Ditch Witch CEA provide customers in Australia and New Zealand with all the equipment required to successfully complete a range of trenchless projects.
The inaugural AUSJET22 Exhibition and Conference is now only days away, taking place next week from 12 to 13 October at Melbourne Showgrounds.
Founded in 2021 by Dannielle and Jason James to work alongside their company Pipe Pro Directional Drilling, James Vac Solutions also operates as an independent hire for a range of projects.
Dannielle and Jason have run their multi-ward winning trenchless business, Pipe Pro Directional Drilling, since 2013. The company provides specialist, innovative trenchless technology for the installation of a variety of pipes and utilities.
Priding itself of providing high quality directional drilling services to all clients, Pipe Pro Directional Drilling is dedicated to meeting each job with stringent safety standards to ensure a safe and professional environment both onsite and in the office.
Benefiting from this professionalism and the stellar reputation of Pipe Pro Directional Drilling, is James Vac Solutions.
Speaking on founding the company, Dannielle explained that her and Jason believed it was a natural progression of their expansion into the civil construction industry.
“We could see how beneficial Vacuum Excavation was becoming in our industry and constantly fielding enquiries about our existing trucks that were being used every day with our drilling crews,” said Dannielle.
Specialising in vacuum excavation, the company offers a more environmentally friendly method of excavating.
It offers high-pressure water jetting services rather than traditional methods to not only ensure pipes and drains are free from any blockages or build up – but is also safer alternative for the public, the operator and the environment.
Not only does it minimise damage underground and to existing pipes, but it also removes build-up of grime, can aid in the removal of stubborn tree roots and is also cost effective.
Likewise, James Vac Solutions also offers hydro excavation services – a safe and non-destructive method of drilling which is used to locate underground services.
According to James Vac Solutions, hydro excavation is particularly useful in circumstances in which assets are difficult to locate or are in high volume which could lead to an increased risk.
Thankfully, the company boasts a state-of-the-art, custom made 11,000 litre vacuum excavation truck which is capable of providing hydro excavation services to fit the needs of any client or project. More recently in 2022, JVS has added an additional two vacuum excavation truck and a street sweeper to keep up with demand.
Hydro excavation provides several benefits compared to alternative excavation methods such as traditional excavators or jackhammers. These benefits include reducing the damage made to existing underground assets (such as power, water and telecommunications assets), improved control over the depth and location of excavation and can be performed in a range of different types of ground surfaces.
Traditional digging using excavators requires open cutting roads, paddocks and nature strips to install pipelines or locate underground services. Understandably, this method can cause undue damage to the surrounding environment while vacuum excavation utilises high pressure water jetting to expose underground utilities without the danger of digging around amongst live services with an excavator. This being performed in a fraction of the time.
By pairing James Vac Solution’s capabilities with vacuum excavation and Pipe Pro Directional Drilling’s expertise and renown when it comes to directional drilling, the two companies can continue to develop and connect homes and businesses to necessary utilities in a safer and more environmentally conscious manner.
“Building Pipe Pro Drilling over the past 9 years has seen us develop relationships with a diverse client base. Our reputation and brand are trusted across Victoria so adding James Vac Solutions to the fleet has allowed us to provide our customers with a full range of NDD services to safely install underground infrastructure,” said Dannielle.
“We are excited to announce that James Vac Solutions are finalists in two categories of the Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards. We are down to the final three businesses in the Federation University Technology Park Innovation Award Category and Runway HQ Newcomer Business Award. The winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner on the 25th of August which the whole team is looking forward to.”
For more information visit James VAC Solutions.
This article appeared in the August edition of Trenchless Australasia.
The slurry processing solution is to use liquid and solids separation equipment to treat soil, soup or slurry generated from hydrovac, excavation or horizontal directional drilling (HDD) projects, and produces reusable material for construction and discharge clean water.
Normally, the slurry is contaminant-free and comes from physical utility location in public right of ways, and directional drilling for placement of underground pipes, utilities, or other private property construction. The slurry is of different particle sizes, and is processed by a classifying vibrating screen, dewatering fine shaker, and a dewatering decanter centrifuge.
For various applications on solid liquid separation, the concept is the same. Separate the mixed fluid to different class, with the easiest practical way is by particle size. The most commonly used method for separating particles based on particle size is screening.
Probability of separation is the process of particles reporting to the screen apertures or openings, and passing through if the particle size is less than the aperture.
Screen selection is based on the overall screen area required to achieve efficient screening at a given mass throughput capacity. Length of screen is important for ensuring the number of trials needed to achieve the desired mass throughput capacity and to provide sufficient screen underflow capacity.
Width is important for ensuring proper bed depth so as to provide sufficient stratification.
The length of the screen should be at least two times the width for good practical design.
In GN Solids’ hydrovac slurry dewatering system, the very first step is through a steel plate wire mesh, which is holding unexpected big stones.
It will then drop to a classification vibrating screen. With different purposes, the screen wiring dimension can be very different, and the experience from the customer themselves matters as well. With intention to make a good benchmark, GN Solids’ classification vibrating screen comes with a huck revit wallboard. Through finite element analysis, the structure has been well optimised.
The plane design of the whole screen surface is more conducive to screening and grading materials and maximises the effective screening area of the screen surface.
With design of a positive inclination angle, and the installation angle being 4 degrees adjustable, it is suitable for the requirements of different process materials.
Following the first step screening, the mixture will then be transferred to the next step – GN Solids linear motion shale shaker. It is a product more popular in oil gas application, or HDD mud recyclers, yet it fits this step very well.
GN recommends the double deck shaker, as it eventually separates the particles step-by-step, and will save money on less consumable parts.
The last step is hydrocyclones. This where a dewatering screen will be put underneath to dewater the discharge from cones, and to improve the cyclone efficiency.
The hyodrovac slurry treatment system has four types of screens. The first is big mesh bars to hold large stones. The second includes coarse classifying screen. Third screen is having double deck shaker screen, and the fourth is a cyclone discharge dewatering screen.
For more information visit GN Solids.
This article featured in the June edition of Trenchless Australasia.
KAISER is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of vacuum and jetting vehicles for water recycling, sewer, stormwater, hydraulic excavation, industrial and dry suction applications. Having partnered with Canberra-based NATEE for several years, in 2019, the company established a dedicated subsidiary in the region.
Based out of Sydney and lead by National Area Manager Kristian Stamenkovic, KAISER’s Australasian operations have gone from strength to strength, culminating in its strongest year to date. Despite recent challenges affecting the market globally, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues, the manufacturer has maintained a consistent supply of machines for local operators.
As a company with a clear management and ownership structure as well as a long-term strategy, it was always clear to KAISER the best way to deal with these challenges was entrepreneurially and actively. Significantly increased inventories, in some cases a change in production methods and, above all, a substantial anticipation in truck procurement continue to guarantee short delivery times.
These measurements led to consistent deliveries of vehicles to the Australian market and the securing of subsequent supply for 2023 and beyond.
Recently, KAISER has secured important partnerships, not only from a commercial perspective, but also from an operational standpoint. Leading trenchless technology and pipeline equipment supplier SECA has partnered with KAISER to provide servicing and spare parts for the company’s machines, complementing the existing relationship with NATEE.
The agreement supports KAISER customers with machines in operation around Australia.
“Through our partnerships with SECA and NATEE, we can ensure genuine, tried and tested support from partners already fully established with a history of supporting their customer for many years,” says Mr Stamenkovic.
“KAISER also fully supports the training and ongoing support of companies own service and support staff to allow for more independence and control over maintenance and repairs.”
Following NATEE’s involvement as a Platinum Sponsor of No-Dig Down Under in 2019, KAISER is exhibiting at this year’s event. The company’s local and international Area Managers are looking forward to meeting existing and potential customers on stand 103 to discuss the company’s latest products and innovations, which were recently presented at the world leading trade fair IFAT in Germany.
With SECA also exhibiting at the event, No-Dig gives potential customers the opportunity to speak directly to the manufacturer and the specialist service provider at the same event.
“Visiting us at No-Dig is an opportunity to learn more about our full range of units specifically tailored to the local market, which illustrates why KAISER is a global leader in manufacturing this technology,” says Mr Stamenkovic.
For more information visit KAISER.
This article featured in the June edition of Trenchless Australasia.
Founded in 2006 by Director Andrew Rowlands, and technical founder Denis Walker, Vacvator has grown from its humble beginnings to specialise in the manufacturing of high-quality vacuum excavation trucks. Based in Goulburn NSW, Vacvator’s units are now distributed nationwide to support the civil, industrial, utility, mining sectors and more.
As one of the key players in the Australian vacuum excavation truck market, Vacvator now strives to provide “the most productive trucks on the market”. Vacvator models are manufactured using the latest technologies and the company prides itself on creating products that are durable, reliable, easy to operate and safe to use, resulting in market leading productivity and significant reduction in whole of life costs of the unit.
The most popular units in recent years have been TMC40-160B and the TMC76-245B. The TMC40-160B is a 4000L truck and is the smallest in the range. It is the simplest to operate, manoeuvre and maintain compared to the larger models, but still maintains Vacvator’s high levels of productivity and performance, a highly efficient cyclone system and 1600CFM of suction and up to 18-inch Hg vacuum.
The TMC76-245B is an 8000L truck. Like the TMC40-160B model, it is efficient and versatile; however, it is more powerful, with 2450CFM of suction and up to 26-inch Hg vacuum. The unit is ideally suited to small operators and municipals.
The TMC76-245B is one of the most popular models in the series. Over the past 12 months Vacvator have introduced two new combination units to support its product range. Firstly, the Duo Dry which delivers the cost saving option to excavate with high-pressure air to dislodge the soil matter to be deposited into the tank as dry material or traditionally high-pressure water. This unit is quickly gaining popularity in areas where the cost of disposing of contaminated soil is becoming more and more expensive (approximately $180 per tonne).
Secondly the Duo Jet is designed to deliver NDD and drain cleaning capabilities, this truck has been designed to offer high pressure water jetting at 250lpm/2200psi. Both units reattain the ability to traditionally NDD without damaging underground utilities and pipelines.
To ensure the highest of standards, all Vacvator units incorporate an integrated CANbus system as a standard feature. The system not only makes Vacvator the market leader in operator integration with intuitive control systems, but it also incorporates safety features to protect the unit and more importantly ensure that the truck is safe to operate on and off the road. Vacvator’s primary goal is to ensure our units are both safe for the operator and profitable for the owner.
Perhaps one of the greatest productivity benefits Vacvator has been its effective design and innovation around the airflow. The combination of filter design, cyclones and the smart interaction between the major components means that the blower capacity is utilised to its full capacity. The resultant effect is a very efficient use of power allowing the truck to perform at an exceptional level, the design also means that blockages in most cases, never happen.
Vacvator has long recognised that noise is one of the biggest concerns for vacuum truck owners, as its predominant working environment is in urban areas. Using the truck engine as its primary power source means that it does not need to run at high RPM to run the blower unit, this coupled with the vacuum blower selection and the blower muffler design means that all our trucks operate below 82 dBA. The lower overall dBA level has a positive benefit for the general public and other operations working in the surrounding environment, reducing their exposure to excessive noise.
Using the truck engine to drive the unit as opposed to an auxiliary engine also reduces running costs and start up times. The cost of servicing two engines itself is not the biggest cost for the truck, it is the compounded down time when the two engine servicing intervals don’t line up resulting in underutilisation and higher overhead costs. A truck engine that is maintained by an authorised truck dealer, has less chance of failing than a stationary engine that randomly gets serviced and maintained.
Vacvator has its own in-house quality, safety, and incident management system, with the company relentlessly ensuring its processes and procedures are followed during manufacturing to ensure quality and consistency of all its products. Despite the quality of its products, Vacvator has faced challenges with the industry expansion and a rapidly changing market. To continue to support its existing clients and meet their excavation needs, the company has had to undergo significant growth in recent years. There are plans currently underway to expand its Goulburn manufacturing facility. The facility is currently 1340 square metres of manufacturing space and is expected to increase by a further 1430 square metres incorporating a purpose-built blasting and painting facility.
The company has also had some recent additions to its management team. Following Denis retiring earlier this year, Con Alvanos was appointed as the new General Manager and Operations Manager. Con, who joined the organisation two years ago as the operations manager, now works closely with his senior management team to ensure Vacvator clients are supported and are consistently delivered high-quality products.
“I am so confident in the quality of our engineering, our craft people’s skills, and our attention to detail during manufacturing that we will warrant all Vacvator manufactured components for three years,” he says.
“Interestingly the first Vacvator built is still in operation some 15 years later. If you are a dedicated vacuum excavation company, a civil contractor, a mining company, or a council and you need your equipment to work each time every time, then you need a Vacvator.”
Con says Vacvator understands the challenges the industry faces and ensure its customers benefit from an easy-to-operate vac truck.
“As an organisation we offer guaranteed turnaround time for support to our valued customers. From the time you call in to the time we get one of our team to help with your problem, we guarantee to call back within the hour,” he says.
“Vacvator trucks are Australian made using Aussie ingenuity to combine superior quality and exceptional performance with green, safe technology.”
For more information visit Vacvator.
This article featured in the June edition of Trenchless Australasia.
Founder and managing director Steve Pewtress established KOR in 2011 after identifying a gap in the market to deliver high-quality equipment to the trenchless industry.
After finding himself in a senior leadership role overseeing procurement of large equipment at another company, Pewtress became disillusioned with the current supplies in Australia.
“Through varied circumstances I was introduced to Cappellotto Spa – an Italian manufacturer – and through commercial dialogue and discussion, that opportunity was extended to me to take on the distribution and start my own company,” he says.
“With the support we had, and continue to have, those discussions 10 years’ ago were the right ones.”
A key to KOR’s success over the past10 years has been a constant focus on seeking the world’s most innovative products, identifying industry best practices, and collaborating with supplier and internal engineering capabilities to supply the Australian market.
Pewtress says its manufacturing partner in Cappellotto Spa has delivered the world’s highest quality, most efficient and ergonomically designed vacuum trucks for more than 65 years.
“Supported by our extended range of products from KEG nozzles, Duebre, Southland Tools, Polyflow Cobra Sewer Hose and Uraca water pumps, our Cappellotto product is supported by the highest performing accessories from across the globe,” he says. Following an aggressive start-up, Pewtress employed industry professionals that believed in the Cappellotto products and supported the business. He says this was another key aspect that helped the company grow to what it is today.
KOR has further expanded its product offering with a leading street sweeper provider, Schwarze Industries. This complementary partnership provides the market with sweeper units and parts across KORs Australian and New Zealand distribution network with mobile service options already deployed in a number of locations.
The ongoing vision for the company is to secure a great product, develop a great team, and service the market by way of a customer-faced business.
This includes a full-service support capability, spare parts centres across Australia, unit availability to support the demand for contractors, and a 24/7 customer service focus to support its clients.
“Organisations that embrace the commercial power associated with proactive fleet management are able to become highly profitable,” he says. “They realise the value of preserving capital, leveraging finance, procurement and retirement modelling with maturing equipment specification development.”
KOR has the experience and expertise to assist its clients in creating these fundamental financial strategies for their shareholders with fleet development and flexibility.
In 2016 Pewtress formed a commercial partnership with Marcus Birrell, an industry leader in the Automotive sector. This partnership allowed Pewtress and Birrell to accelerate KORs growth strategies and advance the service offering to customers Nationally and in New Zealand.
“We are now operating in QLD, NSW, four sites in VIC, one in WA, and continuing to grow and looking at further geographical expansion,” he says. “KOR continues to invest in its people with a team of close to fifty staff. As our footprint of units grows with support from the trenchless community so does our commitment to aftersales support.”
Looking towards the future, KOR continues to identify world class specialized equipment to compliment the Cappellotto and Schwarze product line.
With a strong presence in Australian, Pewtress also has his sights on expanding to Asia with Cappellotto’s support.
“The other dynamic change in our business is leasing and lease-to-buy opportunities with our equipment and supporting our customers,” he says.
“We have also commenced the KOR Academy, which is an all-inclusive internal and external training set up. It is early days; however, it continues to support our centre of excellence to help our own people develop further skills and evolve and continue to be highly capable in everything they do.”
“We currently provide external training to customers and operators of KOR units and are looking to further extend the offering to provide a full suite of training services with flexibility to the marketplace.”
KOR has developed a market reach where it is able to facilitate trade-in purchases from its clients and reposition preowned units into a different environment.
Pewtress says it can manage any unit brand that still has genuine service life and is proud of the maturity it has introduced into the market that enables customers looking to renew or wanting to gain the great experience on offer when contractors buy a new Cappellotto unit.
“We have created our own showroom with the Cappellotto range supported by the strength of our supply chain which has been instrumental in the landscape of the market because we backed ourselves, and the market, to ensure we have stock to service the industry,” he says.
“Often with manufacturers in this space, you are looking at a 6-12 month wait. But with us, within reason, you can get it in 2-4 days. We pride ourselves on servicing our customers yesterday, today and always.”
With over 20 years experience in the industry, Pewtress is extremely grateful for the people who have interacted with KOR. He says as a result of the platform he has put in place, the company is now in a position to continue to evolve and grow to become better at enabling customers to yield their financial aspirations as it becomes “the best strategic supplier we can.”
“As the founder and leader of KOR I am extremely proud of everything we are achieving with our Australian-owned company that employs a rapidly growing team of people across Australia and New Zealand who continue to deliver despite the pandemic,” he says.
“Customer engagement is high as we all look to press our economy forward helping all Australians climb back to where we must be.”
For more information visit the KOR website.
Irrigation Main Replacements – Supply & Construct – FY21/22 & FY22/23 Issued by: Lower Murray Water Closing Date: 13 January 2022 Location: Victoria Description: Lower Murray Water is looking for a suitably qualified contractor to complete Irrigation Mains Replacement works in the Mildura and Merbein area. The contract will be for the supply and construction of irrigation main pipelines (approximately 4.25 km). There will be multiple projects within the Merbein and Mildura irrigation districts, all comprising of trench and trenchless installation methodologies.
Muriwai Water Pipeline Reticulation Issued by: Gisborne District Council Closing Date: 17 January 2022 Location: New Zealand Description: This project involves the supply and installation of a DN125 PE water pipeline from Dunstan Road to Muriwai township (approx. 6km). The pipeline will be located within the existing railway corridor and will cross the Waipaoa bridge (out of scope for this tender) and other small streams. The installation will be a mix of open trenching and trenchless methodology depending on the respondents’ capabilities and capacity.
Horsham Sewer Rising Main Duplication Issued by: Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Corporation Closing Date: 01 January 2022 Location: Victoria Description: Tenders are invited for the design, supply, and construction of approximately 1.6 km of 300 mm (ID) Sewer Rising Main in Horsham. Works include supply, construction, and commissioning of approximately 1180 metres of DN300 PN16 PVC-O pipe including all associated scour, air and isolation valves and interconnections. The supply, construction, and commissioning of approximately 410 metres of DN400 PN16 HDPE pipe installed via HDD, including all associated scour, air and isolation valves and interconnections.
Chinchilla CBD Water Main Replacements Issued by: Western Downs Regional Council Closing Date: 19 January 2022 Location: Queensland Description: WDRC have identified various water mains within the Chinchilla town centre that require replacement. These water main replacements include:
Averley Estate – Branch Sewer Issued by: South East Water Corporation Closing Date: 19 January 2022 Location: Victoria Description: Cossill & Webley Consulting Engineers Australia on behalf of Lendlease Communities (Pakenham East) Pty Ltd, invites tenders from South East Water Accredited contractors (Category SC2, SC7) for the construction of approximately 1,235 metres of DN300mm branch sewer required for the development of Averley, Pakenham East.
Construction of Wellington Bore Pipeline Issued by: Dubbo Regional Council Closing Date: 25 January 2022 Location: New South Wales Description: Tenders are invited for T21-042 Construction of Wellington Bore Pipeline. The work to be constructed under this Specification consists of the construction of mains up to DN600 nominal size. A mandatory site inspection / meeting will be held on 11th January 2022 at Bicentennial Park, Wellington NSW 2820.
Each fortnight, the Trenchless Australasia e-newsletter includes a list of tenders relevant to no-dig contractors, suppliers and manufacturers.
The information is provided by Australian Tenders, which is renowned for being an Australia-wide locally owned and operated tender notification service.
Australian Tenders is also offering readers of Trenchless Australasia three months free on their subscription plans.
Email support@australiantenders.com.au for more information.
For more tender information visit the Australian Tenders website.
Excom Civil is a small but fast-growing company specialising in pot-holing, waste recovery, site cleaning, drain cleaning and just about everything vacuum truck related.
Excom director Ray Xerri is also the company’s site supervisor and excavator operator. This is the first new unit Xerri has purchased and also is his first piece of KAISER equipment.
Not only that, but it is the first of KAISER’s all-new Elegance 2.0 HydroVac units to hit the east coast.
“I was in the US a couple of years ago for the WWETT (Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport) show, and I fell in love with them then,” said Xerri.
The stand-out features of this unit, and the reason Xerri decided to go with the KAISER unit over the competition, has to do with the machine’s performance and payload.
The KAISER Elegance 2.0 HydroVac unit has a 2,724m3/hr vacuum pump, 37L/min dedicated hydraulic excavation pump, 4,500L of fresh water, 9,800L sludge tank and genuine 7,800kg payload.
“These guys have been building a lot of trucks for a long time. While the Australian market is still new at it, I was pretty confident in [KAISER’s] product, and we wanted reliability,” Xerri said.
“They are an elite name and they’re only just arriving here, and we were happy to back them early.”
The truck is also equipped with centralised greasing, one-touch pressure capabilities and remote control chassis engine start/stop while power take-offs (PTOs) are engaged, making it unmatched in the local market.
The design of the new Elegance range is lightweight and streamlined, focused on maximising payload while ensuring full compliance with local front axle capacity limits and keeping a low centre of gravity.
“We’ve only had it two weeks, and it’s been out every day. The operators love it; simple things make the operation a lot better, ” Xerri said.
Xerri commended the unit for everything from the valve closures, to its high water pressure, to its safety features, and its handsome outward appearance.
By keeping the majority of the fixed weight towards the rear and as low as possible we are able to ensure a better genuine payload and better overall vehicle stability.
For more information visit the KAISER website.
CEA is a leading distributor of equipment brands for agricultural and infrastructure industries, with Ring-O-Matic one of several brands in its inventory developing innovative solutions for underground construction.
Known for its extensive background in truck-mounted vacuum excavators, Ring-O-Matic has now extended its range to include the 275 VX: a high-powered vacuum excavator within a compact and practical design. This new machine provides a 250-gallon (946 L) spoil tank and 600 CFM blower, powered by a 31hp Deutz diesel engine.
The 275 VX is the perfect machine for many applications including hydro excavation, waste clean-up, concrete slurry management, fence post setting, microtunnelling and much more. CEA Underground Product Manager Scott O’Hare says the 275 VX is ideal for the Australian market.
“Given its compact design, its suitable for a large range of applications across commercial and residential spaces. While its more compact, the 275 VX doesn’t compromise on power, making it the perfect choice for those considering purchasing a trailer mounted vacuum excavator,” he says.
Suitable for truck or trailer mount configurations, the 275 VX showcases the diversity of the Ring-O-Matic vacuum excavator line up. The machines will be available through CEA on 4.5T ATM trailers, or single skid mount for truck mounting.
The 275 VX offers unmatched performance and reliability, while the heavy-duty frame, large axle capacity and Roots 600CFM vacuum pump blowers ensure the 275VX is designed to withstand the most rugged conditions.
The compact, low profile of the excavator provides good visibility for the operator and stability in rough locations. Fitted with a premium silencer package, the 275 VX produces minimal noise making it ideal for applications in urban areas.
Its balanced design provides optimum tongue weight, reducing wear on the operator’s truck. The machine comes standard with reverse flow for fast tank draining and the ability to blow obstructions out of the vacuum hose. It can also backflush the filters for quick, easy cleaning, and is fitted with a unique single handle door latch design for convenient access.
Controls: the controls located on the front curb side provide easy access with a lockable cabinet and magnetic remote that can extend if remote operation is required.
Water tank: the single water tank is capable of holding 100 gallons (378 L) and includes a low water shutoff feature. A single water tank provides better reliability and less maintenance for operators.
Reverse flow: the 275 VX offers reverse flow standard, which allows the operator to pressurise the tank for easy offloading and assists in clearing hose obstructions.
Rear door: the spoil tank door is mechanically locked with a single-lever spider door locking system. The hydraulic door opens 75 degrees, which provides the industry’s widest opening rear door in its class, ensuring better access for easier cleaning.
Baghouse filtration: the baghouse filtration that follows the Cyclo-Separator filtration has a washable and reusable filter that is easily cleaned after use.
The first 275 VX truck mounted vacuum excavators will arrive in Australia later this year.
For more information visit the CEA website.
Established in 2007, GN Solids Control specialises in separation equipment, including solids control hardware, industry decanter centrifuge and waste management supplies. The company has generated more than 20 patents for separation equipment and exports products to 80 countries around the world.
GN is a trusted partner for waste management innovations. As a leading hydrovac slurry treatment system provider, GN designs and manufactures a range of waste management systems for hydrovac and directional drill slurry.
GN products have specialised features including complete package turnkey solutions and modularised systems for fast installation and mobilisation, while the four-phase mechanical separation provides operators with a better result.
Their advantages include direct entry and simple operation, while benefits include monetary and water conservation, and the inventory of products is supported by evidence with satisfied clients across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.
The rise of land development and rapid evolution of urban environments has seen a greater need for innovative waste management solutions. Hydrovac is becoming an increasingly popular solution in civil engineering and infrastructure construction processes, and it is also the favoured method for pipework installation.
Slurry is the by-product of hydro excavation processes. Made up of water and solids, it is difficult for operators to dispose of in landfill due to its weight and solid/liquid composition.
Waterlogged, thick mud is cumbersome due to its high volume and weight, with landfill sites increasingly reluctant to accept bulky waste. Burying waste can also be both legally and environmentally problematic.
GN has produced a closed loop system for recovering solids and reducing water consumption. The purpose of the system is to turn environmentally contaminating slurries into reusable soil and clean water.
GN’s slurry treatment solution deviates from a conventional take-make-waste model, participating in a circular economy by removing waste entirely, converting it into useable product. Dealing with slurry in-situ removes the risk of having to transport potentially toxic substances and GN’s effective dewatering solution allows for the recovery of reusable material.
The slurry processing solution uses liquid and solids separation equipment to treat soil or slurry generated from the hydrovac or horizontal directional drilling (HDD) projects. It generates a reusable material for construction and discharges clean, reusable water.
The solution is non-destructive and precise, using pressurised water and an industrial strength vacuum. As the pressurised water breaks up the soil it creates a slurry that is removed by a powerful vacuum into a debris tank.
The hydrovac truck collects the aggregate base and soil materials through the vacuum, and the company’s standard hydrovac slurry separation system generally includes a scalping shaker, fine shaker, desilter and decanter centrifuge.
The shale shakers (equipped with different mesh sizes for separation of a variety of particles), desilters (for separation of fine particles) and the decanter centrifuge (to treat slurry into clear water) all separate the solids from the water, sorting them into different sized particles.
GN’s slurry treatment solutions do not contaminate the environment. By turning waste material into useable water and soil, revenue can be generated by selling the separated useable biproducts. Up to 85 per cent of stones, sand and silts can be sized and recovered and converted into profitable construction materials.
Here are the main treating components for GN’s separation process:
The catch hopper allows two hydrovac trucks to dump at the same time without having to wait in line. Open wire mesh fixed on the top of the hopper holds the large stones or strays from falling off and through the automatic gate valve, while high pressure flushing nozzles around the hopper keep it from blocking.
Slurry falls into the GN coarse shaker first, which is equipped with long screen panels to allow the slurry enough time to stay above. Big particles, like gravel, pebbles or aggregates are removed, then transferred by a conveyor belt.
A VFD submersible pump feeds the slurry through the coarse shaker into the GN double deck fine shaker. By using large mesh screens on the upper deck and small mesh ones on the bottom deck, the GN fine shaker treats the slurry twice and removes sand.
The GN desilter uses multiple 4 inch (101 mm) cyclones to treat the liquid from the GN fine shaker. Fed by another submersible pump, the desilter can recover most of the solids larger than 25 microns. A GN ViST unit can be provided as an optional reinforced separation unit, to recover more than 10-15 per cent of solids.
As the key treating equipment, the GN decanter centrifuge runs at a high rotating speed to eliminate solids larger than 2-5 microns. The centrifuge bowl and screw propeller both rotate in the same direction but at different speeds due to the density difference.
Solids are forced to the outer inside ring of the bowl and pushed out from the solids discharge port where tungsten carbide inserts are used for protection against long-term wearing, and liquid leaves in the centre before they are flushed from the drain outlet.
For a better treating performance, a chemical dosing unit can also be used to feed flocculants together with the slurry into the centrifuge. All these components are designed in a compact modular structure, easy and fast to connect and relocate. Working parameters can be changed easily in a centralised control system, and alarms are monitored from a human-machine interface (HMI) screen.
GN’s slurry treatment eliminates the need for excavators to reload the slurry from mud pit to the treating system. With simple, easy-to-use design, the system requires as little as two operators onsite. The company’s treatment solutions save operators time, money, and the necessity for storage of excess equipment.
Overall, GN’s slurry treatment systems empower customers with greater control of their waste, providing a more sustainable approach to processing slurry and reduced disposal costs.
For more information visit the GN Solid’s website.
Recently PMA was contracted by a valued client to conduct two hydro excavation projects on Southbank on the picturesque Brisbane River.
Pipe Management Australia (PMA) has been an Australian leader in non-destructive digging (NDD), also known as hydro excavation, for more than a decade. Operating up and down the east coast of Australia, the company’s staff were some of the first field technicians to perform these services anywhere in the country.
As PMA has grown its operation, it has not only refined the hydro-excavation skills of its team, but also grown its fleet, including powerful Cappellotto Combo Vac Units courtesy of KOR Equipment Solutions – two of which were recently deployed in Southbank.
Southbank is Brisbane’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination, featuring colourful gardens, lush green lawns, a rainforest, manmade beach, and walking and cycling paths like the Clem Jones Promenade. Delivering hydro excavation in such a public and treasured space presented the PMA team with some challenges.
Services needed to be uncovered in a garden bed located near the beach area, with space for a vehicle reasonably tight. PMA employed one of its smaller Cappellotto CAP Combi CL 1500 4 x 2 multipurpose Combo Jet Vac units fitted with a 6-inch (152 mm) boom to gain closer proximity to the garden area.
Meanwhile, the second PMA crew had to excavate a trench for an electrical conduit to be laid. A Combo Unit was unable to get close to the work zone as it was located on the far side of a large expanse of lawn, next to a play area.
Due to the location, more than 45 m of vacuum hose was required, powered by the Cappellotto CAP Combi 3200 CL Hydro 8’ 8×4 Unit, suited for vacuum loading over longer distances. These KOR Combo Units, coupled with the advanced experience of PMA’s operators, made for an exceptional result for PMA’s Client.
KOR has worked closely with PMA for many years in providing the highest quality equipment and support to achieve excellent outcomes.
In addition to the CAP Combi 1500 CL and 3200 CL Combo units, KOR has an extensive range of vacuum and hydro excavation equipment operated by a diverse base of quality customers across many different applications. It is not just the quality design and superior performance of the Cappellotto trucks – when combined with KOR’s outstanding customer commitment, aftersales servicing and support, its customers enjoy improved efficiencies and increased productivity.
It has been an upward trajectory for KOR since inception 10 years ago, with the company growing its national footprint rapidly to become a market leader and industry heavyweight. At the forefront of KOR’s success is the dedicated and experienced team who have changed the industry landscape by continually delivering customers superior results.
Due to this ongoing success, Managing Director Stephen Pewtress was open to further expanding the operation and established the exclusive distribution for Schwarze Industries Sweepers. Schwarze had been looking for a partner to strengthen its position in Australia and was aware of KOR’s reputation and commitment and an agreement was reached that commenced on 1 July 2021.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to distribute world class Schwarze sweeping equipment alongside our high quality Cappellotto products,” says Mr Pewtress.
“We are proud of what we have achieved in our first 10 years of business. Now with Schwarze sweepers on board, we are very excited about the future.
“Customer engagement across our region is exceptionally high. The trust in KOR our clients have is reflected in our drive to continue to reinforce our service delivery. This underpins the strength of the Cappellotto and Schwarze brands in Australia and New Zealand.”
For more information visit the KOR Equipment Solutions website.
Sewer Equipment Company Australia (SECA) is a distributor of sewer, pipeline and plumbing equipment.
The company is Australia’s leading supplier of equipment for the cleaning, testing, inspection and rehabilitation of pipes, sewers and drains.
Established in 1967, the company has been operational for more than 50 years of service, providing superior support and industry expertise.
SECA has continued to expand its product range from many leading overseas suppliers and local manufacturers, offering the most up to date and advanced equipment available.
SECA’s agile team of in-house technicians offer a streamlined service backed by an extensive inventory of spare parts, including $2 million in camera parts alone.
Workshops in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne offer services including CCTV services and WinCan support, with pump, vac and sewer truck servicing; and flow meter fleet assessment available at the Sydney facility.
SECA now introduces the world’s first emissions-free high-pressure water jetting system to the Australian industry.
This reflects SECA’s commitment to support the Australian Government’s 2030 Emissions Reductions Target by providing emissions-free solutions to high pressure water cleaning for contractors and local government area.
This shared ambition has led to a growing market of electrification, and the eCityJet is a fully electric jetting machine incorporating the newest technology with an electric motor powered by a battery pack.
The machine generates zero emissions, making it a future-conscious choice, and ideally suited as a van-pack for use in city centres where strict emissions requirements apply.
The eCityJet has all the features of a conventional diesel-driven van-pack machine but offers emission-free operation without compromising on performance.
It is the world’s first high pressure sewer jetting machine fully powered by a high energy density lithium-ion battery.
The eCityJet is also virtually silent during operation.
As well as a cleaner choice, electric technology is quieter than diesel operated machinery, making it ideal for urban, indoor or night-time use.
The machine weighs 690 kg when empty and is most suited for cleaning pipes with diameters of up to 350 mm. Lightweight and compact, the eCityJet is suitable for most vehicles.
Lithium-ion batteries have the highest energy density, making them the most efficient in terms of weight and space and ideal for mobile application.
The eCityJet battery is chargeable through regular mains with a battery life of 8 hours.
The eCityJet is now proudly available at SECA.
Rangedale is one of the market leaders in drain construction, maintenance and repair across Victoria and New South Wales.
This week, the company completed specialised drain cleaning works in Melbourne’s underbelly, with its industrial Hi-Rail Combination unit used to clear and clean pipes on the Metrorail tunnels under the operation of highly trained personnel.
Alongside drain cleaning, the company specialises in manhole construction, asphalt, hydro-excavation, industrial cleaning and more.
The company is equipped with a fleet of industrial vehicles, combination drain cleaning units, and hydro excavation units to carry out highly specialised tasks on an industrial scale.
Rangedale’s industrial vacuum units have both wet and dry vacuum capability for a range of industrial material recovery.
Recent Rangedale projects have included viaduct cleaning on the West Gate Tunnel Project and tunnelling for South East Water in Caulfield.
Since its establishment in 2003, the Rangedale philosophy has simply been “keep it running”, and this attitude permeates through every project and every challenge the company takes on.
For more information visit the Rangedale website .
The innovative new technology entails a thin layer of high-density plastic liner made from 100 per cent reused material.
This lining is installed below ground between problematic trees and sewer connections on selected properties.
The barrier is installed by digging a hydrovac excavation line approximately 2 m deep and 150 mm wide.
The liners aim to restrict roots from moving towards the pipes without impacting the tree’s health.
Tree root intrusion is one of the leading causes of wastewater chokes or blockages.
This preventative measure is designed to minimise sewer overflows and protect the natural environment.
SA Water hopes this will reduce the need to excavate large areas of kerning, footpath and residential driveways.
The installation of root barrier technology comes in at just one-third of the cost of traditional wastewater connection replacement, according to SA Water, and takes less than a quarter of the time to install.
SA Water will use CCTV to monitor wastewater pipes over the three-year trial period to assess the viability of the technology in the hopes of securing it as a widespread future solution.
This new initiative, if successful, will save time and money, protecting pipes and customer connections without damaging the natural environment.
SA Water said it would also work with local councils and landscape architects to advise on the most suitable plants and trees to provide coverage that would also protect the underground infrastructure.
For more information visit the SA Water website.
Total Drain Group (TDG) provides comprehensive environmental and recycling services up and down Australia’s east coast.
Included in its group of companies is Total Drain Cleaning (TDC) – a proudly Australian owned and operated company, specialising in providing innovative solutions to stormwater and sewer assets.
Combined with world-leading technologies, experienced team members, and long-term industry knowledge, TDC can deliver projects of any scale, from simple blocked pipes to servicing large networks of gross pollutant traps.
TDC offers a 24/7 service ranging from programmed and periodical maintenance contract services to emergency and casual call-out response services.
With more than 250 employees and more than 110 vehicles in its fleet, TDC is well equipped to supply both large and small projects, while its innovative mapping, GPS and specialised online software provides unparalleled transparency to its customers.
In 2021, TDG announced Bartlett’s Environmental and RSP Environmental would be joining its stable of companies.
RSP Environmental Services specialises in sewer and stormwater asset maintenance, established over the past three decades through its advanced solutions and strong customer focus.
Located in central Victoria, RSP’s drain cleaning and CCTV services are best placed both demographically and strategically and it has built an excellent reputation across regional Victoria.
Bartlett’s Environmental specialises in solid and liquid waste management across the sewer and stormwater market with extensive capabilities in the areas of waste processing and recycling.
With a history also spanning more than 30 years, Bartlett’s Environmental has grown into one of the leading service providers across Victoria.
These businesses share strong similarities to TDG, particularly with respect to the circular economy, minimising TDG’s environmental impact and its aim towards zero litter in the oceans.
Similar to Mainstream Recycling (another constituent of TDG), Bartlett’s also has a strong focus on recycling in the management of its waste, operating its own recycling facility in Geelong.
All businesses started off as family owned and operated companies that have grown through the drive and success of Founders Nick Messina (TDG), Hugh Richard (RSP Environmental) and Darren Bartlett (Bartlett’s Environmental).
TDG is now comprised of RSP Environmental, Bartlett’s Environmental, Total Drain Cleaning, Environmental Services Group, Utility Track and Mainstream Recycling, and this acquisition represents the next phase of growth for this group of companies.
TDG says it anticipates this combined knowledge will continue to create innovative solutions for its customers across a range of industries.
As such, TDG will provide one of the most comprehensive environmental and recycling services along the east coast of Australia, with an increased capacity to add value and further growth.
TDG now has approximately 350 staff, 170 vehicles, 11 depots and 3 recycling facilities operating throughout Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
TDG says it was proud to welcome its newest companies and it is looking forward to joining forces with the RSP and Bartlett’s teams.
For more information visit the TDG website.
This article was featured in the June 2021 edition of Trenchless Australasia. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.
The Organisational Excellence Award recognises innovative initiatives within the water industry that drive prosperity and sustainability.
It also recognises a need for change within the industry and places high value on initiatives that ‘Reimagine our Future’.
Wara Paring Civil was founded through the sharing of Aboriginal culture and history within a safe and respectful environment.
Enabling a true understanding empowered self-reflection across personal and professional responsibility which conceived a flourishing kinship with a shared dream of creating real, sustainable outcomes for Aboriginal Australia.
The Wara Paring Indigenous Civil Construction Project is a first-of-its-kind, 100 per cent Indigenous-owned business in Victoria.
The project has a vision to ignite hope, establish respect and deliver sustainable outcomes across our waterways and connected lands.
The name ‘Wara Paring’ translates in English to “come walk the path together”, inspiring industry change and encouraging total reconciliation for a better future.
Wara Paring Civil provides non-destructive digging (NDD) and hydro-excavation services to safely excavate soil and materials without causing unnecessary damage to existing underground utilities, whilst minimising harm to the environment.
“Being Indigenous boys, I think it’s an ideal fit because it’s a way of digging into the ground with minimal damage,” said Wara Paring Civil Director David George.
The owners of Wara Paring – Leon Egan, Daniel Charles, David George and Cory McGrath – are committed to creating a sustainable business to service the water industry.
They are passionate about supporting a sustainable pipeline of young Aboriginal workers and providing employment, training and development opportunities in a work environment that is culturally safe and supportive.
Their unique approach to creating this workplace will enable and foster employment and retention of Indigenous young people, enabling Aboriginal people to live and work on Country and contribute to the sustainable care and health of land and waterways.
“I want to ensure that this opportunity will help remove barriers to employment for our future generations and help create a positive cycle of social and economic empowerment,” said Mr Egan.
“We signed up to Wara Paring to walk the path together, alongside Melbourne Water and Aqua Metro Services.
“This is the most legitimate form of reconciliation that I know.”
Aqua Metro Services said it is honoured to have received this award on both a state and national level and thanks Melbourne Water for its sponsorship and Wara Paring Civil for its trust and hard work.
The company says it looks forward to watching the industry grow and support Indigenous business to reach total reconciliation.
For more information visit the Aqua Metro website.
This article was featured in the June 2021 edition of Trenchless Australasia. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.
With more than 20 years of experience in the marketplace, Jet Stream has established and retained its strong professional reputation thanks to its commitment to clients and its focus on transparency and integrity.
The company’s highly skilled team has experience working with construction and civil companies of all sizes, water and sewer authorities, plumbing companies and homeowners, proving it can handle any challenge thrown its way.
Jet Stream’s non-destructive digging (NDD) and hydro excavation service uses a high velocity vacuum system that delivers efficiencies and eliminates potential breakup or damage of vital services, as well as reducing noise pollution and disturbances to the local environment.
Jet Stream has an extensive range of NDD units on offer for its clients, ranging from 6,000-12,000 L debris tank capacity with a 4-inch and 6-inch (101 mm and 152 mm) vacuum capability to meet large or small requirements.
These purpose-built vehicles can achieve digging pressures of 1,000-6,000 psi with variant flow rates to break up ground conditions from soft, sandy loam soils through to clay, shale and stabilised sand.
The pressure applied during NDD is significantly quieter, which is highly beneficial anywhere but particularly in residential and metropolitan areas. Hydro excavation only requires the noise of the pump, which is relatively low when compared to using mechanical digging equipment.
NDD also minimises the risk of damage when excavating near underground services like sewerage pipes, gas, water and telecommunication lines.
This method of digging is extremely precise, leading to less critical importance to know the exact depth, location, direction, types and routes of existing pipes, cables and other underground infrastructure.
Jet Stream uses its purpose-built iPEK CCTV, and recently purchased IBAK CCTV with laser scanning capabilities technology to perform detailed inspections in large sewers with various flow conditions, assisting with the location of defects such as deformations, infiltration and intrusions.
The company uses its truck-mounted high-pressure water jets, portable water jets, and cold and hot water units, providing Jet Stream with extensive capability to clear blockages caused by tree roots, greasy sludge, litter and other foreign objects.
Regardless of the service it is providing, Jet Stream prioritises the health and safety of both its workers and the public, along with the satisfaction of its clients.
It is this strong commitment that continually upholds the company’s reputation in the market and ensures first-time clients become repeat customers.
For more information visit the Jet Stream website.
This article was featured in the March 2021 edition of Trenchless Australasia. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.
Melbourne Water and Aqua Metro Services (AMS) were recognised for their work helping to establish what is now Wara Parin g Civil, a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned company spe cialising in non-destructive digging (NDD) .
The company was officially launched in April this year with a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse the people and the land, which also served as an opportunity to showcase the company’s first Cappellotto Hydro Excavation Unit provided by KOR Equipment Solutions .
The truck is painted with symbolic characters to represent Wara Paring’s four owners and their partnerships with Melbourne Wat er and AMS.
The Wara Paring name translates in English to “come walk the path together” and those involved in the project said NDD was an ideal sector for the business.
“Being Indigenous boys, I think it’s an ideal fit because it’s a way of digging into the ground with minimal damage,” said Wara Par ing Civil Director David George.
“The differentiator here is that our business is going to be 100 per cent Indigenous-owned,” said Wara Paring Civil Director Leon Egan.
For a full list of award winners visit the AWA website.
Located in the industrial precinct on the fringes of Sydney and in the heart of Western Sydney, KOR’s new facility provides new and existing customers with on-hand support.
KOR Sales Coordinator Thomas Pewtress sa id this approach will bring greater exposure to KOR and Cappellotto across the region in addition to providing existing customers in NSW and the ACT with greater support for their fleet.
The Prestons site will house new Cappellotto units for immediate delivery, substantial spare parts stock and mobile service vans available , w ith additional technical support by trained technicians.
“Through this range of initiatives, the Cappellotto product has the greatest level of support in the region,” sa id Mr Pewtress .
With additional assistance provided to NSW vacuum truck contractors and operators, including a range of hydro excavation, drain cleaning and industrial vacuum units, KOR provides the support and product locally to ensure businesses continue to grow.
Mr Pewtress sa id the unique features of the Sydney market is its highly competitive nature, meaning that using the highest performing and most efficient units available in the vacuum and high-pressure water industry is an important consideration for operators and contractors.
Flexible procurement options
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, greater flexibility for customers has been a cornerstone of KOR’s commercial offering, considering the turbulent economic climate currently facing the industry.
By giving customers the choice between purchase, lease and lease-to-buy packages, KOR can tailor solutions that suit the needs of individual businesses, giving the customer the greatest level of flexibility around their equipment.
Not only do KOR’s procurement options provide its customers with greater flexibility to support business growth, but the Federal Government’s Backing Business Incentive Program also provides additional tax incentives that deliver cash injections.
“Using the incentives on offer from the Federal Government or the flexible procurement options KOR has on offer, your business will have the support required to grow through 2021-22,” sa id Mr Pewtress .
Cappellotto partnership
The KOR business consists of proven industry professionals with experience in hydro excavation, waste recovery, drain cleaning and vacuum loading.
Supported by Cappellotto – Europe’s largest manufacturer of drain and sewer cleaning units, as well as industrial vacuum trucks – KOR is committed to providing a customer-focused experience as a distributor of safe, productive and reliable vacuum and water jetting equipment.
As the exclusive distributor for Cappellotto in Australia, KOR has more than 60 years of research and development understanding behind the manufacturer, as well as continual innovation through the strong partnership that remains between the two companies.
With a company philosophy of “your asset, our product”, KOR promises to continue supporting its customers and their equipment for its lifetime.
“By contacting KOR, you can begin to optimise your fleet through strong local support nationally for the product, mobile servicing vans, federal government tax incentives and flexible procurement options,” sa id Mr Pewtress .
For more information visit the KOR website.
This article was featured in the March 2021 edition of Trenchless Australasia. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.
Its name translating in English to “come walk the path together”, Wara Paring Civil was launched earlier this month and will specialise in non-destructive digging (NDD) and hydro excavation services.
The official launch included a smoking ceremony to cleanse the people and land and showcased the company’s NDD truck painted with symbolic characters to represent Wara Paring’s four owners and the ir partnerships with Melbourne Water and Aqua Metro Services .
KOR said it was excited to start the partnership with the new company and was looking forward to “walking the path together”.
KOR provides industrial vacuum and combination sewer and drain cleaning trucks for the waste, environmental, mining, civil and industrial sectors.
The company is the distributor of the Cappellotto truck chassis mounted vacuum and high-pressure water equipment in Australia and New Zealand.
For more information visit the KOR website.
Since landing in Australia, KAISER Technology has continued to grow with numerous innovative trucks making their way to the local market and an invaluable service partnership with SECA.
With unique, integrated systems embedded in its machinery, KAISER provides its customers with significant benefits, such as substantially reduced noise, environmental protection, optimal efficiency and unrivalled versatility.
With its products characterised by a high level of technological individuality, clients in more than 160 countries have already opted to use the innovative technology to service a wide variety of industries for more than 60 years, including here in Australia.
Unique equipment reaches Australian shores
KAISER Technology National Area Manager Kristian Stamenkovic says the company’s recent arrival, its flagship water recycling combination unit known as AquaStar III, is already making waves in Australia.
“The first unit to be sold in Australia under the KAISER technology brand came into the country in December, with a showcase of it taking place that same month in Prestons, Sydney,” says Mr Stamenkovic.
“Many leading contractors and industry professionals from around Australia have come to Sydney over the few months since to see the new AquaStar III unit firsthand, and we had a really positive response from the main players as well as a number of other leading companies in the market.
“We have even had some of our competition sneak out to take a closer look, which is very exciting as it shows just how much attention this unit has been getting since its arrival.”
Mr Stamenkovic says the positive response is largely due to the fact that the AquaStar III is the “world’s leading water recycling unit and is very unique and different to anything the local market has seen”.
This type of ultra-efficient technology is already becoming a major focus for industry leaders and councils around the country due to its minimal environmental impact, versatility and very simple maintenance requirements.
During sewer cleaning operations, the new AquaStar III doesn’t require the use of any fresh water to begin its operations with the single stage ROTOMAX recycling system also allowing for more effective extraction of liquid from the recovered product during all types of sewer, stormwater and pit cleaning work.
Using significantly less water while leaving behind a drier final product that is both easier and cheaper to dispose makes the unit highly efficient and better for the environment.
Each unit comes with three high pressure hose reels and KAISERtronic controlled, hydraulically driven pumps that allows the operator to adjust performance in line with specific project needs.
The jetting and vacuuming performance can also be set completely independently from one another due to the use of two factory supplied hydraulic PTO’s, resulting in less wear and tear and far greater overall control of operation.
Additionally, due to the full CANBUS integration of all AquaStar units, all relevant operating statuses of both the chassis and equipment are conveniently displayed by modern graphics on the remote control.
“Using our own core components such as the KDU high-pressure water pump, Liquid Ring vacuum pump and ROTOMAX recycling system allows for a highly versatile and optimally tuned system solution,” says Mr Stamenkovic.
Mr Stamenkovic says Sydney’s showcase of the new AquaStar III gave KAISER staff the chance to talk about some of the other units that are coming to Australia soon too, as KAISER has many competitive units in the market including hydro vac and combination units.
“There are a few very competitive and highly specified units in production for Australia already, including a three-axle hydro unit and a three-axle combination unit that are expected to arrive before the middle of the year,” says Mr Stamenkovic.
“Interest for these units is already exceeding initial expectations with the final spec only just being released.
“We also have another AquaStar III in production as well as a four-axle hydro vac and four-axle combination unit that will be coming to Australia in mid-to-late 2021.”
Along with its range of unique “standard spec” machinery, KAISER can also build custom units to suit the individual needs of its customers and has a wide range of options available to suit all budgets and industries.
KAISER has worked closely with its official service and support partner NATEE for more than 10 years and continued this with its Australian inception, which is a relationship Mr Stamenkovic says will certainly continue.
NATEE has unmatched experience with KAISER equipment in Australia with a wide range of spare parts and accessories available to support the fleet of KAISER units already operating around Australia, and will also offer expert service, support and training on all KAISER equipment.
Mr Stamenkovic says the company is currently growing the partnership side of its business and is looking forward to its continued expansion.
In fact, KAISER is thrilled to announce its new partnership with another well-known industry player SECA.
SECA will be positioned as an official service and support partnership and will stock a full range of service and maintenance parts at its facility in Sydney.
“SECA will provide factory backed training and support for local customers and will also be receiving full factory supported product training from KAISER,” says Mr Stamenkovic.
Mr Stamenkovic says Head Mechanic Roger Wood and Managing Director Mark Quealy from SECA are both industry leaders and highly respected in their fields, and KAISER is looking forward to partnering with a company that aligns with its own history.
“We’re really excited to work with such a well-respected, highly capable and trusted company that has a well-established history of supporting different types of specialist equipment around Australia for decades, which also aligns perfectly with our businesses vision and core values,” says Mr Stamenkovic.
For more information visit the KAISER website.
This article was featured in the March 2021 edition of Trenchless Australasia. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.
If you have news you would like featured in Trenchless Australasia contact Managing Editor David Convery at dconvery@gs-press.com.au
Controltech Solutions posted the images early last week, saying the crews are “working tirelessly and safely to keep the client happy”.
Works are expected to continue over the next three weeks, with Controltech Solutions using its vacuum trucks to remove more than 800 m3 of filter media and sand from inside 12 tanks.
Controltech Solutions said the project was a huge effort to get moving but the team is “making great progress and well on the way to ticking off another safe and successful project”.
For more information visit the Controltech Solutions website.
If you have news you would like featured in Trenchless Australasia contact Assistant Editor Sophie Venz at svenz@gs-press.com.au
The Australasian High Pressure Water Jetting Association (AUSJET), incorporating Australasian Drain Cleaning and Vacuum Association (ADCVA), is the peak national industrial services representative body with members across Australia and internationally.
AUSJET/ADCVA President Peter Jones said the industry association is still moving forward with the first of its kind exhibition and conference; however, contingency plans have been put in place to reassure the industry that if the event is cancelled all funds invested will be refunded.
“Victoria has been hit hard but the coronavirus and our industry along with many other businesses are struggling,” said Mr Jones.
“Despite the uncertainty, we believe industry needs to be supported in Victoria and until we hear anything different in terms of restrictions still in place by March, we’ve decided to forge ahead but with contingencies to reassure our members and industry.”
Mr Jones said any commitments made by sponsors, exhibitors and businesses to attend AUSJET21 will have a full money back guarantee if the conference does not go ahead.
“We would like to reassure interested businesses if you do commit to exhibiting there is no financial risk with only a small deposit required and a full money back guarantee if AUSJET 21 doesn’t go ahead,” said Mr Jones.
“If companies do commit early, they will get value from free exposure via the E-Directory even if the conference doesn’t go ahead however, the decision date to determine if AUSJET21 will go ahead is 15 January.
“If it’s decided not to go forward due to COVID-19, your investment will be fully refunded.”
Mr Jones said the creation of AUSJET21 is significant as it is intended to unite the entire industry and more importantly inject some energy and excitement for what can be achieved in the water jetting and industrial vacuum sector.
“The only thing certain in today’s business environment is change, significantly will be how global economies and industries rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“AUSJET21 is an important event as it helps put a focus on the industry and to bring together existing and new clients at the one time in the same place.”
For more information visit the AUSJET21 website.
If you have an event you would like featured in Trenchless Australasia contact Assistant Editor Sophie Venz at svenz@gs-press.com.au
With a five year life expectancy, individual parts that need minimum maintenance and rotor kits that only require replacement every three months to a year, the sustainable product is the solution Australian hydro excavation companies have been asking for.
Direct Hit Director Jim Paris says a common problem for hydro excavation contractors is the nozzles used often break down after only a few uses, meaning they need to be constantly replaced, wasting both time and money.
Working directly with different hydro excavation companies across Australia, Direct Hit asked what their main problems were on projects and then developed a solution to mitigate these issues: the Heavy Duty Hydro Excavation Turbo Nozzle – 18 Degree.
The nozzle provides a high impact, controlled rotation with a water stream that offers a greater impact and cutting efficiency than other nozzles, reducing the labour cost of projects. This improved cutting efficiency compared to other rotating nozzles also reduces water consumption by up to 25 per cent.
With a locked-in position of the seat, it cannot move inwards towards the rotor meaning no damage can occur and the rotor can be dismantled on site to be cleaned from any debris and get the project back up and running.
Additionally, the nozzle’s individual parts can be replaced as needed rather than having to purchase an entirely new nozzle if it gets damaged or worn. It also comes with an outside protection cover that can be replaced by screwing it off and putting a new cover on, again without having to replace the entire nozzle.
Mr Paris says the new product fixes the problems that existed with nozzles having to be constantly replaced.
“Now, you can have a nozzle that you can just use and maintain, it is not a throwaway product,” he says.
The nozzle is designed in a way that the operator out on the site can take it apart and make it work again, rather than having to constantly invest in replaceable nozzles.
Mr Paris says the nozzle is the solution the hydro excavation needed, a long-lasting product that increases operators’ efficiency levels and subsequently their productivity. As users no longer need to take a nozzle offsite and constantly replace them, the Heavy Duty Hydro Excavation Turbo Nozzle – 18 Degree is saving both time and money.
This article was featured in the September 2020 edition of Trenchless Australasia. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.
For more information visit the Direct Hit Sewer Nozzles’ website.
If you have news you would like featured in Trenchless Australasia contact Assistant Editor Sophie Venz at svenz@gs-press.com.au
From small beginnings, the family-owned business has thrived to become one of the sector’s most trusted companies.
Vac Dig General Manager Marc Farrall has spent decades in the utilities sector and has seen the needs of the industry grow and change over time. After 17 years working in horizontal directional drilling (HDD), Mr Farrall spotted a need for non-destructive digging (NDD) equipment that was not yet readily available.
“Market research also highlighted that most of the equipment available was imported and restricted to fixed designs,” says Mr Farrall.
“Having direct access to our family engineering business, we set about designing and manufacturing our first vac truck, designed to my specific needs, all Australian made and built to suit our demanding environment. Our first truck went into service with my drilling company in 2010 and immediately attracted much interest from colleagues and the Australian market in general.
“From these humble beginnings Vac Dig commenced commercial production in 2011 and has never looked back.”
Today, Vac Dig uses the latest innovative technologies and manufacturing methods to position itself as a leading NDD equipment supplier in Australia. Mr Farrall says the company refuses to compromise on premium components and selects the best materials to maximise performance, payloads, reliability and, most importantly, its customer’s profitability.
“Unlike many other companies, we have the benefit of operating our equipment in the field, on real jobs, giving us the ability to fine tune performance, improve ease of operation and safety,” he says.
“We pride ourselves on our after sales service and product back up; it’s second to none. Our entrepreneurial, innovative and progressive approach to all that we do will continue to place us ahead of the rest and we are proudly Australian made. Manufacturing in Australia is vital to our future prosperity.”
A Vac Dig HVD 7,000 L vacuum excavator.
Vac Dig’s SVD Range of trucks is one of the most efficient and reliable machines currently available to the Australian market, with a range of useful features to suit a range of job circumstances. The truck’s hydraulic system is driven by heavy duty oil bath clutch PTO’s with close coupled Hydro Leduc Industrial standard bent axis piston pumps, while the integrated engine RPM control is installed and pre-set to raise the truck RPM level to up to two pre-set RPM ranges.
Equipped with a Jurop Helix 750 air injected blower, the system has specific and accurate lobe profiles granting high volumetric efficiency and high flow rates combined with minimised dimensions and vacuum rates that can reach 93 per cent of 28 inHg of vacuum.
The SVD Range is available in vacuum tank capacities of 7,000 and 10,000 L for debris and the tanks are constructed from 6 mm steel. The trucks also have a capacity of 2,000 L for water integrated into the debris tank with an option for larger capacities, while 20 m of 3/8 high pressure hose on a retractable reel, a 1.2 m potholing lance with turbo nozzle and a 1.2 m, 6 inch (152 mm) suction comes standard issue.
Mr Farrall says regardless of whether a customer is interested in a 1,000 L or 10,000 L truck across any range, they will have access to the best customer service available from experienced and knowledgeable experts.
“We are not just a manufacturing company, we also operate our equipment on a daily basis so when you call to discuss your own requirements, rest assured you will be guided by people who know exactly what you’re up against, not just fill your head with BS to make a sale.”
Vac Dig’s vacuum excavators are available for rent or purchase all throughout Australia.
This article was featured in the September 2020 edition of Trenchless Australasia. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.
For more information visit the Vac Dig website.
If you have news you would like featured in Trenchless Australasia contact Assistant Editor Sophie Venz at svenz@gs-press.com.au
In addition to being the official publication of the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT) it is also the official media partner of the biggest specialist trenchless technology event in the Southern Hemisphere, No-Dig Down Under.