The suction excavator works in a similar way to a cyclonic cleaner, but with immense suction power. The high negative pressure air current removes all materials through a suction nozzle using a flexible arm attachment fixed to the back of the excavator vehicle.
The spoil collected is deposited in a self-contained unit mounted on the suction excavator vehicle. When the container reaches capacity, the lid is hydraulically opened, and the entire chamber is mechanically tipped over and the contents discharged into a low-level skip. The spoil is then removed from site and taken to either a landfill or ideally, a recycling facility.
Operating suction excavation capacities of around 45m3 per day are commonly achieved here in the UK (figure based on 26 metric tonne unit with a 7m3 container). The suction excavator is ideally suited for use in uncovering defective underground pipes and cables, which are too dangerous to expose using standard open cut procedures. It has received recognition for brand value innovation from the likes of BP & Shell.