VAC-5S abrasive recovery system with CS-500 pre-separator, complete set

Contracor VAC-5S – blasting media recovery with CS-500 dust pre-separator

The Contracor VAC-5S blasting media recovery system with CS-500 dust pre-separator is an electrically powered vacuum suction system for collecting, cleaning and reusing spent blasting media. The system was specifically developed for use with mineral blasting media, which generally generate increased dust levels and a higher proportion of unusable fines during the blasting process.

The additional freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator separates reusable blasting media from dust, fines and unusable material before the actual filter unit. The processed blasting media is then conveyed into the storage hopper mounted directly on the Contracor Z-200 blast pot and automatically returned to the blasting process.

With a drive power of 5.5 kW, a recovery capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes per hour and a maximum vacuum hose length of 10 metres, the VAC-5S is ideal for stationary blast halls where mineral blasting media is to be recovered economically and reused.

Your benefits at a glance

• ✅ Specifically developed for mineral blasting media
• ✅ Additional freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator
• ✅ Effective separation of reusable and unusable blasting media
• ✅ Recovery capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes per hour
• ✅ Powerful electric vacuum unit with 5.5 kW
• ✅ Integrated high-performance cartridge filter
• ✅ Automatic pulse-jet cleaning of the filter element
• ✅ Automatic blast pot refill
• ✅ Reduced consumption of new blasting media
• ✅ Lower dust levels within the material cycle
• ✅ Reduced disposal and cleaning costs
• ✅ Less manual material handling
• ✅ Compact solution for stationary blast halls
• ✅ Ideal for Contracor Z-200 series blast pots

📦 Scope of delivery

• Contracor VAC-5S vacuum blasting media recovery system
• Electrically powered 5.5 kW vacuum unit
• Freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator
• Manual emptying of the dust pre-separator
• Integrated high-performance cartridge filter
• Automatic pulse-jet filter cleaning
• Blasting media storage hopper
• Automatic blast pot refill system
• Floor hopper with grating
• 3 m abrasion-resistant rubber vacuum hose
• Vacuum hose inner diameter 63.5 mm (2½")

Technical data

Dimensions (mm)

Specifically for mineral abrasives

During blasting, mineral abrasives often generate more dust, wear particles, and broken grains than recyclable metallic abrasives. Wherever possible, these fines should be reliably separated from the still-usable abrasive before reuse.

The VAC-5S was developed specifically for this application. The additional CS-500 dust pre-separator relieves the downstream system components and improves the separation of reusable abrasive from unusable material.

This returns a clean, processed material fraction to the blast pot, while dust and spent fines are removed from the cycle.

Efficient abrasive recovery

The used abrasive is swept or shoveled into the floor hopper. From there, the electric vacuum unit draws the material through the connected rubber suction hose and transports it to the CS-500 dust pre-separator.

The CS-500 performs an initial separation of the material stream. Larger, still usable abrasive particles are separated from lighter dust components, fines, and unusable material. The recovered abrasive is then conveyed to the recovery unit for further processing and storage.

The cleaned material enters the storage hopper, which is mounted directly on or above the Contracor Z-200 blast pot. From there, the abrasive automatically falls back into the pot and can be reused.

CS-500 dust pre-separator

The freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator is the key distinguishing feature of the VAC-5S compared with the standard VAC-5 version. It is located within the material path upstream of the main filter unit and performs an initial coarse and dust separation.

Pre-separation removes a large proportion of dust, broken abrasive particles, and lightweight contaminants from the material stream at an early stage. This reduces the dust load on the cartridge filter and helps maintain consistent suction performance.

The material separated in the CS-500 is collected and emptied manually. This makes it possible to monitor the quantities of dust and unusable abrasive removed from the recovery process.

• ✅ Pre-separation of dust and fine particles
• ✅ Separation of usable and unusable abrasive
• ✅ Reduced load on the downstream cartridge filter
• ✅ Improved processing of mineral abrasives
• ✅ Separate container with manual emptying

Integrated cartridge filter with pulse-jet cleaning

After pre-separation, the integrated cartridge filter performs the fine filtration of the conveyed airflow. The filter area of 7.5 m² and the polyester filter medium enable reliable separation of fine dust particles.

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

The upstream CS-500 reduces the amount of dust reaching the cartridge filter. This puts less strain on the main filter than a system without a pre-separator.

Automatic filling of the blast pot

The reusable abrasive is collected in the integrated storage hopper after cleaning. It is mounted directly on the Contracor Z-200 blast pot and enables the automatic return of the material.

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

Automatic filling reduces interruptions during blasting operations and supports a continuous material cycle.

Up to 3.5 tonnes recovery rate per hour

The VAC-5S achieves a recovery rate of up to 3.5 tonnes per hour. This makes the system suitable for professional stationary blast rooms with a regular volume of mineral abrasives.

The actual throughput depends on various operating conditions. These include, in particular, the type of abrasive, grain size, bulk density, moisture content, dust content, hose length, hose routing and any differences in elevation.

The complete set is supplied with a 3-metre-long abrasion-resistant rubber suction hose with an internal diameter of 63.5 mm. The maximum permissible suction hose length is 10 metres.

Economical reuse of abrasives

Even with mineral abrasives, some of the used material may still be suitable for further blasting cycles. Without suitable recovery and cleaning technology, this usable fraction is often disposed of together with dust and spent material.

The VAC-5S separates the various components of the collected material and returns the reusable fraction to the blast pot. This can reduce the need for new abrasive.

At the same time, manual cleaning requirements in the blast room, the number of internal material transports and the quantity of abrasive requiring disposal are reduced.

• ✅ Lower demand for new abrasive
• ✅ Reuse of suitable mineral abrasive fractions
• ✅ Reduced disposal volume
• ✅ Less manual cleaning work
• ✅ Automatic return transport to the blast pot
• ✅ Fewer interruptions to the workflow
• ✅ More economical blast room operation

Floor hopper with grating

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

The integrated grating retains larger foreign bodies before they can enter the suction hose. This protects the suction line, pre-separator and filter unit from coarse contaminants.

This type of material collection is particularly suitable for compact stationary blast rooms where a fully automated floor recovery system is not to be installed.

Suitable abrasives

The VAC-5S was specially developed for recovering reusable mineral abrasives. Depending on the application, grain size and material condition, these may include certain mineral reusable abrasives or reprocessable abrasive mixtures, for example.

The maximum specified grain size is based on G40 steel shot and is approximately 0.30 to 0.80 mm. This specification serves as a technical size reference. The actual suitability also depends on grain shape, bulk density, moisture content, dust content and flow behavior.

The material must be dry and sufficiently free-flowing. Very damp, lumpy abrasives or abrasives mixed with large foreign bodies can impair the suction and separation process.

Optional hand-held suction tube

For flexible recovery of abrasive from larger floor areas, a hand-operated suction tube with support wheels and a handle is available as an option. The accessory is supplied with a 10-metre PU suction hose.

The hand-held 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 the suction tube and reduce physical effort.

The hand-held suction tube is not included as standard with the VAC-5S complete set.

🔧 Areas of application

• Stationary sandblasting halls
• Blast rooms using mineral abrasives
• Structural steelwork and metal construction
• Tank and equipment construction
• Mechanical engineering
• Vehicle and commercial vehicle manufacturing
• Surface preparation before coating
• Removal of rust, mill scale and old coatings
• Processing large steel structures
• Applications involving high dust generation
• Retrofitting existing Contracor Z-200 blast pots

Operating requirements

Operation of the VAC-5S requires a suitable three-phase power 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 system must be installed on a level surface with sufficient load-bearing capacity. The system weight of approximately 500 kg must be taken into account when planning the installation location, as well as during transport and positioning.

Suitable routing paths must be planned between the floor hopper, CS-500, vacuum unit and blast pot. Sufficient space should also be provided for manually emptying the dust pre-separator, servicing the filter and accessing the system components.

Maintenance and care

Regular maintenance is essential for consistently high suction, separation and recovery performance. The CS-500 dust pre-separator, 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. If the pre-separator is not emptied in good time, this may impair separation efficiency and place greater strain on the downstream filters.

The floor hopper, grating and material paths should also be regularly cleared of foreign objects, deposits and agglomerated material.

• Empty the CS-500 dust pre-separator regularly
• Check the separation area for deposits
• Inspect 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
• Keep material paths free of foreign objects
• Check the storage hopper and automatic filling system
• Have electrical components serviced by qualified personnel

VAC-5 or VAC-5S?

The VAC-5 is the right solution for conventional recovery of suitable reusable abrasives. The VAC-5S is particularly recommended for mineral abrasives and applications with higher dust generation, as the additional CS-500 pre-cleans the material flow before the main filtration stage.

Why the Contracor VAC-5S?

The Contracor VAC-5S is a compact complete solution for blast rooms where mineral abrasives are to be recovered and reused economically. The combination of an electric vacuum unit, freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator, cartridge filter and automatic pot filling creates a coordinated material cycle.

The CS-500 removes a large proportion of dust and unusable fines before they reach the main filter unit. This relieves the cartridge filter and improves the quality of the recovered abrasive.

With a recovery capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes per hour, the system is suitable for professional stationary applications. At the same time, automatic return reduces manual labor and supports more economical blasting operations.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

What is the function of the VAC-5S?
The VAC-5S collects used abrasive, separates usable material from dust and unusable components, and automatically returns the cleaned abrasive to the blast pot.

Which abrasives was the VAC-5S developed for?
The system was developed specifically for reusable mineral abrasives that can generate increased amounts of dust during blasting.

What is the difference between the VAC-5S and the VAC-5?
The VAC-5S also includes the freestanding CS-500 dust pre-separator. It separates dust, fines and unusable material before they reach the main filter unit.

What is the function of the CS-500?
The CS-500 serves as a pre-separator. It reduces the dust load on the downstream cartridge filter and improves the separation of reusable and unusable abrasive.

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

Which blast pots is the VAC-5S suitable for?
The recovery system is designed for Contracor Z-200 series blast pots.

Is the Z-200 blast pot included in the 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 may the suction hose be?
The maximum specified suction hose length is 10 meters. The complete set includes a 3-meter rubber suction hose.

What diameter does the supplied suction hose have?
The internal diameter is 63.5 mm or 2½ inches.

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

What maximum grain size 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 any mineral abrasive be reused?
No. Reusability depends on the material type, grain stability, contamination, and condition after the blasting process. Highly friable disposable abrasives are suitable for a recovery cycle only to a limited extent.

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

What is the grate needed for?
The grate retains larger foreign objects and protects the suction line, pre-separator, and filter unit from coarse contamination.

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

Does the VAC-5S 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 vacuum unit has a drive power of 5.5 kW.

How loud is the VAC-5S?
The manufacturer specifies a sound pressure level of 72 dB(A).

How heavy is the system?
The specified total weight is approximately 500 kg.

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

Can the VAC-5S 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 connections are available.

Why is mineral abrasive recovery worthwhile?
By separating reusable abrasive, dust, and unusable fines, some of the material can be reused. This reduces material consumption, disposal volumes, and the manual cleaning effort.