VAC-7H abrasive recovery system with storage silo, complete set

Contracor VAC-7H – High-performance abrasive recovery with freestanding 0.3 m³ storage silo

The Contracor abrasive recovery system VAC-7H with storage silo is a powerful, electrically operated vacuum recovery system for collecting, conveying, and temporarily storing used abrasive. The system suctions the collected material from the blast area, conveys it to the recovery unit, and collects it in a freestanding storage silo with a volume of 0.3 m³.

Unlike the VAC versions mounted directly on the blast pot, the VAC-7H has a separately positioned storage silo. This allows the recovered abrasive to be collected independently of the blast pot and further processed in a controlled manner when required. Using the manually operated shut-off flap, the material can either be refilled into a blast pot or discharged into a Big Bag for disposal.

With its particularly powerful side-channel blower with 7.5 kW, a recovery capacity of up to 4 tonnes per hour, and a maximum suction distance of 10 metres, the VAC-7H is suitable for professional stationary blasting halls and applications requiring flexible interim storage of recovered material.

Your benefits at a glance

• ✅ High-performance electric abrasive recovery system
• ✅ Freestanding storage silo with a volume of 0.3 m³
• ✅ Flexible interim storage of recovered abrasive
• ✅ Recovery capacity of up to 4 tonnes per hour
• ✅ High-performance side-channel blower with 7.5 kW
• ✅ Integrated high-performance cartridge filter
• ✅ Automatic pulse-jet cleaning of the filter element
• ✅ Manually controlled material discharge via shut-off flap
• ✅ Blast pot can be filled for reuse
• ✅ Can be used as an alternative to filling a Big Bag station
• ✅ Reduced manual transport and cleaning work
• ✅ Reduced consumption of new abrasive
• ✅ Reduced quantity of material requiring disposal
• ✅ Suitable for retrofitting existing blasting systems
• ✅ Flexible positioning independent of the blast pot

📦 Scope of delivery

• Contracor VAC-7H vacuum abrasive recovery system
• High-performance electric side-channel blower with 7.5 kW
• Freestanding abrasive storage silo with a volume of 0.3 m³
• Manual shut-off flap 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
• Internal diameter of suction hose: 63.5 mm (2½")

Technical data

Dimensions (mm)

Freestanding storage silo with a volume of 0.3 m³

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

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

The freestanding design also facilitates the integration of the recovery system into existing blast halls, as the storage silo does not have to be mounted directly on a specific blast pot.

Reuse or disposal

The VAC-7H can be used universally for two different tasks. Abrasive that can still be reused can be dispensed from the storage silo into a blast pot in a controlled manner and fed back into the blasting process.

If the collected material is no longer usable or needs to be removed from the process, the silo can alternatively be used to fill a big bag. This allows the VAC-7H to be used both as a recovery system and as part of an organised disposal concept.

• ✅ Intermediate storage of recovered abrasive
• ✅ Controlled refilling of a blast pot
• ✅ Material can be dispensed to different blast pots
• ✅ Can be used as a big bag filling station
• ✅ Clear separation between recovery and further processing
• ✅ Flexible adaptation to operational procedures

Manual material discharge via shut-off flap

Material is discharged from the 0.3 m³ storage silo via a manually operated shut-off flap. 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 designated discharge point. After opening the shut-off flap, 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 flap enables controlled filling and prevents unintended material discharge.

Powerful side-channel blower

The VAC-7H is equipped with a particularly powerful electric side-channel blower with a drive power of 7.5 kW. It generates the negative pressure required for pneumatic material conveying.

The used abrasive media is conveyed from the floor hopper through the suction hose to the recovery unit and then into the freestanding storage silo. The powerful vacuum generation enables a recovery capacity of up to 4 tonnes per hour.

The achievable performance depends on the type and grit size of the abrasive media, bulk density, degree of contamination, hose routing, and any elevation differences.

Efficient abrasive media recovery

The used abrasive media is placed into the floor hopper included in the scope of delivery using a broom or shovel. From there, the VAC-7H draws the material in through the abrasion-resistant rubber suction hose.

The material flow 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 by the airflow to the cartridge filter.

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

Integrated cartridge filter with pulse-jet cleaning

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

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

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

Recovery capacity of up to 4 tonnes per hour

The VAC-7H achieves a recovery capacity of up to 4 tonnes per hour. This makes the system suitable for professional stationary blasting rooms with regular blasting media accumulation.

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 may vary with other blasting media due to grain shape, specific gravity, moisture, and flow characteristics. Hose length, hose bends, and height differences also affect the actual conveying capacity.

Economical blasting media cycle

Depending on their properties and the blasting process, reusable blasting media can pass through several work cycles. Without recovery, however, usable material is often disposed of together with dust and contaminants.

The VAC-7H collects used blasting media and stores it centrally in the storage silo. From there, the reusable material fraction can be fed to a blast pot in a controlled manner.

This reduces the consumption of new blasting media, the quantity requiring disposal, and the manual effort involved in collecting and transporting material.

• ✅ Lower requirement for new blasting media
• ✅ Central collection of recovered material
• ✅ Flexible decision on reuse or disposal
• ✅ Reduced quantity of material requiring disposal
• ✅ Less manual material handling
• ✅ Less cleaning effort in the blasting room
• ✅ Organized material collection in the 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 retains larger foreign objects before they can enter the suction hose and downstream system components. This protects the suction line, vacuum unit and storage silo from coarse contamination.

This type of material collection makes it possible to retrofit a recovery system without installing a full-surface mechanical or pneumatic floor conveying system.

Suitable abrasive media

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

The actual suitability of abrasive media depends not only on the grain size. Grain shape, bulk density, moisture, degree of contamination and flow properties also affect material transport.

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

Optional hand suction tube

For flexible collection of abrasive media across larger floor areas, a manually guided suction tube with support wheels and a handle is available as an optional accessory. The accessory is supplied with a 10-meter PU suction hose.

The hand 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 it easier to guide the suction tube and reduce the physical effort required when cleaning larger blasting rooms. The hand suction tube is not included as standard with the VAC-7H complete set.

🔧 Applications

• Stationary sandblasting halls
• Industrial blasting rooms
• Central abrasive media collection
• Intermediate storage of recovered abrasive media
• Filling various blast pots
• Big bag filling stations
• Steel and metal construction
• Tank and plant construction
• Mechanical engineering
• Vehicle 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

Operation of the VAC-7H requires a suitable three-phase power connection with 3~ 380–420 V / 50 Hz. 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 and the additional weight of the abrasive stored in the silo must be taken into account when planning the installation location.

Sufficient space must be provided below or in the discharge area of the silo for a blast pot, material hopper or suitable Big Bag station.

The storage silo should also be easily accessible for operation, inspection, cleaning and maintenance. The shut-off flap must be operable safely.

Maintenance and care

Regular maintenance is essential for consistently high recovery capacity. In particular, the filter cartridge, pulse-jet cleaning system, suction hoses, bottom hopper, storage silo and shut-off flap should be checked regularly.

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

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

• Check the filter cartridge regularly
• Check the operation of the pulse-jet cleaning system
• Inspect suction hoses for abrasion and leaks
• Clean the bottom hopper and grate
• Check the storage silo for deposits
• Check the shut-off flap for proper operation and tightness
• Keep material 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 circuit connected directly to a Contracor Z-200 blast pot. The VAC-7H, on the other hand, features a freestanding storage silo and enables more flexible interim storage as well as manual discharge to a blast pot or Big Bag station.

VAC-7H or VAC-7HS?

The VAC-7H is the suitable version for the universal recovery and interim storage of suitable abrasives. For highly dust-generating mineral media, the VAC-7HS is recommended; it is additionally equipped with the CS-500 pre-separator.

Why the Contracor VAC-7H?

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

The freestanding 0.3-m³ storage silo enables independent interim storage of the material. The contents can then be directed as required to a blast pot, material container, or Big-Bag station via the manual shut-off flap.

The powerful 7.5-kW side-channel blower, integrated cartridge filter, and automatic pulse-jet cleaning ensure reliable material conveying and dust separation.

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

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of the VAC-7H?
The VAC-7H extracts used abrasive, transports it to the recovery unit, and collects it in a freestanding storage silo.

How large is the storage silo?
The freestanding supply silo has a volume of 0.3 m³.

What does the H in VAC-7H mean?
The H denotes the version with a freestanding supply or storage silo.

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

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

Can the VAC-7H be used for disposal?
Yes. The collected material can be discharged from the storage silo into a suitable Big-Bag station.

Is a Big-Bag station included in the scope of delivery?
No. A suitable Big-Bag holder or filling station must be provided separately.

Is a blast pot included in the scope of delivery?
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 enables 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 tonnes per hour.

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

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

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

What is the maximum particle size that can be processed?
As a technical reference, the manufacturer specifies angular steel grit up to G40, corresponding to approximately 0.30–0.80 mm.

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

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 have a CS-500 pre-separator?
No. The CS-500 is part of the VAC-7HS version.

How is the dust separated?
Fine dust particles are separated in the integrated cartridge filter with polyester filter media.

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

How much does the system weigh?
The stated system weight is approximately 525 kg. The weight of the stored abrasive media is additional.

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

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

Why is the freestanding storage silo worthwhile?
The silo enables the independent collection and temporary storage of recovered abrasive media. This allows the material to be dispensed for reuse or disposal at a later time in a controlled and flexible manner.