Hydrovac Excavation
This is a process which involves the excavation and evacuation of soils using high pressure water and a vacuum. The solid soil is converted into a liquid mud by the high pressure water using a jetting rod, which is then sucked up by a high volume suction vacuum into a debris tank.
Unlike the traditional excavation method, hydrovac is a faster, safer, more reliable and nondestructive method of excavating underground soils.
Benefits of Hydrovac Excavation
Safety
Safety is a top priority when excavating soil. A conventional excavation can rupture surrounding pipelines, telecommunication cables or power lines. This could cause harm to labourers or damage to surrounding buildings. With pressurized water and a vacuum, the soil will be moved in a safe and nondestructive fashion. Also, the labourers will be less subjected to any possibility of getting involved in a machinery accident.
Cost-Effective
Hydrovac excavation minimizes costs associated with traditional excavation. It involves pressurized water and an air vacuum, which minimizes the need for additional equipment. It also ensures that surrounding pipelines and other utilities are less likely to get damaged, and it excavates the soil precisely without accruing any liability, which saves costs in the long run.
Reliable
Hydrovac excavation is much more reliable in comparison to traditional excavation, which is more likely to damage underground utilities and is also less cost-effective. Using pressurized water and a vacuum to remove the soil surface, the underground will be exposed quicker and in a safer manner.
Applications of Hydrovac Excavation
This soil removal technique can be used in the following areas:
Cold Weather Excavation
One of the main applications of hydrovac excavation is cold weather excavation. This is used during periods of cold weather in order to prevent the exposure of workers to unfavourable conditions.
Debris Removal
Furthermore, hydrovac excavation can be used for the removal of debris. It is used to clean drainage systems and areas filled with debris without affecting other utilities. It also used for excavation in tight spaces, such as pole installation, potholing and sewer excavation.