Abstract: A blast media recovery system is provided that recycles reusable blasting media from spent blasting materials. The system includes several different separators which classify the recovered materials by either specific gravity or size. After the materials have been classified by size and the low density materials have been removed, the bulk recycled materials are directed towards a dense particle separator that is arranged to separate any high density materials from the usable blasting media. The dense particle separator includes a frame having a plenum coupled thereto. A porous stone is placed within the plenum and the recycled materials to be cleaned are delivered into the plenum over the top surface of the porous stone. Compressed air is then passed into the plenum through the porous stone to form a fluidized bed. As more material enters the plenum, the lower density materials (i.e. the reusable blasting media) pile over the higher density materials and spill from the plenum into a media chute.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube selector mechanism is provided for use in conjunction with an abrasive sandblast media recovery system. The tube selector selectively couples a vacuum source to any particular one of a plurality of discrete media collection locations which may take the form of tube and hopper sections. The tube selector mechanism includes an intake manifold having a multiplicity of intake ducts. A selector plate is rotationally coupled to the inlet manifold. The selector plate has an opening that is coupled to a vacuum duct which in turn is coupled to the vacuum source. A drive motor rotates the selector plate relative to the intake manifold, while a positioning mechanism controls rotation of the selector plate to selectively couple the selector plate opening to any particular one of the intake ducts. A vent valve is provided for venting the vacuum duct while the selector plate is rotated.