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A tunnel drill is a specialized borewell drilling machine used for horizontal drilling. Such machines can create tunnels without digging up the entire surface area, which is also known as trenchless drilling. This drilling method is ideal for drilling under roads, rivers, and railway lines or for constructing utility corridors, pipelines, and cables.
Depending on the construction needs, tunnel drilling machines can be categorized into the following types:
Disc Cutter Drives
In mass rock utilization projects, disc cutter drive tunnel boring machines are prevalent. These machine designs feature large-diameter rotating disks in the front cutting head, which slice through a variety of geological formations. The cutting force and rock removal process strongly rely on the shape, arrangement, and quantity of the disc cutters.
Double Shield TBMs
Double shield TBMs are complex tunnel boring machines with both an excavator shield and a construction shield. This design allows them to support tunnels in unstable ground conditions while simultaneously erecting precoiled segments. The combination of shields provides protection for workers and the tunneling process from excess earth pressure.
Earth Pressure Balance TBMs
EPBM TBMs are tunnel boring machines suitable for tunneling through cohesive soils and mixed-ground conditions. This machine utilizes an ice screw conveyor to advance forward while balancing the excavation chamber's front face earth pressure. The EPBM also supports the tunnel face, thus minimizing the risk of collapse in unstable ground.
Open Face TBMs
The open-face TBM is a simplistic and economical type of tunnel machine. It consists of an open-face cutting head, a support system, and a rock excavation machine. The open-face TBM works well for stable rock formations. However, the tunneler must implement additional ground support for unevenly dispersed earth material.
Shielded TBMs
Shielded TBMs are advanced tunnel-boring machines designed with a protective layer or shield that supports the tunnel walls as it cuts through various types of ground materials. These tunneling machines are ideal for unstable geological formations.
Hydraulic Piercing Tools
Hydraulic piercing tools, also called as static push or hydraulic ram, are tunneling devices that use hydraulic force to push a steel rod through the ground. These machines are cost-effective and suitable for short-distance tunnels in soft soil conditions. However, they may require additional drilling equipment for the groundwater obstruction removal.
Microtunnel Boring Machines
Microtunnel boring machines (MTBMs) are precise tunneling devices used to create small-diameter tunnels typically for the installation of pipelines, cables, and other utilities. They are designed to work in difficult-to-access locations and open up areas with limited access. MTBMs are highly accurate, and their precision steering and control systems allow for the precise positioning of the tunnel. The machine also features a compact design for easy entry into tight spaces.
Mixshield TBMs
Mixshield TBMs are complex tunnel-boring machines used to excavate tunnels in challenging geological conditions. Such conditions could include a mixture of soil, gravel, and other materials. With its large diameter, the Mixshield TBM features a closed-face shield that provides excellent ground support and soil stabilizing additives. These components allow the tunneling process to occur smoothly in the mix-ground situation.
Slurry Shield TBMs
Slurry shield TBMs are specialized tunneling machines designed for excavation in challenging geological conditions. It features a pressurized slurry fluid within a chamber to aid in the stabilization and excavation of soils, rocks, and other materials. This machine is ideal when working in soft soil, fluid mud, or unstable ground. The slurry also provides hydrostatic pressure to prevent collapsing of the tunnel face from fluid loss or internal unequilibrium.
Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) Machines
EPB machines are advanced tunneling machines designed to excavate through cohesive soils and mixed ground. These machines utilize earth pressure balance to regulate face pressure in order to safely excavate through difficult geological formations. This balance of face pressure also prevents any ground settlement or face collapse from occurring. The machine operates a screw conveyor to move excavated soil or slurry out of the tunnel, and the tunnel face is supported by a liquid or foam mixture to maintain pressure.
Tunnel drilling machines have various specifications essential for their operation and efficiency.
Drilling Diameter and Depth
The drilling diameter and depth refer to the width of the tunnel/ bore hole and its length, respectively. These measurements vary based on the drill-type machine. For instance, the Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machines can create tunnels with a diameter ranging from 3 to 20 feet (1 to 6 meters) and a depth that can reach up to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters).
Torque and Thrust
Torque refers to the rotational force applied by the machine's cutting head. On the other hand, thrust is the pushing force exerted by the drill to penetrate the ground. The torque and thrust of a drill machine are affected by factors such as the drill head's size, weight, and power source. For example, Tunnel Boring Machines have a torque that can range from 30,000 to 50,000 Nm per module.
Cutting Head Configuration
Tunnel drilling machines have different cutting head designs for various soil compositions and project requirements. For example, a disc cutter, which is a circular-shaped cutter, is suitable for rock formation. The exact configuration depends on the tunnel machine type.
Maintaining the tunnel drilling machine is crucial. It ensures a steady production rate of tunnels for various infrastructure projects and prevents expensive downtimes.
Routine Inspection
Inspection of key machine components, such as the cutting head, bearings, and seals, should be part of the tunnel drill maintenance routine. This can assist contractors in identifying and timely addressing irregularities, such as excessive wear, leaks, or abnormal noises. Early problem identification can prevent expensive machine breakdowns.
Lubrication
For optimal performance, tunnel drills rely on well-lubricated components. This includes bearings and gears. As such, routine lubrication should be part of maintenance practice. This enables timely replenishment of lubricant to avoid component wear and ensure smooth operation.
Component Replacement
During drill machine use, some parts are bound to wear out and need replacing, such as gaskets, cutting tools, and sealing elements. A well-planned maintenance schedule should set aside time to inspect these components for signs of damage. Early detection can enable timely replacement to facilitate continuous operation of the drill machine.
The deep hole drill bit can be used in many industries.
Construction
In the construction industry, a tunnel drill is used for large holes, cross-holes, and underground projects. It is also used with other construction machines in rock and soil to excavate tunnels.
Mining
In the mining industry, these tunnel drills are specialized for mining tunnels. They are used to excavate mineral deposits, which provides openings for transporting minerals, ore, and coal.
Transportation
In the transportation industry, the tunnel drill is used to excavate tunnels for railways, subways, roads, and pipelines.
Hydraulic and municipal engineering
In hydraulic and municipal engineering, the tunnel drill is used to excavate tunnels for cities and infrastructure projects. They are used for trenchless construction of water pipelines, drainage systems, and cable trenches.
Geological exploration
In geological exploration, this drill machine is used to investigate and survey geological formations. They are used to drill core samples to gather geological data.
Military
In military applications, the tunnel drilling machine is used for making fortifications, bunkers, or underground shelters.
Land reclamation
In land reclamation, tunnel drilling is used in coastal工程to install underwater structures, pipes, and cables.
Business buyers need to consider several important factors when purchasing tunnel drilling machines.
Needs Assessment
Business buyers should carefully assess their needs first. They should determine the type of material they will be drilling through, the diameter and depth of the tunnels required, and the drilling method preferred. This assessment will help them identify the machine that best suits their specific requirements.
Machine Types Comparison
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of different tunnel drilling machines. For instance, TBMs are efficient for large-diameter tunnels with high production rates, but they may have high initial costs. Shielded Gastrocnemius drills are suitable for varied soil conditions and their open-face version works well through stable soils. The New Austria Tunneling Method (NATM) is adaptable and cost-effective for certain geological conditions, but it requires expert monitoring and support design. Microtunneling suits small-diameter tunnels with high precision. Buying offices should evaluate which machine type aligns with their project's scale and budget constraints.
Machine Specifications
Business buyers should carefully review the specifications of different models of their selected tunnel drilling machine types. They need to compare parameters such as the maximum tunnel diameter and depth, the soil or rock strength that the machine can handle, its advance rate, and its installed power. This comparison in line with the project's specific needs helps ensure the chosen machine has the appropriate capacity.
Support Systems
In addition to the drilling machine itself, consider the key supporting systems needed for efficient tunneling operations. These include muck removal systems for waste transport, ground support installation apparatus, and segment erection mechanisms. Ensure the compatibility of these ancillary systems with the main drilling unit to facilitate smooth workflow during tunneling projects. Their proper coordination minimizes disruptions and enhances overall productivity.
Supplier Research
Business buyers should conduct detailed research on potential suppliers of tunnel drilling machines. Consider the suppliers' comprehensive drilling solutions, technical support, and customer service offered after sales. Select a supplier that meets the project's requirements in terms of tunneling equipment and a buyer's need for later maintenance and assistance. This careful supplier selection process helps ensure a successful tunneling operation and smooth collaboration throughout the project duration.
Q1: Why are tunnel drills so important in construction projects?
A1: Tunnel drilling machines are vital to the construction sector as they make building tunnels safer, cheaper, and faster. They reduce human risks, cut project costs, and complete tunneling projects in a timely fashion. Tunnel drilling machines also improve transportation, tourism, and trade by making quality tunnels. Their impact on infrastructure is essential for economic growth.
Q2: Does the size of a tunnel drilling machine matter?
A2: The size of the tunnel drilling machine used in a project can affect choices. There are budget-easing, small-scale drills for digging tunnels that are not so deep or long. For major, large, and difficult tunneling projects, giant tunnel drilling machines are a must. Their size directly relates to their capacity to deal with tough geological conditions in big projects.
Q3: What is the role of automation in modern tunnel drilling machines?
A3: Automation in modern tunnel drilling machines helps control and monitor these drills. It accurately controls drill speed, pressure, and depth. These factors are needed to enhance automation. It raises drilling efficiency, precision, and safety levels, making the machine easier to use.
