Vacuum truck

Vacuum trucks, also called suction trucks, pressure/vacuum trucks or super suckers, are suitable for suctioning, pressing and transporting large quantities of wet substances, chemicals, hazardous and contaminated substances and sludge dust, gravel, soil, clay, sand, water, sludge, grit, oil, stones and many other substances. To work with hazardous and contaminated substances the vacuum truck must be ADR certified, built in ATEX (Ex) version and being in accordance with all applicable safety standards. Due to long hoses, vacuum trucks also have the reach and capacity for suction, displacement and transport wet and/or dry substances at refineries, chemical plants and sites.

A wet substances vacuum truck (or super sucker) is a vacuum truck upon which a vacuum tank is mounted; negative pressure (a vacuum) is applied to this tank by a vacuum pump. The negative pressure on the tank creates a pressure difference between its contents and the atmosphere. The resultant suction effect means air (gas) is discharged into the atmosphere via the vacuum pump. This is why wet substances trucks are also called pressure/vacuum trucks.

When using a wet substances vacuum truck, the product (which can be both liquid and/or sludge) is captured in the sludge tank as a result of this negative pressure. The vacuumed product does not go into the vacuum pump or the service water tank; only the vapours (gases) and particles go there. The shut-off valve/ball float on the intake of the vacuum pump comes into operation when the tank is full. In the event excess vapours (gases) are going to be released, a KOKS scrubber can be connected to clean them before they are released into the atmosphere.

A dry substances vacuum truck operates on the principle of pneumatic transport (air displacement). The vacuum tank on the vacuum truck is placed under negative pressure by the large amount of air displacement created by the blower. The air loses its speed in the tank due to the volume increase, as a result, it will no longer be able to carry large quantities of product. In particular, heavier particles will drop down. Then, the air and product will be thrown against the rear lid of the vacuum tank, so the speed decreases even more and even more product drops down. This is why dry substances vacuum trucks are also called air displacement trucks.

In a dry substances vacuum truck, the product, which (in certain versions/rear lids) can be both dry and wet, enters the vacuum tank by means of air displacement. The vacuumed product does not end up in the filters and blower; only the vapours (gases) and dust particles go there. There are two types of sensors (one for dry substances and one for wet substances) on the sludge tank, and they come into operation when the tank is full. In the event of surplus released vapours (gases), a KOKS scrubber can be connected to clean them before they are released into the atmosphere.

A dry substances vacuum truck operates on the principle of pneumatic transport (air displacement). The vacuum tank on the vacuum truck is placed under negative pressure by the large amount of air displacement created by the blower. The air loses its speed in the tank due to the volume increase, as a result, it will no longer be able to carry large quantities of product. In particular, heavier particles will drop down. Then, the air and product will be thrown against the rear lid of the vacuum tank, so the speed decreases even more and even more product drops down. This is why dry substances vacuum trucks are also called air displacement trucks.

In a dry substances vacuum truck with cyclone separator, the product, which can be both dry and wet, enters the vacuum tank by means of air displacement. The vacuumed product does not end up in the filters and blower; only the vapours (gases) and dust particles go there. There are two types of sensors (one for dry substances and one for wet substances) on the sludge tank, and they come into operation when the tank is full. In the event of surplus released vapours (gases), a KOKS scrubber can be connected to clean them before they are released into the atmosphere.

Vacuum trucks are designed for multifunctional applications and suitable for industrial cleaning on chemical plants and refineries, among others. But vacuum trucks can also be used for sewer and vacuum cleaning and transporting liquids or chemicals. The vacuum trucks can be used everywhere, because of the powerful vacuum pump in combination with the built-up tanks and other components. Among other things, oil tanks, storage tanks, towers, drums, pipes, sewers and septic tanks can be vacuumed. Vacuum trucks are indispensable for vacuuming chemicals, liquids, sludge and product residues.

Vacuum trucks cannot only vacuum liquids and dry substances; they are also specially developed for transporting many types of substances. They are built in accordance with the ADR standard and approved by the RDW (Dutch Road Transport Authority) for classes L4AH/S4AH (3, 4.1, 6.1, 8 and 9). These classes indicate which substances may be transported by vacuum trucks.

To be allowed to work in the oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical industry, vacuum trucks must be ADR certified in accordance with ADR standards (for transporting hazardous and contaminated substances). Vacuum trucks used in these industries should be an ATEX (Ex) version and built in accordance with applicable safety standards.

Almost all ADR (Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route) vacuum trucks transporting hazardous substances should be inspected annualy by the Dutch RDW (The Netherlands Vehicle Authority).

After a thorough inspection and approval of the vacuum truck, an ADR inspection certificate valid for 1 year will be issued. This certificate states the substances for which the ADR vacuum truck (or tank) is approved. The ADR vacuum truck driver/operator should always be carrying the original certificate, a copy is not allowed (otherwise access to the location may be refused or the driver may be fined.

A person who is operating a vacuum truck is also called a pressure/vacuum operator. The vacuum truck operator is responsible for the preparations, the execution and the completion of the work with the vacuum truck. He is also responsible for the workers assigned to him and for all actions required by the cleaning company for the safe execution of the work.

The vacuum truck operator is constantly on hand in the working environment and determines the working method to be followed in consultation with the assistants and if necessary the client. He also determines whether work can be started or needs to be interrupted.

A vacuum truck can be purchased from KOKS in various types and designs. KOKS Group is a manufacturer and supplier of vacuum trucks and has specialised for over 30 years in producing and supplying various vacuum trucks for heavy industrial cleaning work.

KOKS can offer you even more by adding safety features of the highest level to the equipment. When buying a KOKS vacuum truck, it becomes clear that quality and safety are inextricably linked.

When (extra) vacuum trucks are needed temporarily, there is an option to rent them. Vacuum trucks are for rent in various types and versions at AQ-Rent.

Vacuum truck rental company AQ-Rent offers you the possibility of being able to deploy (extra) vacuum trucks when needed. For example, during busy periods, large projects or when your own vacuum trucks are being serviced. By renting a vacuum truck, you do not have to make high investment costs. You can also determine the length of the rental period yourself. AQ-Rent rents vacuum trucks for 1 day, short and long periods.