Vac-Ex

Safe and Precise Excavation With Vac-Ex

Excavating around live utilities and vital services on an airfield can be a challenging and potentially hazardous task, with traditional excavation methods potentially resulting in serious damage to infrastructure. In the case of a fire or fuel mains, this could cause massive and costly disruption to an airport. However, with the use of vacuum excavation technology, Castle & Pryor is able to provide a safe and efficient solution, perfect for smaller or hazardous areas. With over 30 years of experience in drilling, concrete and masonry sawing, and controlled demolition, we’re ready to utilise Vac-Ex machinery across the aviation sector nationwide.

Speak to a member of our team about your needs today to get a free quote on work.

How we utilise Vac-Ex machines on airfields

Vac-Ex is a non-intrusive method of excavation that uses compressed air to loosen up the ground, followed by suction to remove the loose material. A Vac-Ex machine can generate a powerful stream of air with an operator controlling the intake nozzle, providing full control of the excavation while they remain at a safe distance. This method significantly reduces spoil and dust because all of the extracted material is sucked directly into sealed collection chambers on the machine, making it particularly suitable for use in confined spaces.

Vac-Ex machines have a wide range of applications across UK airfields, including:

• Excavating trial areas and pits as small as 20cm to confirm if services are present.
• Providing excavation solutions in potential high-risk areas.
• Providing a safe and efficient excavation solution where services are known to be present
• Vac-Ex machines can be utilised at the design stage of a project alongside PAS 128 surveys to plot out existing services
• Smaller AIR-VAC units allow us to access areas conventional excavation and Vac Ex equipment are unable to.
• We can use our smaller Vac Ex machines alongside Brokk machinery to offer a fully remote service to potentially hazardous work areas

By using Vac-Ex machines, aviation contractors can ensure that all works are conducted safely, efficiently and without causing any disruption to airport operations.

Choosing Castle & Pryor

At Castle & Pryor, we understand the importance of reliable and safe excavation practices in the aviation industry. Here’s why you should choose us for your vacuum excavation projects:

• Reputation and experience: We have over 30 years of experience providing specialist services to a wide range of industries, including aviation. With our new Vac-Ex equipment, we can offer next-level precision and protection to our clients.
• Quality and precision: Our vacuum excavation units utilise the latest technology operated by our highly trained professionals to ensure accuracy and precision in all work.
• Responsiveness to your deadlines: We understand the urgency of airport infrastructure projects and are committed to delivering our services on time, every time.
• Value for money: We offer competitive pricing for our services and strive to find cost-saving solutions for our clients.
• Commitment to safety and environmental compliance: We adhere to all UK regulations and guidelines for safety and environmental compliance, ensuring the highest standards of safety for our team and the environment.
• Certified Team: Our team possesses all necessary training certified by Vac Ex Ltd.

Our team offers 24/7 work across the UK. Contact us to learn more or get an upfront quote for your needs.

Our collaborative process

We work closely with clients to understand their specific requirements and to tailor a solution that meets their needs. This process starts with an initial consultation to assess the project and provide a detailed proposal. Once the proposal is accepted, our experienced team of operators and supervisors will start work. Throughout, we’ll maintain close communication to ensure the work is completed on time, within budget, and to the client’s satisfaction. Our commitment to quality, safety, and environmental compliance is evident in every aspect of our work.

Our wealth of Vac-Ex experience

When a large housing developer approached us with the challenge of locating a 6-inch gas main on a new construction site, we saw an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of our new Vac-Ex AIR-VAC unit. With its compact size and advanced technology, our mini-tracked excavator swiftly and accurately excavated a 35-meter trench, allowing us to determine the location of the gas main without any service disruptions. This efficient solution saved time and money for our client while minimizing environmental impact.

Reading the full case study here.

Get an upfront quote today

Experience the benefits of vacuum excavation for your airfield projects with Castle & Pryor. Our state-of-the-art Vac-Ex machines, coupled with our expert team and commitment to safety and compliance, ensure efficient and precise excavation for your project. Contact us today to learn more and get a quote for your project.