Did you know that hydro excavation is the cutting edge way to excavate the ground when you need to dig foundations, trenches, and other types of holes? Most people don’t think cutting edge when it comes to excavation because the traditional excavation method has been used for so long. It started with digging by hand with shovels, which of course is back breaking work especially for large projects. About one hundred (100) years ago, we invented machines that moved the earth. They ran on steam.
Although it was a humongous improvement compared to excavating by hand with shovels, the machines were incredibly slow and difficult to maneuver. A few years later the combustion engine was invented. It changed the world for the better, including the excavation industry. In essence, gasoline is a much more powerful fuel when compared to steam. That meant that the fossil fuel powered excavation equipment was able to move a lot more dirt in a significantly faster way. Since that time, the traditional excavation method hasn’t changed much.
Diesel powered machines basically replaced gasoline powered machines because that type of fossil fuel has traditionally been cheaper. Basically it takes longer to burn. However, the price of Diesel has actually become even more expensive per gallon than gasoline. Which leads us to today. Approximately thirty years ago, the hydro excavation process was invented. The reason behind it is to let water do the work of large fossil fuel burning trucks. Water is a lot less expensive than fossil fuel, with the added benefit that it’s way better for the environment.
At this point, you’re probably curious how the hydro excavation process actually works. Water is sprayed at the ground from a hose that’s attached to a small machine that pressurizes the water. Of course the highly pressurized water is only sprayed to the area that requires the excavation. The ground then turns into a mixture of water and dirt called slurry. The slurry is then sucked up by an industrial vacuum truck. The slurry is temporarily stored in a tank that’s attached to the vacuum truck.
With the traditional excavation process it takes multiple heavy-duty trucks to complete the tasks. However, with the hydro excavation method it only takes a small machine that pressurizes the water, a hose, and a vacuum truck. That means hydro excavation saves fuel, saves time, saves money, and is a whole lot better for the environment.
If you have any questions about our hydro excavation services, or would like to schedule an appointment we are happy to help. Please contact us today! Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc. is your New England connection for a vast variety of environmentally related services. Our company has been serving Boston Massachusetts, Southern NH, VT & ME as well as Northern CT & RI since 1952. Please Contact us to learn more today.
Environmental related issues occur all of the time, and can strike at any time. That is exactly why you need to have a local and reliable environmental services company at the helm and ready to go whenever you actually need them.
Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc. is a fully licensed and bonded utility contractor that has the ability to pull the proper permits in municipalities across New England.
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