Underwater demolition and rock-breaking projects require specialized equipment, proper system configuration, and strict operating procedures. Applications such as navigation channel deepening, underwater rock breaking, bridge pier demolition, wharf renovation, coastal construction, and marine engineering often involve limited visibility, hydrostatic pressure, and challenging working conditions.
A standard hydraulic breaker should not be used directly underwater without the appropriate modifications. Water can enter the internal impact chamber and cause corrosion, lubrication loss, component damage, and premature equipment failure.
For this reason, an underwater hydraulic breaker should be equipped with a dedicated underwater conversion system, positive-pressure air supply, and appropriate protection for the carrier and attachment. Proper equipment selection and operating procedures are also essential for maintaining productivity and extending service life.
This guide explains the working principle of underwater hydraulic breakers, recommended equipment configurations, operating procedures, maintenance requirements, and BEILITE's underwater breaker solutions.
How Does an Underwater Hydraulic Breaker Work?
The main challenge when operating a hydraulic breaker underwater is preventing water from entering the internal impact area.
A hydraulic breaker contains precision components such as the piston, cylinder, seals, bushings, and tool. When the breaker is submerged, external water pressure increases with depth. Without adequate protection, water may enter through the lower part of the breaker and reach the piston and tool area.
Water contamination can contribute to:
Internal corrosion
Lubrication loss
Component wear
Hydraulic and mechanical damage
Cavitation or hydraulic lock
Reduced operating efficiency
Shorter service intervals
To address these challenges, an underwater hydraulic breaker uses a positive-pressure air system. Compressed air is continuously supplied to the internal area of the breaker, creating positive pressure that helps prevent water, mud, and other contaminants from entering sensitive components.
The air supply must be properly regulated according to the operating depth. Maintaining an appropriate pressure balance is important because insufficient air pressure may allow water ingress, while excessive pressure can cause lubricant loss and other operating problems.
BEILITE 3-in-1 Underwater Air Supply System
For reliable underwater operation, BEILITE recommends a dedicated compressed-air system consisting of three primary components: an air compressor, cold dryer, and high-pressure air storage tank.
1. Air Compressor
The air compressor provides the compressed air required to maintain positive pressure inside the hydraulic breaker.
The compressor should provide sufficient air capacity for the selected breaker and operating depth. The required configuration may vary according to breaker model, water depth, working conditions, and project duration.
2. Cold Dryer
A cold dryer removes moisture from the compressed air before it enters the breaker.
Dry compressed air helps reduce condensation and moisture-related corrosion inside the breaker, which is particularly important for long-term underwater applications and marine projects.
3. High-Pressure Air Storage Tank
The air storage tank provides a buffer between the compressor and hydraulic breaker.
It helps stabilize the air supply and reduce pressure fluctuations during operation. Consistent air pressure is important for maintaining the positive-pressure protection system.
The complete air supply configuration should therefore be considered as part of the underwater breaker system rather than as an independent accessory.
Standard Operating Procedure for Underwater Hydraulic Breakers
Correct operation is just as important as equipment selection. Before, during, and after underwater work, operators should follow a consistent inspection and maintenance procedure.
Phase 1: Pre-Submersion Inspection
Before the hydraulic breaker enters the water, conduct a complete inspection on dry land.
Check Hydraulic and Air Connections
Inspect all hydraulic hoses, fittings, seals, and air connections for damage, leakage, or abnormal wear.
The dedicated air supply line should also be checked to confirm that compressed air can reach the required internal area of the breaker.
Check Air Supply
Activate the air supply system before submerging the breaker.
Confirm that:
The compressor is operating correctly.
The air dryer is functioning properly.
The storage tank reaches the required pressure.
Air reaches the breaker without abnormal leakage.
The air pressure regulator operates correctly.
Check Lubrication
Proper lubrication is essential because underwater maintenance and manual greasing are difficult during operation.
For suitable configurations, an automatic lubrication system can continuously provide grease to the required lubrication points. This helps maintain the working condition of bushings and other wear components while reducing the need for manual intervention.
Phase 2: Underwater Operation and Pressure Management
Water pressure increases as operating depth increases. Therefore, the compressed-air pressure must be adjusted according to the actual working depth and system configuration.
As a general reference, the following pressure ranges may be used for BEILITE underwater breaker systems:
| Operating Depth | Recommended Compressed Air Pressure |
|---|---|
| 0–5 m | 1.0–2.0 bar |
| 5–10 m | 2.0–3.0 bar |
| 10–15 m | 3.0–4.0 bar |
These figures should be treated as reference values rather than universal settings. The final operating pressure should be determined according to the breaker model, actual water depth, air-supply configuration, and project conditions.
Avoid Excessive Air Pressure
Excessive air pressure can cause lubricant to escape from the breaker housing.
Loss of lubricant may increase friction and accelerate wear of internal components. Operators should therefore monitor the pressure gauge continuously and make adjustments according to actual operating conditions.
Minimize Blank Firing
Underwater operations are often performed with limited visibility. As a result, it can be difficult for operators to determine whether the chisel is properly positioned against the target material.
Repeated blank firing can generate unnecessary vibration and mechanical stress.
An anti-blank-fire system can help reduce the risk of uncontrolled empty strikes and provide additional protection for the hydraulic breaker, excavator boom, and arm.
Carrier Modification
The excavator used for underwater work may require additional hydraulic and pneumatic piping along the boom.
A suitable flow and pressure regulation system should be installed in an accessible position, allowing the operator to monitor the air supply during operation.
For deep-water or extended-duration projects, the pressure gauge and relevant controls can be arranged near the operator's station. This allows the operator to monitor system conditions and make adjustments without leaving the cab.
Phase 3: Post-Operation Maintenance
Maintenance immediately after the breaker is removed from the water is important, particularly when working in seawater or other corrosive environments.
Rinse the Breaker With Fresh Water
After underwater operation, thoroughly rinse the exterior of the hydraulic breaker with fresh water.
This helps remove:
Salt deposits
Mud
Sand
Organic materials
Other contaminants
Fresh-water cleaning is particularly important after marine applications because salt residue can accelerate corrosion.
Remove Internal Moisture
Keep the air supply connected and use compressed air to remove residual moisture from the internal area of the breaker.
The objective is to minimize the amount of water and moisture remaining inside the attachment before storage or transportation.
Apply Rust-Preventive Oil
After drying, a suitable rust-preventive fluid can be introduced through the air supply system according to the manufacturer's maintenance procedure.
For BEILITE underwater breaker systems, the recommended quantity and type of protective oil should be confirmed with the technical team based on the specific breaker model and operating environment.
The protective fluid helps form a corrosion-resistant film on internal components during storage and between operating cycles.
How to Choose an Underwater Hydraulic Breaker
Selecting an underwater breaker requires more than simply matching the attachment to the excavator's operating weight.
Several factors should be considered before finalizing the configuration.
1. Excavator Operating Weight
The breaker must be compatible with the carrier's operating weight and hydraulic system.
An oversized breaker may affect carrier stability and hydraulic performance, while an undersized breaker may not provide sufficient impact energy for the application.
2. Hydraulic Flow and Pressure
The excavator's available hydraulic flow and working pressure must match the requirements of the selected breaker.
Before purchasing, buyers should provide the excavator model, operating weight, hydraulic flow, and working pressure to the breaker manufacturer for compatibility verification.
3. Operating Depth
Water depth directly affects the pressure requirements of the underwater system.
Projects at 5 meters, 10 meters, and 15 meters may require different air-pressure settings and system configurations.
4. Material Hardness
The target material also affects breaker selection.
Underwater applications may involve:
Concrete structures
Reinforced concrete
Riverbed rock
Foundation rock
Quarry material
Harbor structures
The breaker model and tool configuration should be selected according to the material characteristics and required production rate.
5. Working Environment
Freshwater and seawater applications have different corrosion risks.
For marine projects, additional attention should be given to corrosion protection, post-operation cleaning, lubrication, and storage procedures.
BEILITE Underwater Hydraulic Breaker Range
BEILITE provides a dedicated range of hydraulic breakers that can be configured for underwater applications.
The underwater lineup includes:
BLTB-100, BLTB-125, BLTB-135, BLTB-140, BLTB-150, BLTB-155, BLTB-165, BLTB-175, BLTB-195, BLTB-200, BLTB-210, and BLTB-230.
The appropriate model depends on the carrier class, hydraulic parameters, operating depth, target material, and project requirements.
For international contractors, equipment dealers, and marine engineering companies, BEILITE can provide technical support for breaker selection and underwater system configuration.
Recommended Configuration for a 90-Ton Excavator
For heavy-duty underwater rock-breaking applications using a 90-ton-class excavator, the BEILITE BLTB-210 can be considered for projects requiring substantial impact performance.
For example, when the excavator is equipped with an extended boom and operates at a depth of approximately 15 meters, the complete system should be evaluated as a combination of:
Excavator carrier
Hydraulic breaker
Extended boom
Hydraulic piping
Compressed-air system
Air dryer
Air storage tank
Pressure regulation system
Automatic lubrication system
Underwater protection components
This integrated approach helps ensure that the breaker and carrier operate as a coordinated system.
Underwater Hydraulic Breaker Applications
BEILITE underwater hydraulic breakers can be configured for a range of heavy-duty applications, including:
Navigation Channel Deepening
Hydraulic breakers can be used to break hard rock and obstructions during river and navigation channel improvement projects.
Bridge and Wharf Demolition
Underwater breakers are suitable for removing concrete structures around bridge foundations, piers, docks, and marine facilities.
Riverbed Rock Breaking
When excavation equipment cannot efficiently remove hard rock directly, an underwater hydraulic breaker can be used to reduce the material into manageable sizes.
Coastal and Marine Construction
Underwater breaking equipment can support foundation preparation, marine construction, harbor development, and other infrastructure projects.
BEILITE Underwater Hydraulic Breaker Experience
BEILITE underwater hydraulic breakers have been used in a range of heavy civil and river engineering applications.
Liujiang River Deepening Project — 2021
A BEILITE BLTB-210 was paired with a SANY 650 excavator for underwater channel-clearing work.
Yujiang River Renovation Project — 2022
A BEILITE BLTB-175 was installed on a Caterpillar CAT 349 excavator for underwater breaking operations.
Hongshui River Deepening Project — 2022
A BEILITE BLTB-210 was mounted on a Liugong 990 excavator and used for underwater foundation-rock breaking.
These applications demonstrate the importance of selecting the appropriate breaker, carrier, air-supply system, and operating configuration for demanding underwater projects.
Why Choose BEILITE for Underwater Hydraulic Breaking?
Underwater hydraulic breaking requires more than a conventional hydraulic breaker. The complete solution must address water ingress, pressure management, lubrication, corrosion protection, carrier compatibility, and long-term maintenance.
At BEILITE, we focus on developing hydraulic breakers for demanding applications and different carrier classes. Our underwater solutions combine specialized breaker configurations with positive-pressure air protection, automatic lubrication, anti-blank-fire technology, and supporting system components.
Our technical team can evaluate the excavator specifications, working depth, target material, and project conditions to recommend an appropriate underwater hydraulic breaker configuration.
For contractors, equipment dealers, rental companies, and marine engineering organizations, this system-based approach can help improve equipment reliability, simplify maintenance, and support consistent project performance.
Final Considerations
Successful underwater hydraulic breaking depends on three key factors: correct equipment selection, proper system configuration, and disciplined maintenance.
A standard hydraulic breaker should not be submerged without the appropriate underwater modifications. The positive-pressure air system, air drying equipment, pressure regulation, lubrication system, and corrosion-prevention procedures all play an important role in protecting the attachment.
Before starting an underwater project, we recommend confirming the following information with your hydraulic breaker supplier:
Excavator brand and model
Excavator operating weight
Hydraulic flow and pressure
Maximum working depth
Target material
Freshwater or seawater environment
Expected daily working hours
Required breaker performance
Boom and piping configuration
With the right configuration and operating procedures, an underwater hydraulic breaker can provide a practical solution for river engineering, marine construction, underwater demolition, and rock-breaking applications.
Talk to BEILITE About Your Underwater Breaking Project
If you are planning an underwater demolition or rock-breaking project, contact BEILITE with your excavator model, operating depth, target material, and project requirements.
Our technical team can help evaluate the application and recommend a suitable hydraulic breaker and underwater air-supply configuration for your project.
40008-40008
info@beilite.com
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