Hydro-vac fitting

Abstract

A fitting for an excavating apparatus can include a cylindrical pipe that can include a first metal material. In an example, the fitting can be configured for coupling to a hose. The pipe can include an interior surface and an exterior surface. Optionally, a perimeter of the pipe does not exceed a diameter of a first end of the pipe. The fitting can include a cladding layer (e.g., a second metal material) that can be coupled to the first metal material within the interior surface of the pipe. The cladding layer can include an abrasion-resistant material. The cladding layer can be coupled to the pipe such as with a welding operation. The cladding layer can include one or more ridges. The cladding layer can corrugate the interior surface of the fitting and exterior surfaces of the fitting which can come into contact with abrasive material.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fitting for a hydro-vac apparatus, comprising:
 a cylindrical pipe including a first metal material and configured for insertion into a hose, the pipe including:
 a first end; 
 a second end; 
 an interior surface defining a cavity; 
 an exterior surface, the exterior surface defining a perimeter of the pipe, wherein the perimeter of the pipe does not exceed a diameter of the first end; 
 a groove extending into the exterior surface of the pipe and configured to engage with a clamp, wherein the clamp is configured to couple the hose with the pipe; 
   a flange coupled to the second end of the cylindrical pipe; and   a cladding layer coupled to the interior surface of the pipe, wherein the cladding layer includes an abrasion-resistant metal material.   
     
     
         2 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein the cladding layer includes a plurality of ridges that extend into the cavity, and the plurality of ridges includes a first ridge and a second ridge. 
     
     
         3 . The fitting of  claim 2 , wherein the first ridge is abutted against the second ridge. 
     
     
         4 . The fitting of  claim 2 , wherein the first ridge and the second ridge are continuous around the interior surface of the pipe. 
     
     
         5 . The fitting of  claim 2 , wherein the fitting includes a flow axis that extends from the first end to the second end of the pipe, and the first ridge and the second ridge extend into the cavity and perpendicular to the flow axis. 
     
     
         6 . The fitting of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of ridges are configured to corrugate the interior surface of the pipe. 
     
     
         7 . The fitting of  claim 2 , further comprising a third ridge, wherein:
 the third ridge is coupled to the first ridge and the second ridge;   the third ridge is located between the first ridge and the second ridge; and   the first ridge extends into the cavity at a first distance and the third ridge extends into the cavity at a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.   
     
     
         8 . The fitting of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of ridges include a semicircular profile. 
     
     
         9 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the second end of the pipe includes an end surface that is perpendicular to the interior surface of the pipe; and   the cladding layer is coupled to the end surface of the pipe.   
     
     
         10 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein the abrasion-resistant metal material is different than the first metal material. 
     
     
         11 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein the abrasion-resistant metal material includes one or more of tungsten, chromium carbide, or niobium. 
     
     
         12 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein the groove is positioned proximate to a center section of the pipe. 
     
     
         13 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein the flange includes at least one through-hole configured to receive a fastener to couple the fitting with a nozzle. 
     
     
         14 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the pipe is 12 inches or less. 
     
     
         15 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein a thickness of a wall of the pipe is within a range of approximately 0.125 inches and 0.250 inches. 
     
     
         16 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the cladding layer is within a range of approximately 0.1 inches and 0.250 inches. 
     
     
         17 . The fitting of  claim 1 , wherein the cladding layer penetrates into the interior surface. 
     
     
         18 . A hydro-vac apparatus, comprising:
 a hose configured to transport excavated material;   a vacuum pump configured to apply a suction force to the hose; and   a first fitting configured to couple with a nozzle, including:
 a cylindrical pipe including a first metal material, the pipe including:
 a first end; 
 a second end; 
 an interior surface defining a cavity; 
 an exterior surface, the exterior surface defining a perimeter of the pipe and the perimeter of the pipe does not exceed a diameter of the first end; 
 a groove extending into the exterior surface of the pipe and configured to engage with a clamp, wherein the clamp is configured to couple the hose with the pipe; 
 
 a flange coupled to the second end of the cylindrical pipe; and 
 a cladding layer coupled to the interior surface of the pipe, 
   wherein the cladding layer includes an abrasion-resistant metal material
 wherein the cylindrical pipe of the first fitting is inserted into a first end of the hose. 
   
     
     
         19 . The hydro-vac apparatus of  claim 18 , further comprising a second fitting including:
 a second cylindrical pipe including the first metal material, the pipe including:
 a first end; 
 a second end; 
 an interior surface defining a cavity; 
 an exterior surface, the exterior surface defining a perimeter of the pipe and the perimeter of the pipe does not exceed a diameter of the first end; 
 a groove extending into the exterior surface of the pipe and configured to engage with a clamp, wherein the clamp is configured to couple the hose with the pipe; 
   a flange coupled to the second end of the cylindrical pipe; and   a cladding layer coupled to the interior surface of the pipe, wherein the cladding layer includes the abrasion-resistant metal material; and   wherein the cylindrical pipe of the second fitting is inserted into a second end of the hose.   
     
     
         20 . The hydro-vac apparatus of  claim 18 , further comprising the nozzle, wherein the nozzle is coupled to the flange of the first fitting.