Hydro Excavation VS Air Excavation

Whether you should go for hydrovac or air excavation is a common question that rises time and again among industrialists and business owners. Hydro excavation services and air excavation are used for purposes like potholing, trenching, digging, and maintenance of underground utilities, to name a few. Both are non-destructive and non-mechanical methods of excavation. While there lies some differences, both the processes are effective in their own ways. To answer your question, let’s look at both the services in detail:

What is Hydro Excavation?

Hydrovac, as the name suggests, signifies the use of water and vacuum. It utilizes pressurized water to remove soil and debris and excavate the area. The hydrovac truck is equipped with a suction hose, which sucks the accumulated slurry into the tank. Unlike traditional excavating techniques, the process involves no use of backhoes and other conventional equipment.

Cost

Since the use of traditional equipment and digging methods is eliminated, the excavation gets done faster using hydrovac. Reduction in time taken means reduction in the costs of equipment and manpower used. Thus, hydrovac is a cost-effective technique of excavating.

Safety

Traditional digging methods were considered unsafe to the environment, as well as the workers. The equipments used could cause harm to the workers and also damage the underground utilities. For projects that need to exercise caution because of the presence of underground pipes and utilities, hydrovac is the best choice. Plus, the use of water and vacuum causes no damage to the environment.

Application

Hydrovac can be used on any type of ground, be it hard, clay, or a frozen surface. It is applicable on virtually all soil types. Plus, it can be carried out in areas that are not easily accessible. A hydrovac truck can be placed far off from the site to be excavated.

What is Air Excavation?

Air excavation, also called as dry suction, uses compressed air to excavate the surface. Unlike hydrovac, the method does not use water. It uses high pressure air to break the soil, excavate the area and locate underground utilities. The debris is then vacuumed into the storage or holding tank. Also, since the waste is dry, it is not dumped in the sewage plant. It is usually used for backfilling.

Time

Like hydrovac, air excavation is also a quicker digging method. Although, both the excavation services are faster than that of traditional excavation methods, air excavation is comparatively slower when compared to hydrovac.

Cost

When compared with hydro excavation the cost of air excavation is almost similar. Unlike traditional methods, air excavation also uses non-conventional equipment and techniques. Thus, air excavation is a quick and cost-effective method.

Application

Air excavation is mainly used at places near highways and railroads. In fact, air excavation is usually a preferred choice in such areas. If a hydrovac is used at such places the wet debris can create traffic for the commuters, thus, air excavation service is used such places. Unlike hydrovac, air excavation is used only under specific environmental conditions. This is because the impact of air on frozen landscapes can be time consuming.

Thus, it can be said that hydro excavation services, as well as air excavation, have their unique benefits and limitations. The common factors being that they are cost-effective techniques that do not damage the environment and are completely safe.

If you are looking for excavation services you can connect with us at Sierra Hydrovac.