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Debris Tank

Equipment

Definition

The debris tank is the large holding vessel on a hydrovac truck that collects and stores the excavated soil-water slurry during hydro excavation operations. Tank capacity directly impacts how long the truck can work before requiring a dump.

Debris tanks on hydrovac trucks typically range from 6 cubic yards on compact units to 15 cubic yards or more on large production units. The tank is designed to withstand the continuous impact of soil, rocks, and slurry entering at high velocity from the vacuum system. Interior surfaces are often lined or coated to resist abrasion and corrosion.

The tank includes a full-opening rear door or a dump mechanism for offloading the collected spoils at a disposal site. Some tanks use hydraulic tilting systems to dump the contents, while others have hydraulically operated rear doors with internal pressure-assist to push out heavy, wet material. The ability to dump quickly and completely reduces non-productive time between loads.

Tank design includes baffles and screens to separate large debris from the airstream before it reaches the vacuum blower. A cyclone separator or filter system at the top of the tank allows air to exit while retaining the soil and water. Some tanks include sight glasses or level indicators so the operator can monitor fill level during excavation.

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Debris Tank — Hydrovac Glossary | Definition & Guide | Hydrovac News