VACU-impact line
Mobile vacuum blasting in a closed circuit
Vacuum blasting in a closed circuit is blasting in which the blast head projects the abrasive and extracts it at the same time. With the Phibo VACU-impact line, in five sizes from 9 to 48 litres, you work without masking and leave the floor clean.
- Five sizes, from 9 to 48 litres of abrasive
- Hose runs up to 60 metres on the pneumatic Pro version
- Blasting pressure from 1.5 bar, up to 8 bar on the Pro versions
- Runs on your own compressed air, from 480 to 10,000 litres per minute
How it works
Two ways of moving the abrasive around
Vacuum blasting is blasting in which the blast head projects the abrasive and extracts it at the same time, so that the abrasive and the removed contamination stay inside the machine. A sealing brush around the blast head follows the surface, and the extracted air flow is larger than the flow leaving the nozzle. The abrasive passes through a separator, where the reusable part is separated from dust and dirt.
1 Filter · 2 Hopper · 3 Blast head · 4 Your workpiece
Suction system
The abrasive is drawn from an open hopper to the blasting gun. That is how the VS9, the VS17 and the VS28 work. This is the light version, for local work and smaller surfaces.
1 Filter · 2 Hopper · 3 Blast head · 4 Your workpiece
Pressure system
A pressure pot pushes the abrasive towards the blast head, which gives far more output. That is how the VP24 and the VP48 work, each also in a stronger Pro version. With a double chamber you blast without stopping.
Compressed air and abrasive to the blast headAbrasive, dust and dirt back to the machine
References
They rely on Phibo for surface treatment
Why dust-free
The work that disappears with vacuum blasting
Masking, sweeping and the disposal of contaminated abrasive all disappear. Which personal protective equipment remains necessary depends on your coating and your workplace; we go through that with you at enquiry.
No masking needed
You do not have to cordon off the area or cover the surroundings. Colleagues keep working right next to you.
No production downtime
In chemical and petrochemical plants a zone is cleaned without stopping production or dismantling the installation.
No clean-up afterwards
The abrasive never reaches the floor. There is no sweeping and no disposal cost for contaminated abrasive.
Lower consumption
The abrasive is cleaned on the way and used again. Only the worn part and the dirt end up in the dust bag.
Less heavy protective equipment
Because the abrasive and the dust stay inside the machine, far less is released than in open blasting. What you wear follows from your own risk assessment.
At height
On the pneumatic Pro version the hose runs 45 to 60 metres, and 40 metres and more vertically. The machine stays at ground level while the operator works above.
Where it is used
From a single weld to an entire tank
The same technique covers very different jobs. What changes is the blast head, the brush and the abrasive.
The models
Five sizes, from local work to continuous blasting
Three things decide the choice. How large is the surface? How hard does the rust or the coating sit? How much compressed air do you have on site?
The VS machines work with an injector and stay light enough to carry up a staircase. The VP machines work with a pressure pot and reach a far higher output: up to 9 square metres of rusted steel per hour. The Pro version goes up to 8 bar. Its stronger vacuum system also handles steel grit and stainless grit.
- Electro-pneumatic or pneumatic, depending on the power available on site
- Blast width from 15 mm on the VS9 to 75 mm on the VP machines
- Pressure set precisely from 1.5 bar upwards for delicate work
- Together the VACU-impact line: VS for suction, VP for pressure
- Single or double pressure chamber on the VP machines
- Up to two blast heads at once with the VP24 Duo
At a glance: which size suits which work
| Abrasive | Your compressed air | Rusted steel | Weld in stainless | Hose | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VS9 | 9 litres | 480 l/min | spot blasting | 20 to 40 m/h | 5 m |
| VS17 | 17 litres | 1,000 to 2,300 l/min | 0.5 to 1.0 m²/h | 20 to 40 m/h | 5 m |
| VS28 | 28 litres | 1,600 to 3,500 l/min | 1.2 to 1.5 m²/h | 40 to 50 m/h | 5 m (8 m) |
| VP24 | 24 litres | 1,000 to 10,000 l/min | 4 to 9 m²/h | 60 to 120 m/h | 10 to 60 m |
| VP48 | 48 litres | 1,000 to 10,000 l/min | 4 to 9 m²/h | 60 to 70 m/h | 10 to 60 m |
Swipe the table to the left to see all columns.
The outputs apply to corundum on rusted steel, up to SA 2.5-3. They differ per version and per abrasive; the longest blasting hose goes with the pneumatic machines.
Suction blasting, VS9 to VS28: full specifications
| VS9 | VS17 | VS17 Pn | VS28 | VS28 Pn | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions l x d x h | 41 x 53 x 93 cm | 41 x 53 x 114 cm | 41 x 53 x 132 cm | 53 x 61 x 132 cm | 51 x 61 x 140 cm |
| Empty weight | 25 kg | 34 kg | 34 kg | 70 kg | 68 kg |
| Abrasive in the hopper | 9 litres | 17 litres | 17 litres | 28 litres | 28 litres |
| Largest grain | 1 mm | 1 mm | 1 mm | 1.2 mm | 1.2 mm |
| Air consumption | 480 l/min | 1,000 l/min | 2,300 l/min | 1,600 l/min | 3,500 l/min |
| Electrical power | 1,000 W | 2,000 W | none | 3,300 W | none |
| Supply voltage | 220/240 V | 220/240 V | none | 400 V | none |
| Length of the power cable | 5 m | 5 m | none | 5 m | none |
| Maximum blasting pressure | 6 bar | 7 bar | 7 bar | 7 bar | 7 bar |
| Effective blast width | 15 to 17 mm | 20 to 22 mm | 20 to 22 mm | 28 to 32 mm | 28 to 32 mm |
| Corundum consumption | 3 to 5 kg/h | 4 to 6 kg/h | 4 to 6 kg/h | 6 to 8 kg/h | 6 to 8 kg/h |
| Glass bead consumption | 4 to 6 kg/h | 5 to 7 kg/h | 5 to 7 kg/h | 8 to 10 kg/h | 8 to 10 kg/h |
| Maximum hose length | 5 m | 5 m | 5 m | 5 m (8 m) | 5 m (8 m) |
| Filter surface | 1 x 1.5 m² | 1 x 1.5 m² | 1 x 1.5 m² | 1 x 2.0 m² | 1 x 2.0 m² |
| Filter material | PES 5 | PES 5 | PES 5 | PES 5 | PES 5 |
| Automatic filter cleaning | not available | option | option | option | option |
| Rusted steel with corundum | spot blasting | 0.5 to 1.0 m²/h | 0.5 to 1.0 m²/h | 1.2 to 1.5 m²/h | 1.2 to 1.5 m²/h |
| Welds in stainless steel | 20 to 40 m/h | 20 to 40 m/h | 20 to 40 m/h | 40 to 50 m/h | 40 to 50 m/h |
| Natural stone, light deposit | spot blasting | spot blasting | spot blasting | 1.5 to 2 m²/h | 1.5 to 2 m²/h |
| Removing coatings | spot blasting | spot blasting | spot blasting | 0.5 to 2 m²/h | 0.5 to 2 m²/h |
Swipe the table to the left to see all columns.
The number in the name is the abrasive capacity in litres. Pn is the fully pneumatic version; without that addition the machine is electro-pneumatic. The last four rows give the average output per application. Spot blasting means the machine is meant for local work, not for large surfaces.
Single chamber, VP24 and VP24 Pro: full specifications
| VP24 | VP24 Pn | VP24 Pro | VP24 Pro Pn | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions l x w x h | 157 x 75 x 166 cm (186 cm) | 157 x 75 x 166 cm (186 cm) | 157 x 75 x 166 cm (186 cm) | 157 x 75 x 166 cm (186 cm) |
| Empty weight | 535 kg | 500 kg | 565 kg | 500 kg |
| Abrasive in the pot | 24 litres | 24 litres | 24 litres | 24 litres |
| Largest grain | 1.5 mm | 1.5 mm | 1.5 mm | 1.5 mm |
| Vacuum control | not applicable | standard | not applicable | standard |
| Air consumption | 1,000 to 3,500 l/min | 3,500 to 7,000 l/min | 3,500 to 5,000 l/min | 3,500 to 10,000 l/min |
| Electrical power | 4,000 W at 400 V | none | 9,200 W at 400 V | none |
| Blasting pressure | 1.5 to 5.5 bar | 1.5 to 5.5 bar | 1.5 to 8 bar | 1.5 to 8 bar |
| Effective blast width | 50 mm or 75 mm | 50 mm or 75 mm | 50 mm or 75 mm | 50 mm or 75 mm |
| Corundum consumption | 20 to 25 kg/h | 20 to 25 kg/h | 20 to 25 kg/h | 20 to 25 kg/h |
| Steel grit consumption | 1.6 to 2 kg/h | 1.6 to 2 kg/h | 1.6 to 2 kg/h | 1.6 to 2 kg/h |
| Glass bead consumption | 25 to 30 kg/h | 25 to 30 kg/h | 25 to 30 kg/h | 25 to 30 kg/h |
| Hose length with corundum | 10 m | 30 m | 15 m | 45 to 60 m |
| Hose length with steel grit | 10 m | 30 m | 15 m | 40 m |
| Filter surface | 2 x 10 m² | 2 x 10 m² | 2 x 10 m² | 2 x 10 m² |
| Filter material | polyester (BIA) | polyester (BIA) | polyester (BIA) | polyester (BIA) |
| Filter cleaning | manual, by back flush | manual, by back flush | manual, by back flush | manual, by back flush |
| Dust removal | dust bag via butterfly valve | dust bag via butterfly valve | dust bag via butterfly valve | dust bag via butterfly valve |
| Lifting and handling | short fork pockets, lifting eyes in the frame | short fork pockets, lifting eyes in the frame | short and long fork pockets, lifting eyes in the frame | short and long fork pockets, lifting eyes in the frame |
| Option | digital hour counter | digital hour counter | digital hour counter | digital hour counter |
| Rusted steel and mill scale | 4 to 6 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) | 4 to 6 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) | 6 to 9 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) | 6 to 9 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) |
| Heavily rusted steel | 2 to 5 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) | 2 to 5 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) | 3 to 6 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) | 3 to 6 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) |
| Welds in stainless steel | 60 to 70 m/h | 60 to 70 m/h | 60 to 70 m/h | 90 to 120 m/h |
| Natural stone, light deposit | 8 to 18 m²/h | 8 to 18 m²/h | 8 to 18 m²/h | 8 to 18 m²/h |
| Removing coatings | 4 to 10 m²/h | 4 to 10 m²/h | 4 to 12 m²/h | 4 to 12 m²/h |
Swipe the table to the left to see all columns.
Pro is the stronger version: higher blasting pressure, longer hose and more output. Pn is fully pneumatic. The blast width depends on the nozzle: 50 mm with the small one, 75 mm with the large one. Air consumption rises with the blasting pressure and with the setting of the vacuum control.
Double chamber, VP48 and VP48 Pro: full specifications
| VP48 | VP48 Pn | VP48 Pro | VP48 Pro Pn | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions l x w x h | 157 x 75 x 166 cm (186 cm) | 157 x 75 x 166 cm (186 cm) | 157 x 75 x 166 cm (186 cm) | 157 x 75 x 166 cm (186 cm) |
| Empty weight | 560 kg | 525 kg | 590 kg | 525 kg |
| Abrasive in the pot | 48 litres | 48 litres | 48 litres | 48 litres |
| Largest grain | 1.5 mm | 1.5 mm | 1.5 mm | 1.5 mm |
| Vacuum control | not applicable | standard | not applicable | standard |
| Air consumption | 1,000 to 3,500 l/min | 3,500 to 7,000 l/min | 3,500 to 5,000 l/min | 3,500 to 10,000 l/min |
| Electrical power | 4,000 W at 400 V | none | 9,200 W at 400 V | none |
| Blasting pressure | 1.5 to 6 bar | 1.5 to 6 bar | 1.5 to 8 bar | 1.5 to 8 bar |
| Effective blast width | 50 mm or 75 mm | 50 mm or 75 mm | 50 mm or 75 mm | 50 mm or 75 mm |
| Corundum consumption | 20 to 25 kg/h | 20 to 25 kg/h | 20 to 25 kg/h | 20 to 25 kg/h |
| Steel grit consumption | 1.6 to 2 kg/h | 1.6 to 2 kg/h | 1.6 to 2 kg/h | 1.6 to 2 kg/h |
| Glass bead consumption | 25 to 30 kg/h | 25 to 30 kg/h | 25 to 30 kg/h | 25 to 30 kg/h |
| Hose length with corundum | 10 m | 30 m | 15 m | 45 to 60 m |
| Hose length with steel grit | 10 m | 30 m | 15 m | 40 m |
| Filter surface | 2 x 10 m² | 2 x 10 m² | 2 x 10 m² | 2 x 10 m² |
| Filter material | polyester (BIA) | polyester (BIA) | polyester (BIA) | polyester (BIA) |
| Filter cleaning | manual, by back flush | manual, by back flush | manual, by back flush | manual, by back flush |
| Dust removal | dust bag via butterfly valve | dust bag via butterfly valve | dust bag via butterfly valve | dust bag via butterfly valve |
| Lifting and handling | short fork pockets, lifting eyes in the frame | short fork pockets, lifting eyes in the frame | short and long fork pockets, lifting eyes in the frame | short and long fork pockets, lifting eyes in the frame |
| Option | digital hour counter | digital hour counter | digital hour counter | digital hour counter |
| Rusted steel and mill scale | 4 to 6 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) | 4 to 6 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) | 6 to 9 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) | 6 to 9 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) |
| Heavily rusted steel | 2 to 5 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) | 2 to 5 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) | 3 to 6 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) | 3 to 6 m²/h (SA 2.5-3) |
| Welds in stainless steel | 60 to 70 m/h | 60 to 70 m/h | 60 to 70 m/h | 60 to 70 m/h |
| Natural stone, light deposit | 8 to 18 m²/h | 8 to 18 m²/h | 8 to 18 m²/h | 8 to 18 m²/h |
| Removing coatings | 4 to 10 m²/h | 4 to 10 m²/h | 4 to 12 m²/h | 4 to 12 m²/h |
Swipe the table to the left to see all columns.
During blasting the two chambers are filled alternately with recovered abrasive. You therefore never have to stop to refill. The number in the name is the abrasive capacity in litres, here split over two chambers of 24 litres.
VP24 Duo: two blast heads on the same machine
| VP24 Duo | |
|---|---|
| Pressure vessel | single chamber, 24 litres |
| Blasting pressure | medium and high pressure |
| Hose sets | two sets of 15 metres |
| Blasting hose | 1 inch per set |
| Recovery hose | 2½ inch to 2 inch |
| Blast heads | two, in hardened aluminium |
| Nozzle | 6.4 mm boron carbide, per head |
| Inner tube | flat, per head |
| Brushes | set of flat brushes |
| Vacuum generator | electrically driven, 18.5 kW |
| Power cable | 5 metres |
| Documentation | manual with parts list, drawings and maintenance |
Swipe the table to the left to see all columns.
The blasting pressure, the air consumption and the output we match to your workpiece and go through with you at the request stage.
For large surfaces there is a version with two hoses and two blast heads on one machine, the VP24 Duo. Two operators then blast at the same time, with a single chamber pressure vessel and an electrically driven vacuum generator of 18.5 kW. You supply the compressed air yourself; the consumption runs from 1,000 to 10,000 litres a minute depending on the model. Tell us what your compressor delivers and at which pressure, and we will check whether that is enough.
What is included
What comes with your machine
Every machine leaves complete: the unit, the hoses, the couplings, the brushes and the manual. What exactly is included depends on the series.
The suction machines come with a 5 metre blasting and extraction hose. The pressure machines have a 15 metre set, with a separate control hose and a hardened aluminium blast head.
- VS9: blasting gun with boron carbide nozzle, abrasive supply hose, 5 m blasting and extraction hose, couplings, 5 m cable, three brushes and the manual
- VS17 and VS17 Pn: complete blasting unit, 5 m hose set with a 10 mm nozzle, 2 inch vacuum hose, air connector, cable with plug, three brushes and the manual
- VS28 and VS28 Pn: the same set with a 12 mm nozzle, plus export packaging
- VP24 Pro and VP48 Pro, the hoses: a 15 m set with a 1 inch blasting hose, a 2 inch recovery hose and a double control hose with trigger
- VP24 Pro and VP48 Pro, the blast head: hardened aluminium, with flat and 90 degree inner tubes, a 6.4 mm nozzle, three brushes, an adjustable venturi and a pressure gauge
- Options on the Pro versions: an extension set of 10 or 15 metres on the pneumatic version, a large blast head with nozzle and a floor trolley for it
- Besides the flat brush and the corner brushes there are profile brushes. The brush catalogue is yours on request
The gentler technique
For wood, natural stone and facades you choose air-gumming
Blasting in a closed circuit is made for steel, stainless steel and hard coatings. If the surface is softer or more fragile, you work better at low pressure. For that, Phibo supplies two other mobile sets for that, each with its own compressor.
MCS² air-gumming system
Air-gumming at low pressure, with a 55 litre vessel and an 8 metre hose. For facades, natural stone, wood, cast iron and graffiti.
See the MCS² blasting and stripping system
MVS² vacuum blast machine
Micro blasting in a closed circuit, with a 10 litre hopper and three brushes. For glass, natural stone and weld discolouration in stainless steel.
See the MVS² micro blasting machineConsumables
Which abrasive circulates in a closed circuit
Corundum, glass beads and ceramic beads
In a closed circuit the life of the grain matters. Corundum works aggressively on rust and mill scale, glass beads leave a smoother surface, ceramic beads last longer. The machines handle grains up to 1.2 mm on the VS line and up to 1.5 mm on the VP line. We look at which grain suits your work together with you.
- Corundum in four grain sizes, from 62 to 149 microns
- Glass beads from 40 to 150 microns
- Ceramic beads from 70 to 250 microns
- Steel grit for the VP machines
Your installation keeps running
Maintenance, repair and spare parts, directly from Phibo, by our own technicians.
Maintenance
Preventive maintenance in our workshop or at your site. After every service your settings and consumption are reviewed.
More about this service
Spare parts
Blast pots, hoses, guns, rubber flaps and filter cartridges from stock. Non-standard parts we make ourselves.
More about this service
Revision and retrofitting
Modernise an existing installation or convert it to a new process. Revised second-hand installations too.
More about this service
Training
Hands-on training at commissioning, standard with SublimotionProcess® and on request with the other installations. When staff change, we repeat it to suit your team.
More about this serviceElsewhere on the site
What goes with this page
We call you and go through your application
Tell us what you are blasting, how large the surface is and how much compressed air you have on site. A proposal with the right model follows after that.
- What you are blasting, and how large the surface is
- The contamination by name: rust, coating, mill scale, deposit
- Where you work, and how much compressed air is available there