The Challenge: Overcoming Inefficiencies in Microtrenching Spoil Removal
Kokosing Construction, a leading construction company renowned for tackling complex projects across various sectors, faced significant operational challenges during their microtrenching endeavors.
Traditionally relying on vacuum trucks for spoil removal, Kokosing experienced substantial downtime. Once a vacuum truck reached capacity, it required a lengthy trip to a designated dumping site, often several miles away. This constant cycle of filling, transporting, and emptying resulted in costly interruptions to the microtrenching process and increased operational expenses due to the number of vacuum trucks and personnel required. Recognizing these inefficiencies, Kokosing sought a more streamlined and cost-effective solution for their growing microtrenching needs.
The Opportunity: Seeking Continuous Operation and Cost Reduction
Kokosing identified a clear opportunity: to implement a vacuum system capable of continuous operation, eliminating the downtime associated with traditional vacuum truck hauling. Their ideal solution would integrate seamlessly with their existing fleet of dump trucks, offering a more economical alternative to the capital investment and operational costs of additional vacuum trucks.
Finding the Right Partner: Industrial Vacuum Equipment Corp. (IVEC)
Kokosing’s search for an innovative vacuum solution led them online, where they discovered Industrial Vacuum Equipment Corp. (IVEC) and their range of Hurricane vacuum systems. While considering other manufacturers, the Kokosing team was particularly impressed by IVEC’s commitment to engineering excellence and their willingness to collaborate on custom solutions.
Meetings with the IVEC Sales and Engineering teams solidified Kokosing’s decision. They recognized that IVEC possessed not only the technical expertise to design and build a superior vacuum system but also the robust facilities and resources necessary for reliable production and ongoing support.
The Solution: The Hurricane 600 Conveyor Vacuum – A Game Changer for Microtrenching
The collaboration between Kokosing and IVEC resulted in the implementation of the Hurricane 600 Conveyor Vacuum system. This unique system offered a critical advantage: the capability to continuously vacuum spoils from the microtrench and directly load them into a standard dump truck via an integrated conveyor system.
This innovative approach directly addressed Kokosing’s core challenges:
- Eliminated Downtime: The continuous loading capability meant no more waiting for vacuum trucks to fill and travel to disposal sites. Microtrenching operations could proceed without interruption.
- Reduced Crew Size: The efficiency of the Hurricane 600 allowed Kokosing to optimize their workforce, requiring fewer personnel dedicated to spoil removal.
- Significant Cost Savings: By utilizing their existing fleet of dump trucks, Kokosing avoided the substantial capital expenditure and ongoing maintenance costs associated with additional vacuum trucks.
The Results: Improved Production Rates and Operational Efficiency
The implementation of the Hurricane 600 Conveyor Vacuum had a transformative impact on Kokosing Construction’s microtrenching operations. The continuous vacuuming and direct loading capabilities led to:
- Significantly Improved Production Rates: With the elimination of downtime, Kokosing was able to complete microtrenching projects at a much faster pace.
- Reduced Operational Costs: Lower crew sizes and the elimination of vacuum truck hauling costs resulted in substantial savings.
- Streamlined Operations: The integrated system simplified the spoil removal process, leading to more efficient overall project management.
From the Customer:
“As we began preparations to accomplish our task of installing over 120 miles of microtrench, we evaluated the traditional practice of utilizing vac trucks to remove spoils from a microtrenching operation. By utilizing a double dump system and conveyor on the Hurricane 600 vac trailer, we were able to reduce the crew size and reduce equipment costs while maintaining a continuous operation. Overall production also increased significantly. The performance of the Hurricane 600’s continuous vacuum design has proven to be a key improvement to the process.”
– Tim, Kokosing Construction
Conclusion:
The partnership between Kokosing Construction and Industrial Vacuum Equipment Corp. demonstrates the power of innovative vacuum technology in addressing critical industry challenges. The Hurricane 600 Conveyor Vacuum provided Kokosing with a solution that not only overcame the limitations of traditional vacuum truck operations but also delivered significant improvements in efficiency, cost savings, and overall productivity for their demanding microtrenching projects. This case study highlights IVEC’s commitment to understanding customer needs and engineering cutting-edge solutions that drive tangible results.
Have any questions for the Industrial Vacuum team about your next project or challenge? Contact us to start the conversation.