Home | Utility Locating | Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) | Subsurface Utility Location/Vacuum Excavation
Pressurized air and water systems maximize excavation safety and efficiency
National Underground Group’s subsurface utility locating service provides vacuum excavation using hydrovac systems, dry vacuum excavation systems and combination trucks with equipment that control high-pressure water or pressurized air to break up and loosen the soil, while a high-flow vacuum system lifts the soil up and out of the excavation area.
Our approach eliminates mechanical digging, which often puts work crews at risk and can damage subsurface infrastructure. This is especially important when trying to locate lines that carry hazardous materials or essential utilities. In addition to trenching in areas with substantial existing utilities, our vacuum excavation services include potholing and mining support operations.
Excavation systems suited for a wide range of earth removal applications
To provide comprehensive vacuum excavation services to our customers, we employ air and water systems. Our air-vacuum system pushes air into the minute fissures of soil, while the air is still in a compressed state, and as the air expands, it breaks apart the soil into easily vacuumed particles. This system best suits excavations that don’t allow for the disposing of slurry created by pressurized water. With air, the spoil (soil mixture) stays dry and can be used as fill. It is also good in granular conditions when reusing spoil is advantageous or around high-pressure gas lines, some high-power electrical transmission lines and in areas where water spray could be detrimental to the environment.
Our hydrovac system works by removing or moving soil with pressurized water. An air conveyance or vacuum is then used to transfer the soil or debris to a debris tank. The hydro vacuum system is more productive in more types of soil and is preferable when excavating clay, hard soils, frozen ground or where dust abatement might be necessary. And, because water acts as a lubricant, it reduces wear on the suction piping caused by the spoil. We use hydrovac systems, dry-vac systems and combination trucks with equipment that controls the amount of water utilized during earth cutting.
Air and hydro vacuum systems ensure required results despite challenging operational conditions
National Underground Group maintains a fleet of vac trucks across the nation to service projects of any size. Whether you need a vac truck just for the day or for a week’s long project, we offer a wide range of options. Our systems can penetrate any soil type, including clay and frozen ground. Powerful hydrovac truck systems can excavate to a depth of 60 feet. The ability to dig at a distance up to 600 feet from the hydro vacuum truck enables this system to work in areas with limited access.
Hydrovac units mounted on Freightliner trucks offer several notable features:
- Water storage capacity: 1,200 gallons
- Debris storage capacity: 14 cubic yards
- Hibon 5300 SCFM vacuum blower
- 3,000 PSI, 9 GPM water pump
- Complete insulation, minimal noise
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Accumark
Accumark provides locating services for a complete Subsurface Utility Engineering field services solution. Also offering subsurface utility designation, mapping and locating services, Accumark is recognized for its safety-first focus and outstanding customer service as well as accuracy and timeliness that lead to cost savings and damage prevention.
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Pro-Pipe
Pro-Pipe provides cross bore inspection and pre- and post-construction inspections for trenchless installations. Utilizing advanced technology and sophisticated equipment, Pro-Pipe digitally maps (GIS) underground infrastructure, provides condition scoring for prioritization and assessment, and offers comprehensive maintenance and rehabilitation.
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Accumark
Accumark provides locating services for a complete Subsurface Utility Engineering field services solution. Also offering subsurface utility designation, mapping and locating services, Accumark is recognized for its safety-first focus and outstanding customer service as well as accuracy and timeliness that lead to cost savings and damage prevention.
Go to Accumark Go to Accumark Go to Accumark
Pro-Pipe
Pro-Pipe provides cross bore inspection and pre- and post-construction inspections for trenchless installations. Utilizing advanced technology and sophisticated equipment, Pro-Pipe digitally maps (GIS) underground infrastructure, provides condition scoring for prioritization and assessment, and offers comprehensive maintenance and rehabilitation.
Go to Pro-Pipe Go to Pro-Pipe Go to Pro-Pipe