Emeritec Hydro Vac

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360-313-7867

Hydro excavation services in Portland Oregon, and Vancouver WA

Choosing Between Hydro and Air Excavation:
What Do You Need to Know?

When it comes to excavation, the method you choose plays a pivotal role in the success of your project. Two leading techniques in the industry are hydro and air excavation. Both have their unique advantages and ideal applications. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision for your specific needs.

Hydro Excavation:
The Power of Water

Hydro excavation is a non-destructive, precise excavation method that utilizes pressurized water to break up soil and ground material. The slurry created by the water and soil mixture is then removed using a powerful vacuum system, transferring the debris to a holding tank for disposal or processing. This technique allows for accurate, efficient digging around sensitive underground infrastructure, minimizing the risk of damage to pipes, cables, and other utilities. Hydro excavation is favored for its safety, speed, and reduced environmental impact, making it ideal for utility location, potholing, slot trenching, and other applications requiring meticulous excavation.

Critical Data:

  • Speed: Hydro excavation can excavate at rates of up to 300 cubic feet per hour, significantly faster than air excavation.
  • Depth and Distance: Modern hydrovac trucks can reach depths of up to 60 feet and operate from a distance of 600 feet, facilitating access to remote or difficult terrain.

Benifits of Hydro Excavation:

  • Fast and efficient in a wide range of soil types.
  • Reduces the risk of utility damage due to precise excavation.
  • Creates less environmental and site disturbance.

Limitations of Hydro Excavation:

  • Management of wet spoils can be challenging, requiring off-site disposal.
  • Cannot be used for backfill, necessitating additional backfill material.

Air Excavation:
Tailored for Specific Situations

Air excavation, also known as pneumatic excavation, employs compressed air to loosen and break apart soil, which is then evacuated from the excavation site through a vacuum system into a debris tank. Unlike hydro excavation, air excavation leaves the soil dry, enabling immediate use of the excavated material as backfill. This method is particularly advantageous in conditions where water use is restricted or where the preservation of excavated soil for reuse is necessary. Air excavation is characterized by its gentle approach to the surrounding environment, minimizing the risk of utility damage and offering a dust-controlled digging option suitable for a variety of soil types.

Key Numbers:

  • Efficiency: On average, air excavation can remove soil at a rate of approximately 150-200 cubic feet per hour, depending on soil type.
  • Distance Capability: Air excavation equipment can typically operate up to 200 feet from the excavation site, offering flexibility in constrained spaces.

Advantages of Air Excavation:

  • Enables immediate backfill with dry spoils.
  • Useful for running air tools for surface removal tasks.
  • Generally, results in lower disposal requirements.

Challenges of Air Excavation:

  • Slower excavation rate in tougher soil types.
  • Generates dust, which may be problematic in urban or sensitive areas.
  • Less effective in clay, shale, and compact soils.

Which Method Suits Your Project?

The choice between hydro and air excavation depends on several factors, including soil type, environmental considerations, and project requirements. Hydro excavation is the preferred method for most applications due to its efficiency and effectiveness in diverse conditions. It’s especially useful in urban settings or areas with a dense network of underground utilities. Air excavation, while more niche, is ideal for projects where water use is restricted or the reuse of excavated material as backfill is beneficial.

Choosing the Right Company for Excavation Needs:

Choosing the right excavation method can significantly impact your project’s timeline, budget, and safety. With Eremitic Hydro Vac, you gain a partner committed to delivering top-tier excavation solutions. Let us help you make the most informed decision for your next excavation project, ensuring success from the ground up.  Contact us: 360-313-7867

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360-313-7867

9120 NE 62nd Ave, Suite 240,
Vancouver, WA 98665

WA UBI#: 604 828 446

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