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AIR-SPADE - The Premier Hand-held Supersonic Air-Jet Digging Tool

The AIR-SPADE® is a rugged and durable handheld tool that produces a stream of supersonic air moving at Mach 2. The AIR-SPADE® effectively penetrates and dislodges most types of soil, but is harmless to non-porous objects such as plant roots, buried pipes, or cables. Used for excavation, for removing soil, sand, water, loosening soil, air blasting and more.

AIR-SPADE
FREQUENTLY ASKED TECHNICAL QUESTIONS

IN WHAT TYPE OF SOIL WILLAIR-SPADE® WORK?

Because of the focused air-jet generated from the supersonic nozzle, AIR-SPADE works in most soils, including compacted soils, and hard clays. In general, AIR-SPADE will not cut through rock. However, shales may be broken apart by AIR-SPADE if the jet is directed between the laminations of the rock. Similarly, AIR-SPADE will not dislodge hard frozen soil which

WHAT SIZE AIR-SPADE NOZZLESHOULD I USE?

This depends on the desired rate of soil excavation which is in turn dependent upon the air delivered from the AIR-SPADE nozzle.

WHAT SIZE AIR HOSE DO I NEEDFOR THE AIR-SPADE?

Generally a 1 inch ID air supply hose is recommended for use with the AIR-SPADE.

WILL HIGHER PRESSURE MAKE THEAIR-SPADE WORK BETTER?

All AIR-SPADE nozzles are developed to operate optimally at 90 psig. Supplying higher pressure to a supersonic nozzle that has been optimized for 90 psig actually defocuses the air jet, thus degrading performance while consuming more air. For example, doubling the air pressure to 180 psig increases the air jet force by only 10%.

WHAT SIZE AIR COMPRESS OR DO I NEED TO USE THE AIR-SPADE PROPERLY?

Portable air compressors have model numbers that are normally sized by the approximate air delivery in standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) at a gauge delivery pressure of 100 pounds per square inch (psig).

For example, a 185 compressor will deliver 185 scfm at 100 psig. All AIR-SPADE nozzles are rated at 90 psig and are designated by their air delivery at this pressure. Five nozzles are available to cover the size range of most portable air compressors. To size
an AIR-SPADE nozzle to a compressor simply ensure the compressor size is larger than the nozzle size.

HOW SHOULD I DIG WITHTHE AIR-SPADE?

Each pass of the AIR-SPADE dislodges material up to several inches deep in a medium to stiff soil. Unless the soil is highly compacted, dwelling on the same spot is unnecessary and tends to increase spray. Ideally, the AIR-SPADE should be moved laterally at a rate of about 1 to 2 feet per second. When several inches of soil have been loosened, soil should be physically
removed to expose a fresh working surface for the nozzle. Vacuum suction, as provided by the AIR-VAC® vacuum unit, is an excellent way to remove loosened soil.