VAC-7H Abrasive Recovery System with Storage Silo, Complete Set

Contracor VAC-7H – High-Performance Abrasive Recovery System with Freestanding 0.3 m³ Storage Silo

The Contracor VAC-7H abrasive recovery system with storage silo is a high-performance, electrically powered vacuum recovery system for collecting, conveying, and temporarily storing used abrasive media. The system draws the collected material from the blast room, transports it to the recovery unit, and stores it in a freestanding storage silo with a volume of 0.3 m³.

Unlike VAC versions mounted directly on the blast pot, the VAC-7H has a separately installed storage silo. This allows the recovered abrasive media to be collected independently of the blast pot and processed further as required. Via the manually operated shut-off valve, the material can either be refilled into a blast pot for reuse or discharged into a big bag for disposal.

With a powerful 7.5 kW side-channel blower, a recovery capacity of up to 4 metric tons per hour, and a maximum suction distance of 10 meters, the VAC-7H is suitable for professional stationary blast rooms and applications requiring flexible intermediate storage of recovered material.

Your Benefits at a Glance

• ✅ High-performance electric abrasive recovery system
• ✅ Freestanding storage silo with 0.3 m³ volume
• ✅ Flexible intermediate storage of recovered abrasive media
• ✅ Recovery capacity of up to 4 metric tons per hour
• ✅ High-performance 7.5 kW side-channel blower
• ✅ Integrated high-performance cartridge filter
• ✅ Automatic pulse jet cleaning of the filter element
• ✅ Manually controlled material discharge via shut-off valve
• ✅ Blast pot can be refilled for reuse
• ✅ Alternatively suitable for filling a big bag
• ✅ Reduced manual transport and cleaning work
• ✅ Reduced consumption of new abrasive media
• ✅ Reduced volume of material requiring disposal
• ✅ Suitable for retrofitting existing blasting systems
• ✅ Flexible installation independent of the blast pot

📦 Package Contents

• Contracor VAC-7H vacuum abrasive recovery system
• High-performance 7.5 kW electric side-channel blower
• Freestanding abrasive storage silo with 0.3 m³ volume
• Manual shut-off valve for controlled material discharge
• Integrated high-performance cartridge filter
• Automatic pulse jet filter cleaning
• Floor hopper with grating
• 5 m abrasion-resistant rubber suction hose
• Suction hose inner diameter 63.5 mm (2½")

Technical Specifications

Dimensions (mm)

Freestanding Storage Silo with 0.3 m³ Volume

The central feature of the VAC-7H is the freestanding abrasive storage silo with a usable volume of 0.3 m³. Unlike systems with a storage container mounted directly above the blast pot, the recovered material is initially collected independently of the blasting system.

This allows abrasive media to be stored temporarily until enough material is available for refilling or disposal. The operator can decide flexibly when and where the contents of the silo are discharged.

The freestanding design also makes it easier to integrate the recovery system into existing blast rooms because the storage silo does not have to be mounted directly on a particular blast pot.

Reuse or Disposal

The VAC-7H can be used for two different tasks. Abrasive media that remains suitable for use can be discharged from the storage silo in a controlled manner into a blast pot and returned to the blasting process.

If the collected material can no longer be used or is to be removed from the process, the silo can alternatively discharge into a big bag. The VAC-7H can therefore serve both as a recovery system and as part of an organized disposal process.

• ✅ Temporary storage of recovered abrasive media
• ✅ Controlled refilling of a blast pot
• ✅ Material can be discharged to different blast pots
• ✅ Suitable for big bag filling
• ✅ Clear separation between recovery and further processing
• ✅ Flexible integration into operational workflows

Manual Material Discharge via Shut-Off Valve

Material is discharged from the 0.3 m³ storage silo via a manually operated shut-off valve. This allows the operator to control the timing and quantity of material discharge.

For reuse, a suitable blast pot is positioned below or at the intended discharge point. After opening the shut-off valve, the collected material falls by gravity from the silo into the blast pot.

For disposal, a suitable big bag holder can be positioned beneath the discharge point. The manual valve enables controlled filling and prevents unintended material discharge.

High-Performance Side-Channel Blower

The VAC-7H is equipped with a powerful electric side-channel blower with 7.5 kW drive power. It generates the vacuum required for pneumatic material transport.

Used abrasive media is transported from the floor hopper through the suction hose to the recovery unit and then into the freestanding storage silo. The high-performance vacuum system enables a recovery capacity of up to 4 metric tons per hour.

Actual performance depends on abrasive type and grit size, bulk density, contamination level, hose routing, and differences in elevation.

Efficient Abrasive Recovery

Used abrasive media is swept or shoveled into the floor hopper included in the package. From there, the VAC-7H draws the material through the abrasion-resistant rubber suction hose.

The material stream enters the recovery unit, where the conveying air and abrasive media are separated. The heavier abrasive media is collected in the storage silo while fine dust particles are carried with the airflow to the cartridge filter.

The recovered material remains in the silo until it is discharged via the manual shut-off valve for reuse or disposal.

Integrated Cartridge Filter with Pulse Jet Cleaning

The VAC-7H has an integrated high-performance cartridge filter with a filter area of 7.5 m². The polyester filter medium removes fine dust particles from the conveyed airflow.

Automatic pulse jet cleaning uses short bursts of compressed air to clean the filter cartridge. Adhering dust is released from the filter surface so that airflow and suction performance remain as consistent as possible.

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

Up to 4 Metric Tons of Recovery Capacity per Hour

The VAC-7H achieves a recovery capacity of up to 4 metric tons per hour. This makes the system suitable for professional stationary blast rooms with regular abrasive throughput.

The maximum intended suction hose length is 10 meters. The complete set includes a 5-meter abrasion-resistant rubber suction hose with an inner diameter of 63.5 mm.

Performance with other abrasive media may vary depending on particle shape, specific gravity, moisture content, and flow characteristics. Hose length, bends, and differences in elevation also affect actual conveying capacity.

Economical Abrasive Cycle

Reusable abrasive media can pass through several working cycles depending on its characteristics and the blasting process. Without recovery, usable material is often disposed of together with dust and contaminants.

The VAC-7H collects used abrasive media centrally in the storage silo. From there, the portion that remains suitable for use can be discharged into a blast pot in a controlled manner.

This can reduce consumption of new abrasive media, disposal volume, and the manual effort required for collection and material transport.

• ✅ Reduced need for new abrasive media
• ✅ Central collection of recovered material
• ✅ Flexible decision between reuse and disposal
• ✅ Reduced disposal volume
• ✅ Less manual material handling
• ✅ Less cleaning work in the blast room
• ✅ Organized material storage in a freestanding silo

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 before they can enter the suction hose and downstream components. This protects the suction line, vacuum unit, and storage silo from coarse contamination.

This collection method allows a recovery system to be retrofitted without installing a full-area mechanical or pneumatic floor conveyor.

Suitable Abrasive Media

The VAC-7H is intended for suitable reusable abrasive media. As a technical size reference, the manufacturer specifies steel grit up to G40, approximately 0.30 to 0.80 mm.

Actual suitability depends not only on grit size but also on particle shape, bulk density, moisture content, contamination level, and flow characteristics.

The abrasive media should be dry, free-flowing, and suitable for pneumatic recovery. Damp, clumped material or material mixed with large foreign objects can impair suction performance and cause blockages.

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. The accessory is supplied with a 10-meter PU suction hose.

The handheld suction tube enables targeted collection of loose abrasive media in areas that cannot be reached directly via the stationary floor hopper.

The support wheels make the suction tube easier to guide and reduce physical effort when cleaning larger blast rooms. The handheld suction tube is not included in the standard VAC-7H package.

🔧 Applications

• Stationary blast rooms
• Industrial blast rooms
• Central abrasive collection
• Intermediate storage of recovered abrasive media
• Filling different blast pots
• Big bag filling stations
• 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
• Removal of rust, scale, and old coatings
• Retrofitting existing stationary blasting systems

Operating Requirements

A suitable three-phase power connection with 3~ 380 to 420 V / 50 Hz is required to operate the VAC-7H. 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 surface with sufficient load-bearing capacity. The total weight of approximately 525 kg, plus the weight of the abrasive media stored in the silo, must be taken into account when planning the installation site.

Sufficient space must be provided below or around the silo discharge point for a blast pot, material container, or suitable big bag station.

The storage silo should also remain easily accessible for operation, inspection, cleaning, and maintenance. The shut-off valve must be safe to operate.

Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance is essential for sustained recovery performance. In particular, the filter cartridge, pulse jet cleaning system, suction hoses, floor hopper, storage silo, and shut-off valve should be inspected regularly.

Material deposits or foreign objects in the silo can obstruct emptying. The manual shut-off valve must operate smoothly and close reliably to prevent unintended material discharge.

Wear or leaks in the suction hoses reduce the generated vacuum and can significantly impair conveying performance.

• 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
• Check the storage silo for deposits
• Check the shut-off valve for correct operation and leaks
• Keep material flow paths free of foreign objects
• Have electrical components serviced by qualified personnel

VAC-7 or VAC-7H?

The VAC-7 is designed for an automatic material cycle connected directly to a Contracor Z-200 blast pot. The VAC-7H instead uses a freestanding storage silo, allowing more flexible intermediate storage and manual discharge into a blast pot or big bag station.

VAC-7H or VAC-7HS?

The VAC-7H is the suitable version for general recovery and intermediate storage of suitable abrasive media. For mineral abrasive media with increased dust generation, the VAC-7HS adds the CS-500 dust pre-separator.

Why the Contracor VAC-7H?

The Contracor VAC-7H is a flexible complete solution for operators of stationary blast rooms who do not want recovered abrasive media to be returned automatically and immediately to a single blast pot.

The freestanding 0.3 m³ storage silo allows the material to be stored independently. Via the manual shut-off valve, the contents can then be discharged into a blast pot, material container, or big bag station as required.

The powerful 7.5 kW side-channel blower, integrated cartridge filter, and automatic pulse jet cleaning provide reliable pneumatic recovery and dust separation.

With a recovery capacity of up to 4 metric tons per hour, the VAC-7H is suitable for professional blasting operations requiring high performance, flexible material routes, and storage independent of the blast pot.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What does the VAC-7H do?
The VAC-7H collects used abrasive media, conveys it to the recovery unit, and stores it in a freestanding storage silo.

What is the storage silo capacity?
The freestanding storage silo has a volume of 0.3 m³.

What does the H in VAC-7H indicate?
It identifies the version with a freestanding storage silo.

Is the blast pot refilled automatically?
No. Material is discharged manually through the storage silo's shut-off valve.

Can the recovered abrasive media be reused?
Yes. Suitable material can be transferred from the storage silo into a blast pot and used for further blasting operations.

Can the VAC-7H be used for disposal?
Yes. Collected material can be discharged from the storage silo into a suitable big bag station.

Is a big bag station included?
No. A suitable big bag holder or filling station must be provided separately.

Is a blast pot included?
No. A blast pot is not included in the VAC-7H complete set.

Is the VAC-7H only suitable for Contracor Z-200 blast pots?
The freestanding silo generally allows flexible material discharge. However, the technical suitability and safe connection of the intended blast pot must be checked in advance.

What is the recovery capacity?
According to the manufacturer, the maximum recovery capacity is up to 4 metric tons per hour.

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

How much suction hose is included?
The complete set includes 5 meters of abrasion-resistant rubber suction hose.

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

What is the maximum grit size?
As a technical reference, the manufacturer specifies steel grit up to G40, approximately 0.30 to 0.80 mm.

Can any abrasive media be conveyed with the VAC-7H?
No. Suitability depends on particle shape, specific gravity, grit size, moisture content, and flow characteristics. Heavy and spherical media are not intended according to the manufacturer.

Does the VAC-7H have a cascade cleaner?
No. The VAC-7H has a freestanding storage silo but no cascade cleaner.

Does the VAC-7H include a CS-500 dust pre-separator?
No. The CS-500 is included with the VAC-7HS version.

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 cleaned automatically by short bursts of compressed air from the pulse jet cleaning system.

Does the VAC-7H require compressed air?
Yes. A suitable compressed air supply is required for automatic pulse jet cleaning of the cartridge filter.

What electrical 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 side-channel blower has a drive power of 7.5 kW.

How loud is the VAC-7H?
The manufacturer specifies a sound pressure level of 72 dB(A).

How heavy is the system?
The specified system weight is approximately 525 kg. The weight of the abrasive media stored in the silo must be added.

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-7H be retrofitted into an existing blast room?
Yes. The freestanding storage silo makes the system particularly suitable for retrofitting existing blast rooms with individual material routes.

What is the benefit of the freestanding storage silo?
It allows recovered abrasive media to be collected and stored independently so that the material can be discharged later, in a controlled and flexible manner, for reuse or disposal.