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As the underground distribution network becomes increasing complex the potential for fatalities, cost to repair damaged utilities and possible fines to recover loss of service can be a potential hazards with drilling and excavating services. Vacuum excavation utilizes a high pressure air or water stream to penetrate, expand and break-up soil.   Loose soil and rocks are simultaneously removed by a vacuum.   This technique is typically used to create a hole one to two feet square and as deep as required to expose the buried utility.  When utilized properly the method is a safe, non destructive means of excavation.

Advantages of Vacuum Excavation:

  In general, vacuum excavations either expose a utility or remove earth in close proximity to a utility.   An example of exposing the utility would be day lighting or potholing a gas main to determine its exact vertical and horizontal position, also known as Quality Level A in the field of Subsurface Utility Engineering.   An example of the second general use would be an excavation in preparation for a boring or monitoring well that is within one meter of an existing utility.  Typical Applications:

When excavating in the proximity of buried utilities, vacuum excavation is a safe alternative to hydraulic methods and an efficient alternative to hand digging.

Highlights of the Viper: