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Safe and efficient daylighting of utilities, pipelines, and other underground structures can be a dangerous and stressful undertaking. Since their invention, the Hydro-Vac has revolutionized the way these operations are performed. At SS Rig & Vac we felt there was potential to take this to a new level with the introduction of our Air-Vac excavator unit. We began by doing research into this technology. Also we met with and received input from owners and operators in the vacuum truck industry. We then discussed our needs with various suppliers of hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic systems to come up with a design and then went to work on a prototype. The result was a unit that, after extensive testing and a few minor modifications, has been operating well for the end user. While this is not a new technology, we have a reliable unit with some advantages, such as utilizing a splitter box and hydraulic drives for compressor and blower as opposed to a deck mounted power unit.
The first question always asked of us is does it dig through frost? This is definitely an area where these units are lacking. However, for a construction company for instance this would not be an issue as the rest of their equipment is parked for the winter anyways. And there are other jobs unit could do all year around such as handling fly ash at a power plant or dry medium of any kind at a manufacturing facility. While a standard Hydro-Vac will never be replaced, in certain applications there are advantages to this type of unit.
Environmentally Friendly
With Hydro-Vac, the load of slurry must be hauled away to a disposal site. This can sometimes be quite some distance with the consumed fuel adding to the ever growing problem of carbon footprint and other environmental concerns.
As no water is necessary for the excavation, none has to be hauled to job site. If there is extra, it likely will be dumped. With compressed air, no water is being wasted. Another big environmental plus.
The air Air-Vac unit will leave a smaller physical footprint as it is considerably lighter than a Hydro-Vac loaded with water, or loaded with slurry being hauled away. The Air-Vac will come on site, do the necessary excavation, and simply dump the same dry, uncontaminated dirt back in.
Economic Advantages
The cost to contractor can be substantially smaller as there is no disposal fee involved, nor is there any requirement to obtain fresh fill. This saving can in turn be passed on to the owner of the utility or facility.
The cost to the owner of unit is reduced as he saves on fuel and labour expenses with no need to haul slurry to disposal site, or to haul in replacement fill dirt.
The SS Rig & Vac unit should be more cost effective than other Air-Vac units. Maintenance and service, are easier as there is only the truck powertrain to deal with, no deck mounted power unit. Also without the deck engine, the space saved can be used for a larger tank and better payload. Further, the dust collector filters we use can be pressure washed and reused.
Safety Concerns
The Air-Vac utilizes a maximum of 250 psi as opposed to much higher pressures with Hydro-Vac. The chances of damaging underground fiber optics or coating on pipes is almost non-existent. During testing and demos we have tried to damage materials with negative results. There is no abrasion present as with a sand blaster for example.
As not water is involved, the excavation can be carried with less risk if electrical lines are present above ground or under.
If excavation is in a traffic, residential, or pedestrian area there is no concern of water or muddy soil causing issues.
Other Advantages
Have you ever been in the middle of an excavation and run out of water? With the Air-Vac you never need worry about running out of medium. The compressor replenishes this for you constantly.
As well as the high pressure for excavating, we also include a low pressure side that is handy for operation of air tools or blow guns etc.
Hydro-Vac units, especially the larger single/tridem units, have been experiencing axle weight issues. With the Air-Vac, your unit weighs the same upon arrival at the job site as it does when it leaves as the excavated material is simply put back where it came from.
If hauling of material to another site is required, your payload will be greater than a comparable Hydro-Vac as there is no space taken up by water tank.
In conclusion, like everything in life there are advantages and disadvantages. There are places where the Air-Vac shines, and places where it does not. We feel we have manufactured a reliable, versatile piece of equipment that should have a place in the excavation world. If you would like more information on this, or any of our other fine products, please contact us.