Slurry TBM Solutions for High Water Pressure Environments

Slurry TBM: Mastering Difficult Ground and High Water Pressure

When tunneling projects encounter unstable ground with high water pressure—such as crossing under rivers or seas—standard machines may struggle. The Slurry TBM (Slurry Shield) is designed specifically for these formidable conditions. Utilizing a pressurized slurry circuit, our Slurry TBM technology provides the ultimate support and safety.

The Slurry Shield Mechanism

In a Slurry TBM, the excavation chamber is filled with a pressurized bentonite slurry. This fluid penetrates the soil face, forming an impermeable "filter cake" that counteracts the ground and water pressure. The excavated material mixes with the slurry and is pumped out of the tunnel to a separation plant on the surface, where solids are removed and the clean slurry is returned to the TBM.

Key Benefits

Pressure Handling: Capable of withstanding immense hydrostatic pressures, making sub-sea tunneling possible. Versatility: Effective in a wide range of geologies, from coarse sand and gravel to mixed rock and soil faces. Safety: The pressurized face support eliminates the risk of water ingress and face collapse.

Applications

Slurry TBMs are the go-to solution for:

River and Sea Crossings: Creating road and rail links under major bodies of water. Coastal Infrastructure: Tunneling in water-logged coastal plains. Deep Sewer Systems: Excavating at depths where groundwater pressure is critical.

Advanced Control Systems

Our Slurry TBMs are equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring systems that regulate slurry pressure and flow in real-time. This ensures that the face support is perfectly maintained, preventing both settlement and blowouts.

Don't let water and unstable ground halt your progress. Equip your project with a high-performance Slurry TBM specifically tailored to your geological needs.