How does Hydrovac Excavation Work?

The hydrovac excavation process is used to remove or move soil using pressurized water. An air vacuum is then used to transfer the debris and soil to the debris tank. This allows a more accurate and non-destructive way of excavating soil and locating the underground utilities. Hard soil is difficult to excavate using the traditional excavation methods. Using hydrovac excavation is a good way to get the job done easily.

How does Hydrovac Excavation Work?

Hydrovac excavation equipment consists of an air vacuum and a high-pressure water device. High-pressure water cuts through the soil and breaks it up. The vacuum is then used to lift up the slurry from the excavation area. The soil and debris are then transferred to a debris tank.

What are the Vacuum Choices Available?

A vacuum source is necessary for the hydrovac excavation equipment. There are two vacuum choices available – a positive displacement blower or a fan blower. A fan system can move air in large amounts, thus allowing faster excavations. Also, it is easy to operate and control. A fan system is light and less expensive than the positive displacement blower.

A displacement blower is capable of moving air at longer distances than the fan system. It allows excavations to be done at greater depths but at a slow rate. Thus, most hydrovac excavations are done using the fan system.

What Components are Essential for Hydrovac Excavation Equipment?

The hydrovac excavation equipment relies on two main components – high-pressure jets of water and a strong vacuum hose. The high-pressure water jets are used to loosen the material to be excavated. The vacuum hose sucks the loosened material and excess water into a huge holding tank.

Powerful hydrovac systems can excavate up to 60’ deep and at 600’ from the equipment. Thus, excavation work can be done even in those areas that do not have enough space.

Unlike other traditional excavation methods, hydrovac excavation trucks can be used to excavate almost any type of material at a construction site, including, hard packed clay, ice, sand, and gravel. If you have any excavations planned, choose the hydrovac excavation method as it is more convenient and can save you a lot of time and labor. You can get in touch with an experienced excavating contractor who will help you get your excavation job done easily and efficiently.