Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) can face a variety of common issues during underground construction that may impact progress, safety, and costs. Here are some typical problems:

　　1. Geological Condition Changes: TBMs may encounter unexpected difficulties when passing through different geological structures, such as hard rock, soft soil, fault zones, and underground water. These conditions can reduce cutting efficiency, increase cutter head wear, and cause ground settlement issues.

　　2. Cutter Head Wear: The cutter head is a critical component of the TBM. Prolonged contact with hard rock can lead to wear, necessitating regular replacement and maintenance to maintain cutting efficiency and construction quality.

　　3. Seal Failure: The TBM's sealing system is essential for preventing groundwater infiltration. If the seals wear out or get damaged, leaks can occur, increasing construction risks. Timely replacement or repair of seals is necessary.

　　4. Thrust System Malfunctions: The thrust system of a TBM provides the forward driving force. Any malfunction can halt construction and require urgent repairs, potentially delaying progress.

　　5. Bearing Failures: The main bearing and other bearings in a TBM bear enormous pressure. If they fail, the entire machine may stop working, requiring major repairs or replacements.

　　6. Electrical System Issues:  The TBM's electrical system is complex. Short circuits or control system failures can incapacitate parts or the entirety of the machine.

　　7. Soil Pressure Balance Issues:  When operating in soft soil layers, maintaining appropriate soil pressure balance is crucial to prevent ground settlement and tunnel collapse. A malfunction in the soil pressure balance system can lead to severe consequences.

　　8. Cutter Head Cooling System Failures:  The cutter head generates a lot of heat during high-speed cutting. A cooling system failure can cause the cutter head to overheat, affecting cutting efficiency and the equipment’s lifespan.

　　9. Installation Errors:  The accuracy of TBM installation is vital for subsequent construction. Any installation error can lead to tunnel alignment deviations, increasing the difficulty and cost of later corrections.

　　10. Operational Errors:  Operator errors can cause equipment damage and construction accidents. Therefore, training and management of operators are critically important.

　　To address these common issues, TBM maintenance teams must conduct regular inspections and maintenance to promptly identify and resolve problems, ensuring the TBM’s normal operation and construction progress. Additionally, special construction measures and technical approaches may be required to handle complex geological conditions.

　　Question: What is the level of China's shield tunneling machine technology?

　　Answer: China's shield tunneling machine technology has reached a world-leading level.

　　In recent years, China's shield tunneling machine industry has achieved remarkable accomplishments, with its technology now at an advanced or even leading level globally. This success is attributed to the strong support from the Chinese government, continuous innovation by enterprises, and in-depth research by scientific institutions.

　　On the policy front, the Chinese government has introduced a series of measures to encourage the development of the shield tunneling machine industry, including financial subsidies and tax incentives, creating a favorable environment for enterprises. Additionally, the government has strengthened regulation and management of the industry, promoting its healthy and orderly development.

　　At the enterprise level, Chinese shield tunneling machine companies have improved the performance and quality of their products by introducing advanced foreign technologies, enhancing independent research and development, and fostering technological innovation. Some companies now have the capability to independently develop and manufacture high-end shield tunneling machines. Their products not only meet domestic market demand but are also exported overseas, becoming strong competitors in the international market.

　　At the research institution level, Chinese research institutions have made significant breakthroughs in the development of shield tunneling machine technology. They have deeply studied various aspects such as the working principles, materials, and processes of shield tunneling machines, developing core technologies and key components with independent intellectual property rights, providing strong support for the industry's development.

　　Furthermore, China emphasizes collaboration among industry, academia, and research in the innovation of shield tunneling machine technology, promoting the transformation and industrialization of research achievements. By establishing platforms for industry-academia-research cooperation, the exchange and cooperation between enterprises, universities, and research institutions are enhanced, jointly tackling technical challenges and driving continuous innovation and development in shield tunneling machine technology.

　　Overall, China's shield tunneling machine technology has reached an advanced level globally and is leading in some areas. With continuous technological progress and industry development, it is expected that China's shield tunneling machine technology will achieve even greater accomplishments in the future, making significant contributions to global tunnel construction.

　　Which is better: a TBM or a shield tunneling machine? In modern tunnel engineering, TBMs and shield tunneling machines are two primary types of tunnel excavation equipment, each playing an indispensable role. They have unique characteristics and are suited to different geological conditions and engineering requirements. Therefore, it is not a matter of which one is better, but rather selecting the appropriate equipment based on the specific project conditions.

　　The choice between a TBM and a shield tunneling machine mainly depends on the specific requirements of the project and the geological conditions. If the project needs to be carried out under complex and variable geological conditions, with high demands for construction speed and safety, a TBM might be a better choice. Conversely, for projects requiring rapid construction in relatively stable soft soil layers, a shield tunneling machine may be more suitable.

　　Differences between TBMs and shield tunneling machines

　　TBMs and shield tunneling machines differ in their functions, working principles, and application scenarios.

　　1、Differences in working principles:

　　TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine): A TBM cuts through rock or soil using a rotating cutter head, simultaneously stabilizing the excavation face with a support system, forming the tunnel profile through continuous advancement. TBMs are suitable for various geological conditions, particularly hard rock formations.

　　Shield Tunneling Machine (Shield TBM): The working principle of a shield TBM is similar to that of a TBM, but it features a movable "shield" structure. This shield provides temporary support during excavation, ensuring worker safety and maintaining ground stability. Shield TBMs are particularly suited for urban underground projects and river crossings with complex geological conditions.

　　2、Differences in functional characteristics:

　　TBM: A TBM is primarily used for excavating straight tunnels, with a high degree of automation and construction efficiency.

　　Shield Tunneling Machine: In addition to the functions of a TBM, a shield tunneling machine can perform secondary lining operations within the shield, installing prefabricated tunnel lining segments to form the final tunnel structure. Shield tunneling machines are typically used for projects requiring strong ground stability.

　　3、Differences in application scenarios:

　　TBM: TBMs are commonly used in the construction of long-distance, large-diameter railway and highway tunnels, as well as in mining.

　　Shield Tunneling Machine: Shield tunneling machines are mainly used for urban subway construction, underground passages, and river crossings. They are especially effective in densely populated and built-up urban areas, where they can minimize ground settlement and impact on the surrounding environment.

　　Despite some similarities, such as both employing rotary cutting methods for tunnel excavation, TBMs and shield tunneling machines have distinct differences in function, working principles, and application scenarios. The choice of equipment depends on the specific project needs, geological conditions, and construction environment.

　　The LanHi Smart Multi-Function Tunneling Machine is an advanced piece of equipment specifically designed for non-blasting excavation. It integrates multiple innovative technologies aimed at achieving efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly underground construction. The main features of this equipment include its multifunctionality, precision, and adaptability to complex geological conditions.

　　1、Multifunctionality:

　　The Blue Ocean Smart Multi-Function Tunneling Machine can be operated via both local control and wireless remote control, making it suitable for tunnel excavations ranging from 6 to 9.5 meters in diameter. It combines high-frequency rock breaking, rapid soft soil excavation, contour trimming, and dust suppression through spraying into one machine. It is ideal for construction in areas where blasting is restricted, such as airports, residential areas, and wildlife protection zones. Its strong adaptability meets the requirements of various surrounding rock constructions, reducing instances of over-excavation and collapses.

　　2、Precision:

　　This equipment employs advanced navigation and positioning systems to ensure precise control during the construction process. By continuously monitoring the construction environment and equipment status in real-time, it can accurately adjust the tunneling direction and speed, ensuring construction quality and safety.

　　3、Adaptability to Complex Geological Conditions:

　　The Blue Ocean Smart Multi-Function Tunneling Machine is particularly suited for work in complex geological conditions, such as hard rock, soft soil, and high water content layers. Its powerful rock-breaking capability and adaptability enable effective construction in various harsh environments.

　　4、Safety:

　　By utilizing a non-blasting excavation method, this equipment significantly reduces the risks at the construction site. Non-blasting operations minimize the impact on the surrounding environment, protecting the safety of construction personnel and reducing potential damage to nearby buildings and facilities.

　　5、Environmental Friendliness:

　　Non-blasting excavation reduces environmental pollution by avoiding issues such as vibrations, noise, and flying debris caused by blasting. Additionally, the energy-efficient design of the equipment helps to lower energy consumption, further enhancing its environmental performance.

　　The development and application of the Blue Ocean Smart Multi-Function Tunneling Machine represent a new direction in underground construction technology. It offers innovative solutions for urban construction, transportation infrastructure, and resource extraction, promoting advancements in underground engineering techniques.

　　In modern fields such as tunnel construction, mining, and underground space development, tunnel boring machines (TBMs) serve as crucial construction equipment, with a diverse range of types and models to meet various working conditions and demands. This article categorizes and introduces the main types of tunnel boring machines, elucidating their application areas to help readers better understand this vital engineering machinery.

　　I. Classification Based on Working Principles

　　Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM): This type of machine employs continuous cutting to excavate tunnels, suitable for long-distance and large-section tunnel construction. TBMs enhance construction efficiency significantly, reducing manual intervention, and find wide applications in railway, highway, and subway tunnel projects.

　　Roadheader: Roadheaders are primarily used for excavating tunnels in hard rock formations by cutting rocks with rotating cutterheads. These machines are usually equipped with attachments such as breakers and drill rods to adapt to complex geological conditions.

　　Pipe Jacking Machine: Pipe jacking machines are mainly used for trenchless pipeline installation, pushing prefabricated pipes into place. They are suitable for special environments such as urban underground pipelines and river crossings.

　　II. Classification Based on Size

　　Small Tunnel Boring Machines: Small TBMs are typically used in confined or narrow spaces for construction tasks like urban underground pipeline maintenance and small tunnel construction. They are compact and highly flexible but relatively lower in construction efficiency.

　　Medium Tunnel Boring Machines: Medium-sized TBMs fall between small and large ones in terms of size and performance, suitable for medium-scale tunnel and underground projects.

　　Large Tunnel Boring Machines: Large TBMs are primarily used for large tunnel projects, boasting high production efficiency and robust construction capabilities. These machines are suitable for long-distance and large-section tunnel construction.

　　III. Classification Based on Application Areas

　　Railway Tunnel Boring Machines: Specifically designed for railway tunnel construction, these machines require high-speed and stable construction capabilities to meet the high precision demands of railway lines.

　　Highway Tunnel Boring Machines: Commonly used in highway tunnel construction, these machines need to adapt to various geological conditions to ensure construction efficiency and safety.

　　Subway Tunnel Boring Machines: Subway tunnel construction demands equipment with high dimensional accuracy and flexibility, as subway tunnels often traverse densely populated urban areas.

　　Hydraulic Engineering Tunnel Boring Machines: Used in projects such as dams and channels, these machines must adapt to underwater operations and complex water flow conditions.

　　Mining Tunnel Boring Machines: Employed in mining tunnel construction, these machines need to withstand harsh geological environments such as high temperatures, high pressures, and strong corrosive conditions.

　　As the core equipment in modern tunnel and underground engineering construction, tunnel boring machines come in a multitude of types and models. Depending on different working principles, sizes, and application areas, suitable tunnel boring machine models can be selected. With continuous technological advancements, future tunnel boring machines will become more intelligent and efficient, providing stronger support for the development of underground engineering.

　　At the end of February 2024, the "Chengdu Made" supply and demand docking event and the Chengdu Industrial Quality Award ceremony were successfully held. This event was guided by the Chengdu Municipal Leading Group for Supporting Famous and Excellent Products and organized by the Chengdu Economic and Information Bureau's New Economy Development Committee (Chengdu Municipal Leading Group for Supporting Famous and Excellent Products Office). At the event, the Blue Ocean Intelligent LGMP350D Integrated Trolley for Arch Anchor Spraying, after rigorous selection, was honored with the title of "Chengdu Industrial Quality" and officially launched globally as a new calling card for "Chengdu Manufacturing."

　　According to the organizers, the establishment of the "Chengdu Industrial Quality" brand and the creation of a high-level platform for supply and demand docking are innovative carriers to implement the manufacturing strong city strategy of the Municipal Party Committee and Government and the decision to implement the "Chengdu Manufacturing Brand." This initiative aims to implement the "Three-Quality" action plan in manufacturing, deepen the expansion of scenario applications, cultivate international influence, and enhance the city (industry) brand and Chengdu's visibility.

　　The Blue Ocean Intelligent LGMP350D Integrated Trolley for Arch Anchor Spraying, which was honored with the "Chengdu Industrial Quality" award, is the first set of products in Sichuan Province. It integrates the functions of wet spraying Trolley, arch frame installation Trolley, and anchor rod Trolley into one, enabling integrated construction of tunnel initial support operations.

　　The equipment can independently complete the entire process of tunnel initial support, including erection, anchoring, foot locking, advance spraying, etc., with erection taking about 1 hour. The three arms are fully sliding, capable of meeting various types of arch frame installations, various step method operations, and precise adjustment of arch frame positioning. Compared to traditional equipment, it is more convenient in construction, reduces equipment relocation time, has a wider range of applications, and higher mechanization degree, resulting in significant savings in labor, time, and money, as well as improved safety. It can also be equipped with a mobile APP intelligent management platform for efficient management and dual breakthroughs in safety control.

　　The receipt of the "Chengdu Industrial Quality" honor is not only a recognition of the quality of Blue Ocean products but also an affirmation of Blue Ocean's strategy of adhering to technological innovation to lead development. In the future, we will continue to increase research and development investment, fully enhance the brand value of "Chengdu Industrial Quality," and help "Chengdu Manufacturing" go global. At the same time, we will comprehensively improve our company's product production and delivery capabilities, promote a substantial increase in enterprise output value, create more value for underground engineering digitization construction, and contribute more to accelerating the construction of a manufacturing powerhouse.

　　Mining machinery and equipment refer to various types of machinery and equipment used in the processes of mining, transportation, and processing in mines. They come in various types and functions to adapt to the diverse needs of mining operations of different types and scales. So, what are the types of mining machinery and equipment? Let's take a look at the types of mining machinery and equipment together.

　　There are many types of mining machinery and equipment, mainly including the following categories:

　　1、Drilling equipment: Used for geological exploration and ore detection, including rotary drilling rigs, core drilling rigs, etc.

　　2、Mining equipment: Used for ore extraction, including drilling rigs, blasting equipment, excavators, loaders, mining trucks, etc.

　　3、Ore transportation equipment: Used to transport mined ore from the mining site to the ore processing plant or other locations, including conveyors, trucks, railway vehicles, etc.

　　4、Ore crushing and screening equipment: Used for crushing, grinding, and screening raw ore, including crushers, mills, screening machines, etc.

　　5、Ore beneficiation equipment: Used to extract useful minerals from raw ores, including flotation machines, gravity separators, magnetic separators, etc.

　　6、Environmental protection equipment: Used to treat wastewater, waste slag, and tailings generated during mining production processes, including sewage treatment equipment, waste slag treatment equipment, etc.

　　7、Safety equipment: Used to ensure the safety of miners, including ventilation equipment, mine support equipment, safety monitoring equipment, etc.

　　8、Ore dressing equipment: Such as flotation machines, magnetic separators, and jig separators, used to separate useful minerals from ore.

　　9、Ventilation and drainage equipment: Such as fans, drainage pumps, used to maintain the ventilation and drainage of mines.

　　10、Auxiliary equipment: Such as lighting equipment, tools, and maintenance equipment, used to support the daily operation of mines.

　　These equipment play important roles in the mining process, improving production efficiency, reducing labor intensity, while also requiring proper planning and management to ensure safety and environmental protection. With the development of technology, mining machinery and equipment are constantly innovating and improving to adapt to more complex and harsh working environments.

　　The advance speed of the tunnel boring machine is typically between 10 to 30 meters per day. So, why is the advance speed of such an expensive TBM so slow? Let's analyze the reasons for the slow advance of the TBM.

　　The advance speed of the tunnel boring machine is influenced by various factors, including geological conditions, machine performance, construction methods, and safety considerations.

　　1. Geological conditions: The performance of the TBM varies greatly under different geological conditions. In hard rock, gravel, and other difficult-to-cut formations, the cutter head wears out quickly, necessitating frequent replacement or repair, which significantly reduces the advance speed. In soft soil, silt, and other formations, to prevent ground settlement and tunnel collapse, it may be necessary to reduce the driving speed and increase the pressure of the slurry circulation system. These operations take time, thus affecting the overall construction progress.

　　2. Machine performance: The performance of the TBM directly affects its excavation capability. If the machine is aging, poorly maintained, or technologically outdated, it may result in low work efficiency. For example, insufficient cutter head rotation speed or torque can limit the advance speed of the TBM.

　　3. Construction methods: In complex geological environments, construction teams may need to adopt more cautious and meticulous construction methods, such as adjusting cutter head rotation speed or changing propulsion parameters, to ensure construction quality and safety. These adjustments often sacrifice some construction speed.

　　4. Safety considerations: Safety is the most important consideration in tunnel construction. To avoid accidents, construction teams may choose to reduce the TBM's propulsion speed, especially when traversing sensitive areas or complex geological structures.

　　5. Technological limitations: Although TBM technology is quite mature, in some special cases, existing technology may not fully solve the encountered problems. For example, in extreme geological conditions such as high water pressure or deep burial, the performance of the TBM may be limited, requiring special technical measures, which may further slow down the advance speed.

　　6. Environmental protection: In certain environmentally sensitive areas such as city centers or nature reserves, there are strict limitations on the environmental impact of construction. When working in these areas, more environmentally friendly construction methods may be required, which may also reduce the efficiency of the TBM.

　　7. Logistics support: The normal operation of the TBM requires an adequate supply of materials and logistical support. Insufficient logistics support, such as delayed supply of segments, can also affect the normal propulsion of the TBM.

　　8. Operator experience: Operators of the TBM need to have high professional skills and rich experience. Novice operators may need time to familiarize themselves with the operation of the machine and respond to various emergencies, and this learning curve may lead to a decrease in construction speed.

　　9. Equipment failures: During long-term operation, the TBM may experience various failures, such as electrical issues or hydraulic system failures. These failures need to be repaired promptly, otherwise they will seriously affect the efficiency of the TBM.

　　10. Construction strategy: In some cases, construction teams may intentionally reduce the propulsion speed of the TBM to optimize the quality of the tunnel or adjust the construction schedule to fit the overall project progress.

　　A shield tunneling machine, a large-scale equipment for tunnel excavation, can cost tens of millions to several hundred million. So, how many meters can such an expensive piece of equipment dig in a day? Let's talk about the tunneling speed of shield tunneling machines to provide some clarification.

　　How many meters can a shield tunneling machine dig in a day?

　　Generally, the daily advance of a shield tunneling machine may be around 10 to 30 meters, with large tunnel boring machines capable of exceeding 30 meters per day under favorable geological conditions.

　　The daily advance capacity of shield tunneling machines is influenced by various factors, including the machine model, construction environment, geological conditions, and the proficiency of the operating team. In particularly complex geological conditions such as hard rock, fault zones, or formations with high water content, the wear of the cutterhead intensifies, necessitating frequent replacements or repairs. In soft soils or loose sand formations, there is a risk of ground settlement and tunnel collapse, which may require a reduction in the advancing speed, leading to a significant decrease in the daily advance of the shield tunneling machine. The actual daily advance needs to be determined based on the specific circumstances of the project.

　　Therefore, generally speaking, under standard conditions, a shield tunneling machine can excavate 10 to 30 meters per day. However, the specific number may vary due to the particularities of the project.

　　In the history of human engineering, the shield tunneling machine has become the "subterranean behemoth" of modern tunnel construction, owing to its powerful functionality and outstanding performance. As an advanced tunneling device, the shield tunneling machine plays an irreplaceable role in tunnel construction, making significant contributions to human transportation and infrastructure development.

　　The working principle of a shield tunneling machine combines mechanical excavation with soil support. It cuts and breaks through strata using a rotating cutterhead while supporting and protecting the excavation face with a shield structure to prevent ground collapse. During the advancement of the shield tunneling machine, structural materials such as tunnel segments are progressively installed within the excavated tunnel to form a complete tunnel structure.

　　Shield tunneling machines come in various types such as slurry shield tunneling machines, earth pressure balance tunneling machines, and hard rock tunneling machines, tailored to different geological conditions and engineering requirements. Slurry shield tunneling machines are mainly used in soft soil layers, earth pressure balance tunneling machines are suitable for sand, clay, and similar formations, while hard rock tunneling machines are employed in rock formations.

　　The application scope of shield tunneling machines is extensive, spanning railway and highway tunnel construction to fields like water conservancy, subway, and urban rail transit. For instance, in the construction of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, shield tunneling machines were extensively used for tunneling through complex geological conditions such as crossing the Yangtze River. Furthermore, shield tunneling machines can achieve long-distance, high-precision tunneling, significantly enhancing the efficiency and quality of tunnel construction.

　　The advantages of shield tunneling machines lie in their efficiency, safety, and environmental friendliness. Compared to traditional tunnel excavation methods, they reduce ground destruction and disturbance, thus lowering environmental impact. Moreover, shield tunneling machines boast fast construction speed and high precision, meeting the stringent requirements of modern tunnel construction for schedule and quality.

　　However, the use of shield tunneling machines also faces challenges and limitations. Firstly, the procurement and maintenance costs are high, necessitating substantial financial investment. Secondly, operating and managing shield tunneling machines require skilled technical personnel and teams, demanding high standards of personnel qualifications and skills. Additionally, the construction effectiveness of shield tunneling machines can be influenced by special geological conditions, requiring corresponding measures to address.

　　As a crucial tool in modern tunnel construction, shield tunneling machines have been widely applied globally. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and the growing demand for engineering, shield tunneling machines will continue to innovate and make greater contributions to human infrastructure development. Simultaneously, there is a need to strengthen technical research and talent development in the shield tunneling machine industry to promote its sustainable development.