AVOIDING UNDERGROUND SERVICES INNOVATION

Vacuum excavation technique improves site productivity and safety 

Morrison Utility Services now utilise a ”vacuum excavation technique” as a way of ensuring the safe excavation of material over or around underground services and tree roots.

Using a high pressure air flow, this method of excavation uses the force of the vacuum to pull compacted material from the ground and placing directly into the accompanying vehicle in one operation.

Invasive methods avoided

It avoids the need for invasive digging methods such as hand digging or the use of traditional mechanical excavators. It therefore virtually “eliminates possible cable and service damage”.

This method of excavation is said to be ideal when working in hard ground conditions and areas of congested underground apparatus.

Morrison claim that the technique offers a number of advantages including:

  • Faster excavation compared to open cut, especially in difficult ground conditions;
  • Reduced excavation size;
  • Reduced reinstatement costs;
  • Reduced risk of underground utility strikes;
  • Less risk of damage to tree roots;
  • Reduced operational impact on general public;
  • Reduced risk of injury to digging teams;
  • Reduced need for grab wagon support;
  • Plant and personnel maintained at a safe distance;
  • Can work within a restricted area;
  • Spoil contained within the unit for transportation off site; and
  • Less mess created on site.

This article was posted on 23rd February 2011 in ALL LATEST NEWS, ELECTRICITY UNDERGROUND, EXCAVATIONS.
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