Elastec began as a manufacturer of oil spill response equipment and from their time in the field, noticed that vacuum trucks often had trouble reaching remote locations. Their solution is the Portable Air Conveyance System Trailer, designed for use in hard-to-reach locations.  

“The typical PACS client is looking for the power of a vac truck on the budget of a trailer,” says Brian Cook, Elastec creative services manager. “The benefit of a trailer is that your insurance and maintenance is much lower than a vacuum truck, you don’t need a special driver’s license and your mobility options provide a lot of flexibility on the job site.”

According to Cook, another benefit the vacuum trailer provides is its ability to be unhooked and left to work while the towing vehicle is free for other tasks. He says it’s not uncommon for a user to run multiple PACS units on a job site and manage them all using the same vehicle. 

PACS units are designed with heavy-duty construction to handle the rugged conditions of being towed off-road. The solid-welded rectangular steel frame is National Association of Trailer Manufacturers compliant and each one comes with surge brakes for safe stops on and off the highway.

Designed for removing liquids, solids and sludge, the PACS comes standard with 1,000-gallon tank capacity. “We also have the engineering and production capability to build a custom unit to suit the need of the client,” Cook says. The air-cooled blower can vacuum-pull up to 770 cfm and can produce 920 cfm of airflow, but customers can also choose a water-cooled blower option. Standard dimensions measure 186 inches in length, 87 inches wide and 96 inches tall with an empty weight of 6,800 pounds.

Integral hydraulics are also an option. Users can operate an oil skimmer, transfer pump, hydraulic tools or lift the tank to empty contents out the 36-inch rear door.

Cook also says Elastec never stops seeking progress. “Most products we manufacture, we will keep the prototype for internal use and to provide demonstrations,” he says. “This gives us the opportunity to find the strengths and weaknesses of the system and to constantly improve the product.” They also like to keep in touch with customers to observe how the trailers perform in nonstandard situations. 618-382-2525; www.elastec.com