The AIR-SPADE is a handheld tool that turns compressed air into a high-speed, laser-like jet. The energy and momentum of this air moving at approximately 1,900 km per hour is focused onto the soil effectively penetrating and dislodging most types of soil, but is harmless to non-porous objects such as plant roots, buried pipes, or cables.
How does it work?
Soil is an unconsolidated assemblage of solid particles that may or may not contain organic matter, the voids between the particles being occupied by air and/or water. The aggregate nature of soils aids the ability of the air to fracture it, while stronger materials and ones that are not porous like metal or plastic pipes are unaffected.
The unique patented supersonic nozzle turns out a focussed air jet at 90 psig and works in most soils, even hard clays. Tests have shown the AIR-SPADE to be effective in compacted soils with unconfined compressive strengths, and in head to head tests, the AIR-SPADE has dislodged harder clay soil and dug faster than other air digging tools.
Other features of the AIR-SPADE include a modular design with parts that screw together without tools; interchangeable extensions to 60 cm and reducers to 2.4 m; an ergonomic handle with thermal shield and pressure gauge; a safety ‘dead man’ trigger with guard; an electrically insulating barrel; and a lightweight and durable air hose.
How do I use AIR-SPADE?
Watering the work area ahead of time can be helpful as it reduces airborne dust if the soil is extremely dry. It also reduces the soils strength making the digging easier. The combined use of AIR-SPADE with a low pressure water jet is effective even with cases of highly compacted or sun-baked soils.
The product will dislodge up to several inches deep in a medium to still soil with an air-jet that penetrates and dislodges the soil in a fraction of a second. Unless the soil is highly compacted, dwelling on the same spot is unnecessary and tends to increase spray. The AIR-SPADE can be moved over the soil surface at a rate of about 1 to 2 f/s.
The AIR-SPADE can be run with a range of air compressors with nozzles ranging from 15 to 225 cubic feet per minute of compressed air. Generally, a 1 inch air house is recommended for use with the AIR-SPADE and most air compressors are capable of producing the amount of pressure needed.
More information about AIR-SPADE can be found at http://www.drillersworld.com or contact Drillers World on 02 9457 0255
