Abrasive Blasting, Shot Peening & Surface Prep worked example

Media Reclaim Value at 49% usable reclaim efficiency: a worked example

This worked example runs the media reclaim value numbers for a tougher week than the baseline: 49% usable reclaim efficiency instead of the typical 68%. Estimate the dollar value of recoverable blast media from spent media weight, replacement cost, reclaim efficiency, and avoided disposal.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Spent media processed: 5,000 lb (held at the documented default)
  • Replacement media cost: 0.42 $ / lb (held at the documented default)
  • Usable reclaim efficiency: 49 % (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 68)
  • Avoided disposal/handling: 180 $ (held at the documented default)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Recovered media value = spent media processed × replacement media cost × usable reclaim efficiency.
  • Total reclaim value works out to 1,209 $ at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • Value per lb processed works out to 0.24 $ / lb at these inputs.
  • Recovered media value works out to 1,029 $ at these inputs.
  • Avoided disposal/handling works out to 180 $ at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where usable reclaim efficiency sits at 68% and the headline result is 1,608 $, this scenario comes in 24.81% below the baseline at 1,209 $.
  • Use it when justifying reclaim equipment, choosing between recyclable and single-use abrasive, or building the true cost-per-pound of a blasting operation. A result at this level usually justifies acting on the stressed input before touching anything else, because every other figure in the table is downstream of it.

Results at a glance

  • Total reclaim value: 1,209 $ (headline result)
  • Value per lb processed: 0.24 $ / lb
  • Recovered media value: 1,029 $
  • Avoided disposal/handling: 180 $

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Media Reclaim Value calculator, set usable reclaim efficiency to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.