Hydrovac Excavation vs. Dry Suction Excavation

THE WET VS. DRY DEBATE

When it comes to efficient soft-digging solutions, many are familiar with two key methods: hydrovac (wet vac) and dry suction excavation (dry vac). Although they might seem similar at first, the two have significant differences. Understanding these differences can help ensure the right method is used for each project. Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about vacuum excavation equipment and how to choose between wet and dry vacs.

WHAT IS VACUUM EXCAVATION?

If you’ve ever wondered how building foundations, roads, and reservoirs are constructed near existing underground utilities, vacuum excavation plays a crucial role.

Vacuum excavation, also known as soft-digging, is a widely used construction method for safely removing earth, rock, and other materials, especially near utilities. Unlike traditional methods using heavy machinery or hand tools, it relies on water or air, reducing the risk of damaging underground infrastructure. This makes it the safest choice for locating and digging around critical utilities.

Not all excavation projects are the same. Factors such as soil type, volume of material, and site access can vary greatly. Each project requires thorough planning and preparation to ensure both safety and efficiency.

WHAT IS HYDROVAC EXCAVATION?

Hydrovac excavation is one of the most recognized methods of non-mechanical digging. It's safe, efficient, and particularly effective in harsh winter conditions. This method uses high-pressure water to break up soil and other materials, which are then collected by a positive displacement system that generates strong suction power. For construction projects that need to safely dig around buried infrastructure, hydrovac excavation is often a great choice.

Some of its applications include:

• Trenching
• Daylighting
• Debris removal
• Potholing
• Tank cleanouts

WHAT IS ADVANCED DRY SUCTION EXCAVATION?

Although hydrovacs are widely used in Canada, advanced dry suction excavation, or dry vacs, are recognized worldwide as the safest method for digging near underground utilities. This technique does not use water; instead, it uses high-pressure air to displace material which is then collected using a powerful vacuum system.

Because dry vacs don't require water refills or the disposal of wet slurry, they can operate continuously until the excavation project is complete. This efficiency is especially beneficial and cost-effective for large infrastructure projects or sites where the excavated materials can be reused as backfill.

In the right circumstances, using a dry vac can save utility owners thousands of dollars and reduce project timelines, making it the preferred choice globally for this type of work.

Its applications are the same as a hydrovac but also include:

• Inside the fence work
• Commercial cleanouts
• Groundwater removal
• Spill cleanup
• Debris removal
• Rail maintenance

CONCLUSION

Hydrovac excavation and advanced dry suction excavation are two of the most versatile non-mechanical excavation methods, both prioritizing safety. While they share similarities, each excels in different areas.

As a leader in dry suction excavation, Ox Equipment's MTS Dino Series of Suction Excavators are designed for dry digging. They provide unmatched safety and efficiency, particularly for large projects, eliminating the need for water refills or disposing of slurry.

Adding a dry suction excavator to your fleet can boost productivity and reduce waste, ultimately saving you money on your projects.

For more information about our dry suction excavators, contact us at +1(888) 290-4044 or [email protected].

Interested in a live demonstration? Visit our website to book a demo: https://ox-equipment.com/contact/.