The Benefits of an AirSpade Excavation Tool
If you are an arborist, landscaper, or utility worker, an Airspade is an excellent tool to use when you want to safely and easily uncover buried utility lines in an airspade investigations. It can safely and efficiently dig out a wide variety of soil types and shapes, and has been designed to work on a wide variety of jobs and surfaces. To learn more about Airspades, read on! Below are some of the benefits of these unique excavation tools.
Supersonic nozzle air-jet
Utility AirSpade’s 4000 Series utilizes the power of compressed air to create a laser-like jet that quickly dislodges soil up to six inches deep in just one pass. The nozzle is constructed of non-sparking Nickle Aluminum Bronze and Brass components. The tool’s barrel and handle combine to minimize operator fatigue and maximize jobsite safety.
In order to design a nozzle that delivers the desired force and power, a company should first study the characteristics of the soil. A high-speed movie or computer-aided machining will help the company determine the optimum air pressure range for the air-jet to reach its desired level of power. Then, the design team should investigate the boundary layer effect, which affects the efficiency of the air-jet.
One of the main challenges is minimizing the spray. If there is any chance of mud or water splashing in the excavation site, the air-jet should be turned off while working. The high-pressure jet may also damage clothing and plastic lines. In addition, water-excavated soils have a higher volume than other types of soils. Hence, removing mud from the job site may require secondary operations.
Compact soil dislodgement
The AirSpade is a powerful, portable excavation tool that uses compressed air to dislodge compact soils. Its patented supersonic nozzle moves at 1,200 mph, or Mach 2. The air accelerated by the AirSpade jet dislodges the soil within fractions of a second. Soil is an unconsolidated assemblage of solid particles that may not contain organic matter. The voids between these solid particles are filled with air.
The AirSpade is effective in most types of soil, from medium to hard clay. In medium soil, it can create trenches several inches deep per pass. It is not capable of cutting or dislodging hard rock or shale, but it can break apart frozen soils. The tool can be used in sensitive areas where you must dig out a layer of dense, compact soil.
Safe excavation around tree roots
Aerating soil is a crucial aspect of tree care, and the GuardAir Air Spade can perform this vital function safely and effectively. This lightweight fiberglass gun is an effective way to decompact compacted soil and aerate it. It works by creating channels in the soil that allow water to drain and oxygen to flow through. This allows trees to absorb more oxygen and nutrients, while reducing root damage and improving root growth.
Before beginning excavation, it is vital to saturate the soil around the tree’s base. Grass and plants that grow up to the tree’s trunk must be pruned or relocated, and any fragile property near the work site must be protected. Then, the arborist will use an air spade to expose the flare of the tree’s root system. After this, the crew will remove the existing girdling roots.
Handmade versus OSHA-compliant
A handcrafted versus OSHA-compliant Airspate excavation tool may be a question you have been wondering about. Handmade tools are often constructed from heavy metal piping and materials not typically used for air excavation. When comparing two tools, make sure you know the difference between their construction and ergonomics. The PSI must be measured correctly, and an incorrect PSI can put you and your colleagues at risk.
Before you start digging, you must know the types of soil you’re working with. Then, you must use a soil-testing device to ensure that you’re working in a safe environment. If the excavation is more than 20 ft. (6.1 m.), then you’ll need a registered professional engineer’s approval. You should also be sure to place shielding over the excavation site that extends 18 inches above the surrounding area.
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