Digging Deeper: Tunnel Boring Machines

Electrohydraulic valves in modern tunnelling process

A Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is a sophisticated equipment designed to create tunnels for various underground purposes, such as transportation, mining, or utility installations. Unlike traditional excavation methods that involve drilling, blasting, and removing debris, TBMs streamline the process by simultaneously drilling and installing support structures. These massive machines consist of a rotating cutterhead equipped with cutting tools that break through the soil or rock, while a conveyor system removes the excavated material for disposal. Tunnel Boring Machines are preferred for their efficiency, speed, and reduced environmental impact compared to conventional excavation methods, making them essential for large-scale infrastructure projects around the world.

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A Dance of Precision powered by Atos electrohydraulic valves Atos expertise for Tunnel Boring Machine Digital control to enhance productivity Contact Us

A Dance of Precision powered by Atos electrohydraulic valves

Imagine a giant metal beast navigating through the earth, not with brute force, but with the finesse of a dancer. This dance is orchestrated by electrohydraulic valves which are responsible for powering and controlling the movement with extraordinary accuracy transforming the Tunnel Boring Machines into a precision instrument. Known for their commitment to precision engineering, the extensive of the product range and the reliability of the product, Atos valves are the driving force behind the smooth movements of TBMs.

Atos expertise for Tunnel Boring Machine

TBMs are indeed complex pieces of engineering, moved by tens of hydraulic actuators and completely controlled by hundreds of valves.
Adaptivity is one of the crucial key characteristics of a TBM: the frontal cutterhead motor must adapt the cutting speed and the force based on the type of ground being excavated. Atos offers the range of proportional electrohydraulic valves with integrated p/Q algorithm to always keep under control force and speed of the digging discs.

Thrust and Steering are managed by controlling the many hydraulic cylinders positioned on the outer ring of the TBM structure.
These, pressurized at up to 420 bar, provide the necessary thrust to push the machine forward through the tunnel and to control steering mechanisms that allow the machine to navigate through curves and changes in alignment along the tunnel route.
As the Tunnel Boring Machine advances, it installs support structures to stabilize the tunnel walls and roof.

This is typically done by placing precast prefabricated concrete segments onto the tunnel walls using erector arms or other mechanisms always controlled by valves with Axis control for the highest levels of accuracy.
All of this always in Compliance with the strict safety regulations to protect workers and the environment during tunnelling operations. Atos safety certified range allows to operate these machines in full safety, greatly simplifying the certification of the entire machine by the manufacturer.

Digital control to enhance productivity

These monsters of engineering, moving silently under our feet, work like a perfect orchestra in which each component moves in tune with all the others.
All this is made possible by Atos digital electronics that, coupled with advanced control systems and electrohydraulic valves, allows for remote monitoring, adjustment and optimization of hydraulic parameters, ensuring optimal performance and enhancing overall Tunnel Boring Machine efficiency, reliability, and safety.

Atos proportional directional valve
with digital on-board electronics

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Source: PR12

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