VAC-7S abrasive recovery system with CS-500 pre-separator, complete set

Contracor VAC-7S – Powerful abrasive recovery with CS-500 dust pre-separator

The Contracor VAC-7S abrasive recovery system with CS-500 dust pre-separator is a powerful electrically operated vacuum recovery system for collecting, cleaning and reusing used abrasive. The system was specially developed for mineral abrasives that can generate increased dust and a higher proportion of unusable fines during the blasting process.

The VAC-7S combines a particularly powerful side-channel blower with a freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator, a highly efficient cascade cleaner, an integrated cartridge filter and an automatic blast pot refill system. This means the recovered abrasive is processed in multiple stages before returning to the blasting process.

With a drive power of 7.5 kW, a recovery capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes per hour and a maximum suction hose length of 10 metres, the VAC-7S is ideal for professional stationary blast rooms with increased demands on suction power, dust separation and abrasive cleaning.

Your benefits at a glance

• ✅ Specially developed for reusable mineral abrasives
• ✅ Increased suction and cleaning performance
• ✅ Powerful 7.5 kW side-channel blower
• ✅ Freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator
• ✅ Highly efficient cascade cleaner
• ✅ Multistage separation of abrasive, dust and fines
• ✅ Recovery capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes per hour
• ✅ Integrated high-performance cartridge filter
• ✅ Automatic pulse-jet cleaning of the filter element
• ✅ Automatic blast pot refill
• ✅ Reduced consumption of new abrasive
• ✅ Lower dust levels in the material circuit
• ✅ Reduced disposal and cleaning costs
• ✅ Compact design for stationary blast rooms
• ✅ Ideal for Contracor Z-200 series blast pots

📦Scope of delivery

• Contracor VAC-7S vacuum abrasive recovery system
• Powerful 7.5 kW side-channel blower
• Freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator
• Manual emptying of the dust pre-separator
• Highly efficient cascade cleaner
• Integrated high-performance cartridge filter
• Automatic pulse-jet filter cleaning
• Abrasive storage hopper
• Automatic blast pot refill system
• Floor hopper with grate
• 4 m abrasion-resistant rubber suction hose
• Suction hose inner diameter: 63.5 mm (2½")

Technical Data

Dimensions (mm)

Multi-Stage Abrasive Processing

The VAC-7S processes used abrasive in several coordinated steps. First, the material is collected through the bottom hopper and transported through the suction hose to the freestanding CS-500 pre-separator.

The CS-500 separates coarse dust particles, light contaminants and unusable components from the material stream. The reusable abrasive then passes to the cascade cleaner, which enables further intensive separation of usable abrasive and remaining fines.

The integrated cartridge filter performs fine separation of dust particles contained in the air stream. The cleaned abrasive is then collected in the storage hopper and automatically refilled into the connected blast pot.

Increased Suction and Cleaning Performance

The VAC-7S is equipped with a powerful side-channel blower with 7.5 kW. Compared with the VAC-5S, this gives the system increased suction performance and additional power reserves for demanding recovery tasks.

The more powerful drive supports pneumatic material transport through the suction line and ensures reliable conveyance of used abrasive to the pre-separator and recovery unit.

In combination with the cascade cleaner, the VAC-7S not only delivers increased suction power but also more intensive processing of the recycled abrasive.

CS-500 Pre-Separator

The freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator is designed specifically for applications with increased dust generation. It is positioned upstream of the main filter unit and performs initial separation of dust, fines and unusable components.

Pre-separation significantly reduces the dust load on the downstream cartridge filter. At the same time, it prevents an excessive proportion of spent fine particles from returning to the abrasive circulation system.

The material separated in the CS-500 is collected in a separate area and emptied manually. The required emptying intervals depend on the type of abrasive used, the dust content and the daily operating time.

• ✅ Pre-separation of large amounts of dust
• ✅ Separation of usable and unusable material
• ✅ Reduced load on the cartridge filter
• ✅ Reduction of spent fines in the abrasive circulation system
• ✅ Manually emptied collection area

Highly efficient cascade cleaner

After pre-separation in the CS-500, the recovered abrasive is further processed by a highly efficient cascade cleaner. The material falls in a controlled manner through an airstream that separates lighter components from the heavier, still usable abrasive.

Dust, abrasion, broken grains and other lightweight contaminants are removed from the material stream. The cleaned abrasive then enters the storage hopper.

The intensive cleaning helps ensure a more consistent composition of the returned material. This can contribute to more reproducible blasting results, a more uniform blast pattern and reduced dust generation during subsequent operation.

Integrated cartridge filter with pulse-jet cleaning

The VAC-7S features a high-performance cartridge filter with a filter area of 7.5 m². The polyester filter medium retains fine dust particles from the conveyed airstream.

The automatic pulse-jet cleaning system cleans the filter cartridge using short compressed-air pulses. This loosens adhering dust from the filter surface, helping to keep airflow and suction performance as constant as possible.

The upstream separation in the CS-500 and cleaning in the cascade cleaner reduce the load of coarse dust and material particles on the cartridge filter. Nevertheless, the filter element must be inspected regularly and replaced if necessary.

Automatic refilling of the blast pot

The processed abrasive is collected in the integrated storage hopper. It is mounted directly on or above the Contracor Z-200 blast pot.

As soon as the blast pot can be refilled, the cleaned abrasive automatically flows from the storage hopper back into the pot. This largely eliminates the need to manually collect, transport, and fill the recovered material.

Automatic refilling shortens the necessary interruptions during blasting operations and supports an economical, largely closed material cycle.

Recovery performance of up to 3.5 tonnes per hour

The VAC-7S achieves a recovery performance of up to 3.5 tonnes per hour. This makes the system suitable for professional stationary blast halls with a regular volume of mineral abrasives.

The actual recovery performance depends on the type of abrasive, grain size, bulk density, moisture, dust load, hose length, hose routing, and existing differences in elevation.

The complete set includes a 4-meter-long abrasion-resistant rubber suction hose with an internal diameter of 63.5 mm. The maximum specified suction hose length is 10 meters.

Economical reuse of mineral abrasives

Even with mineral abrasives, a technically usable fraction of the material may remain after the blasting process. Without suitable recovery and cleaning technology, this fraction is often disposed of together with dust and unusable material.

The VAC-7S separates reusable components from spent material and automatically returns the cleaned fraction to the blast pot. This can reduce the need for new abrasive.

At the same time, manual cleaning effort, the necessary internal material transport, and the amount of abrasive requiring disposal are reduced.

• ✅ Reduced consumption of new abrasive
• ✅ Reuse of suitable mineral abrasive fractions
• ✅ Lower disposal volume
• ✅ Less manual cleaning work
• ✅ Automated return to the blast pot
• ✅ Reduced interruptions during blasting operations
• ✅ More intensive processing with the cascade cleaner
• ✅ Relieves the main filter through the CS-500

Floor hopper with grate

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

The integrated grate retains larger foreign objects and prevents them from entering the suction hose and downstream system components.

This protects the suction line, primary dust separator, cascade cleaner and filter unit from coarse contaminants and potential damage.

Suitable abrasives

The VAC-7S was specifically developed for recovering reusable mineral abrasives. Whether a particular material is suitable for multiple blasting cycles depends on grain stability, contamination, moisture content and its condition after the blasting process.

As the maximum size reference, the manufacturer specifies a grit size up to G40, corresponding to approximately 0.30 to 0.80 mm. In addition to particle size, particle shape, bulk density and flow characteristics also affect conveying and separation performance.

The abrasive must be dry and sufficiently free-flowing. Damp, clumped or heavily contaminated materials can reduce recovery performance and cause blockages.

Optional hand-operated suction tube

For flexible collection of abrasive on larger floor areas, an optional hand-operated suction tube with support wheels and a handle is available. The accessory is supplied with a 10-meter PU suction hose.

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

The hand-operated suction tube is not included in the standard scope of delivery of the VAC-7S complete set.

🔧 Areas of application

• Stationary sandblasting halls
• Blast rooms with mineral abrasives
• Applications with increased dust generation
• Structural steelwork and metalworking
• Tank and process equipment construction
• Mechanical engineering
• Vehicle and commercial vehicle manufacturing
• Rail vehicle manufacturing
• Shipyards and marine maintenance
• Surface preparation before coating and painting
• Removal of rust, mill scale and old coatings
• Processing large steel structures
• Retrofitting existing Contracor Z-200 blast pots

Operating requirements

Operation of the VAC-7S requires a suitable three-phase power connection with 3~ 380–420 V / 50 Hz. A suitable compressed air supply is additionally required for the automatic Pulse-Jet cleaning of the cartridge filter.

The system must be installed on a level surface with sufficient load-bearing capacity. The system weight of approximately 480 kg must be taken into account when planning the installation location, as well as during transport and positioning.

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

Maintenance and care

Regular maintenance is essential for consistently high suction, separation and recovery performance. The CS-500 dust pre-separator, cascade cleaner, cartridge filter, Pulse-Jet cleaning system and suction hoses in particular should be inspected regularly.

The collection area of the CS-500 must be emptied manually depending on the amount of dust and operating time. Emptying it too late can impair separation performance and place greater strain on downstream components.

Deposits or foreign objects in the cascade cleaner can impair material separation. The floor hopper, grating and suction lines should therefore also be cleaned and inspected regularly.

• Empty the CS-500 dust pre-separator regularly
• Check the cascade cleaner for deposits
• Inspect the filter cartridge regularly
• Check the function of the Pulse-Jet cleaning system
• Inspect suction hoses for wear and leaks
• Clean the floor hopper and grating
• Keep material paths free of foreign objects
• Check the storage hopper and automatic filling system
• Have electrical components serviced by qualified personnel

VAC-5S or VAC-7S?

The VAC-5S is an economical solution for recovering dusty mineral blasting media. The VAC-7S additionally features a more powerful side-channel blower and a highly efficient cascade cleaner. It is therefore particularly suitable for applications requiring more intensive cleaning of the recycled blasting media in addition to pre-separation of dust.

Why the Contracor VAC-7S?

The Contracor VAC-7S is a powerful complete solution for stationary blast halls where mineral abrasives are to be recovered economically, thoroughly cleaned and automatically reused.

The combination of a 7.5 kW side-channel blower, CS-500 pre-separator, cascade cleaner and cartridge filter enables multistage processing of used abrasive.

This reliably removes dust and unusable fine particles from the material cycle, while technically usable abrasive is automatically returned to the Contracor Z-200 blast pot.

The system reduces the need for manual cleaning and transport, lowers the demand for new abrasive and supports the cost-effective operation of professional blast halls.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of the VAC-7S?
The VAC-7S collects used abrasive, separates reusable material from dust and unusable components, and automatically returns the cleaned abrasive to the blast pot.

Which abrasives was the VAC-7S developed for?
The system was specially developed for reusable mineral abrasives that can generate increased amounts of dust during blasting.

What is the difference between the VAC-7S and the VAC-7?
The VAC-7S also includes the freestanding CS-500 pre-separator. This makes it particularly suitable for mineral and highly dust-generating abrasives.

What is the difference between the VAC-7S and the VAC-5S?
The VAC-7S features a more powerful 7.5 kW side-channel blower and an additional cascade cleaner. This provides increased suction and cleaning performance.

What is the function of the CS-500?
The CS-500 separates dust, fine particles and unusable material before the main filter unit. This relieves the cartridge filter.

How is the CS-500 emptied?
The pre-separator is emptied manually. The required intervals depend on the amount of dust, the type of abrasive and the operating time.

What is the function of the cascade cleaner?
The cascade cleaner uses an airflow to separate remaining light contaminants and fine particles from the heavier, reusable abrasive.

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

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

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

How long can the suction hose be?
The maximum specified suction hose length is 10 metres. The complete set includes a 4-metre rubber suction hose.

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

Is the supplied suction hose abrasion-resistant?
Yes. The suction hose is made of abrasion-resistant rubber and is designed for the pneumatic transport of abrasives.

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 0.30–0.80 mm.

Can every mineral abrasive be reused?
No. Reusability depends on the material type, grain stability, contamination and condition after the blasting process.

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

What is the grate used for?
The grate retains larger foreign objects and protects the suction line and system components from coarse contamination.

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

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

What electrical supply is required?
A three-phase power connection with 3~ 380–420 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-7S?
The sound pressure level specified by the manufacturer is 72 dB(A).

How heavy is the system?
The specified total weight is approximately 480 kg.

Is a manual suction tube included in the scope of delivery?
No. A manually operated suction tube with support wheels, handle and 10-metre PU suction hose is available as an optional accessory.

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

Why is recovering mineral abrasives worthwhile?
By separating reusable abrasive, dust and unusable fines, a suitable proportion of the material can be reused. This reduces abrasive consumption, disposal volumes and cleaning effort.