PACS – Skid Mounted Vacuum System
The Skid Mounted PACS (Portable Air Conveyance System) is a high powered vacuum system for a variety of applications – including tank cleaning, sump cleanouts, oil spill recovery, etc.


The high volume vacuum pump can convey liquids, solids and sludge into the tank, aided by the optional high-pressure water systems (handheld gun with hose reel, fed by the top-mounted water tank).
The unit is equipped with auxiliary hydraulics to run the pressure washer or transfer pump. It can also operate a drum skimmer. (Note: One device at a time)
The tank will elevate (see notes below) approx 15 Degrees when on the ground, to aid emptying. Alternatively, the optional E150 pump can be coupled to the discharge.
PACS – Skid Mounted Vacuum Specifications
Tank Capacity | 1,000 gallons / 3,785 litres |
Frame Construction | 2x6 and 2x4 inch solid welded rectangular tubing |
Vacuum Tank Elevate | Included* |
Engine | 34 hp / 25 kW Diesel |
Vacuum Pump Type | Air Cooled Blower |
Airflow (pulling vacuum) | 770 cfm @ 15 Hg |
Airflow (free air) | 920 cfm |
Vacuum Clutch | Yes |
Pressurize Tank Facility | No |
Rear Door | 36 inch / 0.91 m |
High Pressure Water System | Optional |
E150 Transfer Pump | Optional |
Drum Skimmer | Optional |
Dry Particulate Filter | Standard |
ShovelHead Skimmer | Optional |
Empty Weight | 6,800 lb / 3,084 kg |
Dimensions (LxWxH) | 186 x 87 x 96 inch 472 x 221 x 244 cm |
Common Scenarios
- Mines
- Tank Cleaning (non-hazardous)
- Road Spills (ATEX unit)
- Power Stations
- Loading bays
- Hydro-excavation
- Remediation
- Oil Spill Response
- General Cleaning
- Utility
- Airports
- Railroads
- Animal Farms
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of vacuum pump do I need, Positive Displacement or Rotary Vane?
Our positive displacement vacuum pump is good for moving solids. These pumps typically run 14 to 16 Hg and move more air than the Rotary Vane. The air carries the solids to the tank. The Rotary Vane vacuum pump is good for moving liquids. They typically move less air but have a higher vacuum up to 27 Hg.
Do you have a unit that is good for hydro excavation?
Yes, the PACS 2000 and the PACS 920 have a optional 5 GPM 3000 PSI power washer that works well with the vacuum system for hydro excavation.
Do you have a vacuum unit that is good for moving liquids?
Yes, the PACS 424 has a vane pump and is good to 27 Hg and can pressure unload up to 15 PSI.
Where to buy an Elastec vacuum unit?
You can purchase a vacuum unit from our authorized dealer in your area. If there is no dealer in your area you can purchase straight from the factory.
Is there a lot of maintenance to do on an Elastec vacuum trailer?
There is very little maintenance to do:
- Check engine oil regularly
- Check air cleaner regularly
- Check hydraulic oil level regularly
- Check oil in blower or vacuum pump regularly
- Clean sight glasses as needed
- Open drain valves on moisture trap regularly
- Change oils and filters per specifications
- Apply grease at grease points regularly
The PACS vacuum trailer system is ideal for picking up viscous oil and dense solids on land or from water surfaces. It is also very effective for beach cleaning operations that require long suction hoses and large solids handling abilities. The system includes a heavy-duty suction wand, 1,000 gallon / 3.7 cu m tank and a selection of suction hoses. Hydraulics may be used to operate a variety of auxiliary equipment such as skimmers, pumps and pressure washers – see models and figurations below.
A PACS skid mounted unit is available for use with existing vehicles or barges.
Standard Configurations
Model | PACS 230 | PACS 286 | PACS 332 (ATEX) | PACS 424 | PACS 498 | PACS 770 | PACS 920 | PACS 2000 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tank Capacity | 1,200 gal / 4,540 L | 800 gal / 3,028 litres | 1,000 gal / 3,785 L | 1,000 gal / 3,785 L | 1,000 gal / 3,785 L | 1,000 gal / 3,785 L | 1,000 gal / 3,785 L | 1,000 gal / 3,785 L |
Chassis | Trailer | Trailer | Trailer | Trailer | Trailer | Trailer | Trailer | Trailer |
Vacuum Tank Elevate | N/A | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
Engine | 20 hp / 15 kW Gas | 24 hp / 18 kW Diesel | 37 hp / 28 kW Diesel | 37 hp / 28 kW Diesel | 37 hp / 28 kW Diesel | 43 hp / 32 kW Diesel | 74 hp / 55 kW Diesel | 118 hp / 88 kW Diesel |
Standard Engine Tier (Available Option) | N/A | Tier 4 (Tier 3) | Tier 4 (Tier 3) | Tier 4 (Tier 3) | Tier 4 (Tier 3) | Tier 4 (Tier 3) | Tier 4 (Tier 3) | Tier 4 (Tier 3) |
Vacuum Pump Type | Air Cooled Vane | Air Cooled Vane | Air Cooled Vane** | Water Cooled Vane | Air Cooled Blower | Air Cooled Blower | Air Cooled Blower | Air Cooled Blower |
Airflow (pulling vacuum) | 164 cfm @ 20 Hg | 150 cfm @ 27 Hg | 332 cfm @ 18 Hg | 324 cfm @ 18 Hg | 487 cfm @ 16 Hg | 770 cfm @ 15 Hg | 770 cfm @ 15 Hg | 1,450 cfm @ 16 Hg |
Airflow (free air) | 230 cfm | 286 cfm | 360 cfm | 424 cfm | 629 cfm | 920 cfm | 920 cfm | 1,866 cfm |
Vacuum Clutch | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pressurize Tank Facility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Rear Door | 36 inch / 0.91 m | 25 inch / 0.6 m | 36 inch / 0.91 m | 36 inch / 0.91 m | 36 inch / 0.91 m | 36 inch / 0.91 m | 36 inch / 0.91 m | 36 inch / 0.91 m |
High Pressure Water System | N/A | N/A | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
E150 Transfer Pump Option | N/A | N/A | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Drum Skimmer Option | N/A | N/A | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Dry Particulate Filter Option | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | Standard | Standard |
ShovelHead Skimmer Option | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
**ATEX Approved
Features and benefits
- Auxiliary hydraulic power (optional)
- Fits in standard high cube container
- More maneuverable than vacuum trucks
- High air flow conveys material through long hoses
- Vacuum tank positioned over axles for balance
- Heavy duty steel chassis
- 16,000 lb Gross Vehicle Weight tandem axle trailer
- 5-leaf suspension spring
- Low tongue weight
- 12 ply, load range “F” tires rated at 4,045 lb each
- Hydraulic surge brakes – all four wheels
- 1/4 inch / 6 mm steel tank
- Solid welded full length fenders 10 gauge carbon steel
- Work lights
- Twin shut-off valves with cyclonic separator
- Hydraulic tank tilt (to 55°)
- Heavy-duty suction wand with assortment of hoses and couplers
- Hitch with 8-inch adjustment
- DOT approved safety chains and hooks
- Stabilizer jacks for rear of trailer
- Sand blasted and epoxy painted
- 6 inch / 150 mm discharge valve
- Hoses stationed on built-in rack
Options and Accessories
Vacuum Pumps (blowers) and Engine Combinations: We offer a wide range of vacuum pumps (blowers) combined with different engines (diesel or gasoline).
High Pressure Water Pump: This feature can be added to most PACS units. The high pressure cold water pump is driven hydraulically from the integral power unit. Water is supplied from a saddle tank mounted on top of the debris tank.
Dry Particulate Filter: Washable polyester filter media rated at 98% efficiency on 10 microns. Molded urethane end caps. Carbon steel core with two support straps. Epoxy coated aluminum back-up wire.
Transfer Pumps:PACS units fitted with auxiliary hydraulic circuits are capable of running a transfer pump. E150 centrifugal pump requires as a minimum, the 25 hp / 18 kW engine. The ES400 helical screw pump requires the 48 hp / 36 kW diesel. These pumps can be used as submersibles for direct pumping.
Oil Skimmers: PACS units fitted with auxiliary hydraulic circuits are capable of running an Elastec drum skimmer such as the TDS118 or TDS136. Skimmed oil is sucked into the debris tank. Alternatively, we can supply a simple floating suction head (ShovelHead skimmer) or SeaSkaterNP suction skimmer.
Rear Door: The PACS unit can be configured with a 36 inch, or fully opening rear door.