The PIER (UK) team have created the below animation video to explain how Vacuum Excavation works.
Some companies may not wish to use the more traditional methods of hand digging in order to reach the underground utilities and so, that is where Vacuum Excavation is available. As a more efficient method than manual digging, using a Vacuum Excavator will ensure that the safety of the on-site team is paramount.
How do the Vacuum Excavation vehicles work?
The operator will place the remote-controlled boom 6-8 inches over the selected area that requires excavation and the process will begin once the vacuum fans have been switched on. As the material begins to make its way up the suction pipe, the operator will follow the material with the boom to ensure that the 6–8-inch gap is consistently maintained in order to allow constant air flow.
As the services become visible, the material will become harder and so, the use of an air lance may be required to loosen the ground or to clear the service. With the Vacuum Excavator, there are a selection of tools that can assist with an array of conditions, i.e., reduced pipe size for narrow areas, an air lance for loosening material and air breakers for breaking up the hard surface. All of these are driven by an in-built compressor.
The material that the remote-controlled boom pulls up is stored within an in-built skip that is capable of holding 8m3. In order to reduce the transport costs, our team will take the excavated material to a dedicated area on-site to dispose of. The material is dispensed of by lifting the lid upright and side tipping it to offload onto the ground. It can also be tipped directly into demountable skips, ready for removal from the site to avoid reloading. To prevent any contamination with the air, the vacuum is created by air circulation with a 42-filter system to ensure that there is no escape of dust.
Why choose Vacuum Excavation?
Many contractors prefer the Vacuum Excavation system when working in a built-up area to ensure that a safe excavation is completed around the existing services, as well as keeping the public footpaths clear of any material in order to prevent injuries for both the on-site team and the surrounding public. In addition, the noise level of the Vacuum Excavator is under the legal requirement which means that there is less noise for projects taking place near houses.
With our experience in the Civil Engineering industry, our team offer advice on other equipment or materials that may be required to complete the job in a safe and efficient manner. In order to support all projects, we provide a full package of supply ground protection with rubber mats and fence panels to safely cordon-off the work area.
As the industry leaders in Vacuum Excavation, PIER (UK) will listen carefully to their customers’ requirements and provide a solution that is suitable for the job at hand.
You can contact our team on email or on 01925 228 674. Alternatively, you can view our latest projects on our Social Media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.