Considering taking on the hydro excavation business, you should first know that it involves more than a simple water hose and vacuum. You should be aware of several aspects of this type of excavation, including speed, efficiency, and safety factors.
High-pressure Water Wands
High-pressure water wands are handheld equipment that can help in the hydro excavation process. Some of these devices come with dead man switches that automatically shut off when the user releases the handle. These devices can replace hydro excavation digging wands in straight and angle styles.
Hydrovac wands use a crossfire nozzle arrangement to reduce thrust and reduce spray back. The pair of jets erodes the hole and pushes the debris into the suction hose. Other features of these wands include high-pressure swivels so the wand can rotate freely without binding. Furthermore, boom controls are present to help maximize digging rates.
Hydro excavation is a process that uses high-pressure water to remove soil from a site. The water is pumped to the area where the excavation occurs, and the wand allows the operator to target the area to be excavated. In addition, a vacuum truck is also used to remove the soil from the excavated area.
Hydraulic Mud Slurry
Hydro excavation is the process of using mud slurry to excavate underground structures. It is a powerful hydraulic fluid that can be mixed with water and used for various purposes. It is also used in tunneling operations. Generally, it is used to dig holes in soft soil or reveal underground facilities. Once the excavation is complete, the slurry is reinjected into the well through a grouting pipeline.
The first step of hydro excavation involves using a pressurized water jet to cut through grass and loosen the soil. Next, a second operator uses a hose to draw away the mixture of soil and water. This process is repeated until the desired depth and size are reached.
Speed & Efficiency
Hydro excavation is an efficient method of soil removal, as it takes only a few minutes to excavate material. In comparison, traditional methods require massive machines and lots of explosives. Another advantage of hydro excavation is that it does not require drilling into the ground or anchoring the machine. Furthermore, it does not require hauling away slurry materials or heavy equipment. In addition, it is more affordable than other methods.
Hydro excavation uses high-pressure water jets to break up the earth beneath structures. This method is far safer than hand digging or heavy machinery because it prevents damage to existing infrastructure. Shovel strikes cause over 75% of utility damage, and reducing the possibility of damaging buried utilities reduces downtime and costs. Furthermore, hydro excavation cleans the soil underneath buried structures, which makes it much easier to perform repairs.
Safety
Hydro excavation uses pressurized water, wands, and vacuums to reach underground utilities and other underground obstacles. While it is considered one of the safest excavation forms, operators must follow proper safety procedures to protect the work site. This crucial step will help ensure maximum work uptime and minimize potential liabilities and legal repercussions. Trained professionals should only carry out hydro excavation. Improper procedures can result in dangerous work environments, electrical shocks, and even fatalities.
In addition to proper training and equipment maintenance, workers using hydro excavation equipment must follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the safety of the entire operation. Before the job begins, workers must wear personal protective equipment and obtain the necessary permits. Workers must wear a hard hat, respirator, and other appropriate protective equipment for hydro excavation.
Cost
The cost of hydro excavation is an essential factor in the planning and execution of construction projects. Hydro excavation is a method of soil removal that uses high-pressure water to break up the soil. As a result, the soil is turned into a slurry. These spoils are liquid waste, and disposal is more expensive than solid waste. Unfortunately, there are limited disposal facilities for liquid waste in New Zealand.
Hydro excavation is more accurate and cost-effective than manual digging. It requires less backfilling and repairs and does not damage the surrounding area. Manual digging leaves a mess of soil near the project site, and hydro excavation allows the job to be completed quickly. Hydro excavation is also environmentally friendly, as it does not use chemicals, leaving less damage to the surrounding area.
