How Hydrovac Excavation Equipment Works
Shovel strikes that occur while using standard excavation equipment can cause damage to underground utility cables and plumbing components. A hydrovac is a piece of equipment that uses a combination of vacuum pressure and water to help with excavation. It will disrupt land less than what you may typically experience during standard excavation projects and may support the completion of many project types.
How A Hydrovac Works
A hose that emits pressurized water is used to liquify soil that is present in the area where a trench needs to be dug. Upon loosening the soil, a vacuum hose is used to suck up all of the loosened debris and water that has been deposited on the ground. A hydrovac is typically connected to a special truck that contains an interior storage reservoir.
All of the soil and water that is collected is referred to as a slurry. The slurry is weighty and is not typically disposed of in a landfill. It can be taken to a wastewater treatment plant to have the liquid separated from the solid materials.
Because the constant spraying of water and collection of loose debris is conducted simultaneously, an equipment operator may be able to complete the digging of a trench quicker than they would be able to with standard excavation equipment.
The Precision Involved
An excavator operator may normally need to mark the area where digging is going to take place and acquire the location of underground plumbing or wires that could impede the digging process. A hydrovac will allow more precision than a wide shovel attachment that is used for basic excavation purposes.
An operator may be able to maintain control throughout the excavation process. As dirt is loosened and removed from the jobsite, underground materials will be easy to identify. Due to the precision involved, less mistakes may be made while using this type of equipment.
A hydrovac can also be used to prepare sites where pipes or wiring will be laid. Narrow or wide trenches can be dug as needed. There will be less friction involved during the digging process than if a metal shovel attachment were to strike the ground. The minimal amount of disruption can be time and cost saving.
Hydrovac equipment comes in several sizes, each with its own pressure rating and storage capabilities. Each model will work in relatively the same manner and can be used to perform residential and commercial excavation projects.
Contact a company that offers hydrovac excavating services to learn more.