Experimental Verification of Pneumatic Transport System for the Rapid Excavation of Tunnels: Part 1. Installation of Test Facility

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Centerhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15268261978PDFTech ReportMartin, J.W.Faddick, R.R.Colorado School of MinesJohn A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)United States. Urban Mass Transportation AdministrationUnited States. Urban Mass Transportation AdministrationUnited StatesTunnelsTunnelingMuckingTest facilitiesBelt conveyorsConstruction equipmentExcavation and tunnelingEngine fansHydraulic equipmentLoadsPipelinesPipeline transportationState of the art studiesSurveyingUMTA-MA-06-0025-78-15This report deals with the selection of a test site, the design of a test installation, equipment selection, the installation and start-up of a pneumatic pipeline system for the transportation of tunnel muck. A review of prior pneumatic applications (Appendix A) provided knowledge on the state-of-the-art and a basic background for the design of the test equipment and development of a tentative test program. A suitable site was found four miles from the campus, and the site was prepared, equipment ordered, installed, and checked-out. The installation comprises a muck preparation unit, blower-feeder assembly, two telescoping pipes in series, 500 ft. of 10-inch diameter pipe with a vertical lift of 160 ft. on a 27 degree slope. The test unit is a full scale 100 ton per hour pneumatic transport system in a configuration suitable for application in a tunnel and capable of being extended under load to simulate service requirements. The test system developed has the capability to transport 100 tons/per hour of rock through a 10 inch pipeline approximately 550 feet long with vertical lift of 160 feet.140