When safety is compromised, vacuum truck productivity can be affected and may result in the failure of a company to obtain a targeted income.
Balancing safety and productivity is a must to achieve increased profits while providing customers with highly efficient services.
Vacuum truck operators play a major role in getting the most from these vehicles during use.
All users must be well-trained, skilled and knowledgeable in the handling of such equipment.
From deciding on what type of hose and diameter to use, to pumping and cleaning the tank - all of these contribute to the project's end result.
Some essential components may seem minor; however, if neglected could result in a truck's lack of productivity.
Hoses The handling of hoses is a good example to use regarding performance.
Although this component may seem insignificant, it has a great effect on vacuum truck performance.
Understanding the basic principles of hoses will help ensure the safe handling and peak performance of the truck.

• Use Right Diameter - Changing from one hose to another has a big impact on the project.
  A slight adjustment will change the speed at which materials are extracted.
  This was illustrated in a laboratory experiment using a jar filled with material and using two hoses with a half diameter difference and the same length.
  The result - the wider diameter filled the jar nine times faster.
  
• Avoid Changing Size - Experts strongly suggest not changing the diameter along the hose's length as this will make it inefficient.
  For instance, if the first one-hundred feet has a certain diameter and a hose with a narrower opening is attached, the air speed passing through the wider diameter is decreased.
  Because of the slower air speed, materials will build up in the wider portion, eventually causing a clog and delayed operations.
  
• Minimize Friction Loss - As the hose length gets longer, it loses friction, causing the machine to work much harder.
  To illustrate this, try imagining two tubes with the same size diameter, with one five inches long and the other five feet long.
  It will be much easier to blow air through the five-inch length; however, blowing air through the five foot length would take more effort before pushing anything through to the other opening.
  
• Use Proper Type - There are two different types of hoses - corrugated and smooth-bore.
  The corrugated version is lightweight, easy to handle, and best for shorter jobs.
  The smooth-bore type is necessary for jobs that are longer and tougher.
  It is recommended that lightweight, corrugated polyethylene be used at the working end of a hose.
  

High powered vacuum trucks are very forgiving and performance-wise can still accomplish the job, even if not properly handled, which could give operators a false sense of security.
Remembering the important points outlined above will help in the safe operation of this machine as well as increase performance efficiency.
In the end, both a company and operator will benefit as the company will be providing high-quality service to its clients, while an operator is protected through safe and proper handling of the equipment!