How does a vacuum excavator truck work?

Hydro vacuum excavation trucks break up the ground in a safe and effective manner.

When it comes to excavation, there are a few different methods that can be used. One of the most popular, safe, and effective methods is hydro vacuum excavation. This process uses pressurized water and a powerful industrial vacuum system to suck up soil and debris from the ground. Are you wondering how it all works? Read on to find out more about this innovative technology and some of its benefits…

What is vacuum excavation?

Hydro vacuum excavation refers to a process in which a strong jet of water is used to break up the ground. The purpose of this form of excavation is to access the utilities and objects that are located underneath the ground safely by avoiding any possible damage that may be caused with mechanical excavation.

A hydro vacuum excavation truck or vac truck, works by applying high-pressure water spray to the dig site. This water spray will break up the surface of the ground and this waste will then be sucked back into the truck with the use of a specially designed vacuum system.

Hydro vacuum excavation is an increasingly popular method, largely thanks to the fact that it is non-destructive. The process does not cause damage to any underground utilities and is considered both safe and effective.

What is vacuum excavation used for?

Hydro vacuum excavation can be used for any project that requires excavation. In fact, any project that runs the risk of utility damage during the excavation process is well-suited to this safe and reliable method.

Although hydro vacuum excavator trucks can be used for a broad range of projects, some of the most common uses include the safe and non-destructive exposure of underground cables and pipelines; and emergency inspections of underground utilities. This is known as hydro vacuum excavation potholing.

What does a vacuum excavation truck do?

A vacuum excavation truck, also known as a vac truck, is a truck that comprises of several specialised components, including a water lance; a waste storage chamber; air vehicle fans; and a vacuum suction. Vac trucks are available in a wide range of sizes, and the type that you choose will depend on your needs.

A vac truck works by breaking up the ground with the use of its water lance. During this process, the ground is broken up into small pieces, while the vacuum then removes any water and dirt waste. Any debris, mud and sludge present are moved into the truck’s debris tank and can then be processed or discarded at a relevant location.

When it comes to the vacuum functionality of a vac truck, the vacuum uses either a fan system or what is known as a positive displacement blower. These systems ensure that a solid airflow is created, and any sludge and debris is efficiently and safely moved into the catchment chamber.

How can we help?

At Provac Australia, we offer a wide range of vac trucks suitable for all types of civil and construction projects. Our vac trucks range between 3000L – 8000L in holding capacity and most of our fleet is made up of boom operated vac trucks. Our vac trucks also have the capability of digging up to 50 – 60 metres away from where they park with the use of extension hoses.

At Provac Australia we also offer 3000L – 5000L vac excavator combos and mini excavator hire. Our vac truck excavator combo units are ideal for those who are working on a project that requires a combination of hydro vacuum excavation and traditional mechanical excavation. We offer our combo units in a choice of 3000L and 5000L vac tanks, each of which is paired with 1.7-ton excavators.

If you would like to find out about the vacuum trucks and excavators that we have available for hire, please have a look here.

The team at Provac also offers a range of other services, including underground service locating; ground penetrating radar (GPR); and utility mapping and surveying. To find out more about our services, please have a look here.

If you would like to get in touch for more information or to request a quote, please contact us here or give us a call on 1300 734 772. We look forward to assisting you with your next project and are available to answer any questions that you have regarding our products and services.