Drum-Type Separator, SBT, TWEKO

The TWEKO SBT drum-type separator is designed for automatic reclamation of abrasive media after abrasive blasting. The separator removes dust, process contaminants, oversized debris and degraded particles from reusable abrasive before returning the cleaned media to the blasting process.

The SBT is designed for integration into abrasive blasting chambers and forms part of a closed-loop abrasive recovery system. Automatic reclamation reduces abrasive consumption, helps maintain a stable working-media composition and supports consistent surface-cleaning performance.

Purpose

• Cleaning used abrasive from dust and foreign contaminants
• Removal of oversized debris and unusable media
• Classification according to particle size and aerodynamic properties
• Return of reusable abrasive to the process cycle
• Automation of abrasive reclamation in shot and abrasive blasting systems

Operating Principle

Used abrasive together with dust, mill scale, corrosion products and other contaminants enters the rotating separator drum. As the drum operates, the mixture passes through consecutive mechanical and air-separation stages.

• Receiving: used abrasive and contaminants enter the separator drum
• Screening: a separating element removes oversized foreign material
• Classification: particles are separated according to size and weight
• Air separation: controlled airflow removes dust and lightweight unusable material
• Storage: reclaimed abrasive enters a dedicated hopper
• Reuse: cleaned media is returned to the blast pot

Mechanical Separation

The separator drum rotates continuously, moving the abrasive mixture through the separation zone. A perforated screening element removes oversized particles and foreign material that must not be returned to the working abrasive.

The opening size of the separating element can be selected according to the type and particle size of the abrasive media, allowing the SBT to be adapted to specific blasting processes.

Air Separation

After mechanical screening, the material passes through a controlled negative-pressure airflow. Lightweight dust, degraded fine particles and other contaminants are carried away from the reclamation zone.

The airflow rate can be adjusted according to the characteristics of the abrasive media, enabling lightweight contaminants to be removed while minimising the loss of reusable abrasive.

Closed-Loop Operation

Within a complete reclamation system, the SBT operates together with abrasive recovery and conveying equipment. After separation, reusable abrasive accumulates in a storage hopper and is subsequently supplied back to the blasting equipment.

• Automatic abrasive cleaning
• Continuous return of reusable media to the process
• Reduced requirement for fresh abrasive make-up
• Removal of dust and process contaminants from the blasting cycle
• More stable working-abrasive composition

Integration with Abrasive Blasting Chambers

The SBT can be used as part of the abrasive reclamation system in KASO abrasive blasting chambers. Material recovered from the chamber is transferred to the separator and cleaned before being returned to service.

Separator operation can be synchronised with other components of the process line, creating an automated closed-loop abrasive system with minimal manual intervention.

Abrasive Media

The separator configuration is selected according to abrasive type and particle size. The SBT can be used for reclamation of compatible reusable abrasive media used in industrial blasting processes.

Main Benefits

• Automatic reclamation: used abrasive is cleaned without manual sorting
• Combined separation: mechanical screening and air separation
• Abrasive reuse: reusable media is returned to the process cycle
• Reduced operating costs: effective service life of abrasive media is extended
• Process consistency: removal of dust and degraded material helps maintain working-media characteristics
• Automation: synchronisation with conveying and blasting equipment
• Adaptability: separation parameters can be selected for specific abrasive types and particle sizes

The TWEKO SBT drum-type separator is an important component of a closed-loop abrasive handling system. Combined mechanical and air separation removes dust and contaminants, returns reusable abrasive to operation and helps maintain stable blasting conditions.