How does it work?

The process is simple - A Vacuum Excavator, also sometimes known as a Vacuum Tanker or Vacuum Lorry (see diagram on right) generates a high volume flow of air by means of its twin or triple air fans.

Air flows through the machines intake nozzle and hose into a series of chambers, including the main material storage tank, before passing through a micro mesh filter system and then out into the atmosphere.

When an operator directs the machines intake nozzle at the ground to be excavated, the air flow vacuums the ground material into the vacuum excavator and this material is deposited into the main storage tank.

Small soil particles drop into a further two smaller tanks and any dust particles are caught in the micro mesh filter system before the air finally passes from the machine.

If the ground conditions prove to be more challenging, the trained operator will then use an air lance or other air tools that are connected to the vacuum/suction excavator. These tools will assist in breaking the ground free. This will then allow the air flow to catch the material and then remove it into the vacuum excavator.

This new safer approach to excavation projects is not intended to replace traditional or hand dig methods. There will always be operations where these approaches will need to be applied, however where there are services that could be damaged, or if there is uncertainty in the exact location of services, then vacuum/suction excavation is the way the way forward.

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