric tons per hour.

Why does the VAC-7 have the same rated recovery capacity as the VAC-5 despite its more powerful motor?
The more powerful VAC-7 drive primarily provides increased suction and cleaning performance. Both systems are rated at a nominal maximum recovery capacity of up to 4 metric tons per hour.

What is the maximum suction hose length?
The maximum intended suction hose length is 10 meters. The standard hose length is 3 meters.

Which abrasive media can be used?
The system is designed for suitable reusable abrasive media. Steel grit can be processed up to G40, approximately 0.30 to 0.80 mm.

Can stainless steel shot be used?
No. According to the manufacturer, heavy and spherical abrasive media such as stainless steel shot are not suitable for the VAC system.

What does the cascade cleaner do?
The cascade cleaner uses a controlled airflow to separate reusable abrasive media from dust, spent fine particles, and lighter contaminants.

How is dust separated?
Fine dust particles are captured by the integrated cartridge filter with polyester filter medium.

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

Is compressed air required for the VAC-7?
Yes. A suitable compressed air supply is required for automatic pulse jet filter cleaning.

How is the abrasive media collected?
The used abrasive media is swept or shoveled into the floor hopper and automatically extracted from there.

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

Can the VAC-7 be retrofitted into an existing blast room?
Yes. The system is suitable for retrofitting stationary blast rooms, provided that a suitable Contracor Z-200 blast pot and the necessary utility connections are available.

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

What is the motor power?
The electric side-channel blower has a drive power of 7.5 kW.

How loud is the VAC-7?
The sound pressure level specified by the manufacturer is 72 dB(A).

How much does the VAC-7 weigh?
The specified system weight is approximately 440 kg.

Why is abrasive recovery worthwhile?
Reusing suitable abrasive media can reduce material consumption, disposal volume, and manual cleaning effort. At the same time, the cleaned abrasive media becomes available more quickly for the next blasting operation.