VAC-5 abrasive recovery system, complete set

Contracor VAC-5 – Automatic abrasive recovery for cost-effective sandblasting

The Contracor VAC-5 abrasive recovery system is a powerful, electrically powered vacuum recovery system for the automatic return, cleaning and reuse of used abrasives. The system collects the used abrasive, reliably separates dust and fine contaminants, and then feeds the cleaned abrasive directly back into the blast pot.

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

Your benefits at a glance

• ✅ Automatic recovery and reuse of abrasives
• ✅ High recovery capacity of up to 4 tonnes per hour
• ✅ Powerful 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
• ✅ Reduced abrasive consumption
• ✅ Lower disposal and cleaning costs
• ✅ Reduced downtime through automated material return
• ✅ Ideal for retrofitting Contracor Z-200 blast pots

📦 Scope of delivery

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

Technical data

Dimensions (mm)

Efficient abrasive recovery

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

The cleaned abrasive media then enters the storage hopper located above the blast pot. From there, it is automatically fed back into the blast pot and is available for the next blasting operation. This eliminates the need for the operator to manually collect, transport, or fill 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 medium reliably retains fine dust particles and light contaminants from the airflow.

The automatic Pulse-Jet cleaning system cleans the filter cartridge using short compressed-air pulses. Adhering dust is removed from the filter element, maintaining filter performance and reducing the need for manual maintenance. Automatic filter cleaning helps ensure a consistent airflow and reliable suction performance during operation.

Automatic blast pot filling

A key advantage of the VAC-5 is the automatic return of the cleaned abrasive media to the blast pot. The recovered material is initially collected in the integrated storage hopper. As soon as the blast pot can be refilled, the abrasive media are automatically returned to the pot.

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

High recovery capacity

With a recovery capacity of up to 4 tonnes per hour, the VAC-5 is suitable for professional blasting halls and industrial applications with a regular volume of abrasive media. The maximum possible suction hose length is 10 metres.

This also allows the system to be used when the collection area is not located directly next to the recovery unit. The actual recovery performance may vary depending on the type of abrasive media, grain size, hose routing, conveying distance, and level of contamination.

Cost-effective blasting operations

Abrasive media are a significant cost factor during 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 would technically still be suitable for further blasting cycles.

The VAC-5 returns usable abrasive to the process after cleaning. This can significantly reduce the need for new abrasive. At the same time, the effort required for manual hall cleaning, internal material handling, and disposal of spent abrasive is reduced.

• ✅ Lower consumption of new abrasive
• ✅ Reduced disposal volume
• ✅ Less manual cleaning work
• ✅ Automated return to the blast pot
• ✅ Shorter interruptions between blasting operations
• ✅ Better use of reusable abrasives

Compact solution for stationary blast halls

The VAC-5 combines vacuum generation, abrasive separation, filtration, and a storage hopper in one 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 halls or retrofit existing Contracor Z-200 blast pots. Its modular design allows the recovery technology to 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. The material is swept into the hopper or collected directly in the work area and then automatically extracted.

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

Suitable abrasives

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

However, the suitability of an abrasive does not depend solely on grain size. Bulk density, grain shape, moisture, degree of contamination, and flowability also affect conveying and separation performance. Moist, clumped, or heavily contaminated materials may impair recovery performance and should be checked before use.

🔧 Applications

• Stationary sandblasting halls
• Industrial blast rooms
• Steel and metal construction
• Tank and plant construction
• Mechanical engineering
• Vehicle and commercial vehicle manufacturing
• Surface preparation before coating and painting
• Rust removal and removal of old coatings
• Processing large steel components
• Retrofitting existing Contracor Z-200 blast pots

Operating requirements

Operating the VAC-5 requires a suitable electrical connection with 3~ 380–420 V / 50 Hz. A suitable compressed-air supply is also required for the automatic pulse-jet cleaning of the cartridge filter.

The recovery system should be installed on a load-bearing, level surface and according to the manufacturer's specifications. When planning, consider 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

For consistently reliable recovery performance, the filter element, suction lines, floor hopper, and abrasive container should be checked regularly. Wear, material deposits, or foreign objects can reduce suction performance and impair material flow.

Particular 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 the dust load and operating time, and replaced if necessary.

• Inspect the filter cartridge regularly
• Check the operation of the pulse-jet cleaning system
• Inspect suction hoses for wear and leaks
• Remove larger foreign objects from the floor hopper
• Check the abrasive container and material paths
• Have the electrical components inspected in accordance with the maintenance schedule

Why the Contracor VAC-5?

The Contracor VAC-5 is a compact, high-performance solution for operators of stationary blast halls who want to use reusable abrasives more economically. The combination of high recovery capacity, integrated dust separation, automatic filter cleaning, and automatic refilling of the blast pot reduces manual workload and improves material utilization.

Especially when combined with a Contracor Z-200 blast pot, it creates a coordinated system for professional blasting work. With a recovery capacity of up to 4 tonnes 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 purpose of the VAC-5?
The system collects used abrasive, separates dust and light contaminants, and automatically returns the cleaned abrasive to the blast pot.

Which blast pots is the VAC-5 suitable for?
The recovery system was developed for operation 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 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 capacity is up to 4 tonnes per hour. The actual achievable figure depends, among other things, on the type of abrasive, hose routing, and level of contamination.

What is the maximum permissible suction hose length?
The maximum specified suction hose length is 10 metres.

Which abrasives can be used?
The system is suitable for reusable abrasives. According to the manufacturer, steel shot can be processed up to G40 grit, or 0.30–0.80 mm.

Can disposable abrasives also be recovered?
In principle, the system can collect and clean material. However, the economic benefit of recovery is primarily achieved with reusable abrasives. Disposable abrasives often break down more quickly and produce a higher proportion of fines.

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

How is the filter cleaned?
The filter cartridge is cleaned by automatic pulse-jet cleaning with short bursts of compressed air.

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

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

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

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

Does the VAC-5 require compressed air?
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 working environment, additional noise protection measures may be advisable.

Why is abrasive recovery worthwhile?
Reusing the abrasive reduces the need for new material, disposal effort, and the required cleaning time. At the same time, the blasting process becomes more efficient and economical.