Experimental Verification of a Pneumatic Transport System for the Rapid Excavation of Tunnels: Part II - Test Program

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Centerhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15275661978PDFTech ReportMartin, James W.Faddick, Robert R.Colorado. School of MinesUnited States. Department of Transportation. Urban Mass Transportation Administration. Office of Technology Development and DeploymentUnited States. Department of Transportation. Urban Mass Transportation Administration. Office of Rail and Construction TechnologyUnited States. Department of Transportation. Research and Special Programs Administration. Transportation Systems CenterBosserman, BruceSkelly, WilliamShearer, DanRasey, SteveTagge, FrankRak, DavidDutton, DougMartin, PaulKosta, KenCase, DougUnited States. Department of Transportation. Urban Mass Transportation AdministrationUnited StatesTunnelingMuckingWearPowerExcavationPneumatic equipmentPneumatic-tube transportationPneumatic pipelineRequirementsCapacityDOT-TSC-UMTA-78-50;UMTA-MA-06-0025-78-14DOT-TSC-1144The objective of the study was to evaluate a pneumatic pipeline system for muck haulage from a tunnel excavated by a tunnel boring machine. The system was comprised of a muck preparation unit, solids feeder and air blower, telescoping pipes and 500 feet of 10- inch diameter pipe. The system transported up to 100 tph of simulated tunnel muck with maximum sizes ranging from 1/2 inch to more than 3 inches. The system components were tested for reliability and flexibility, wear and maintenance requirements, capacity, noise and dust levels, effect of moisture content, extensibility, and power requirements. The system was found to be low in capital cost, easy to operate, and readily extensible. The pneumatic pipeline was power- intensive and susceptible to elbow wear. For the pneumatic transport of coarse muck, moisture content was more important than particle size. Noise levels were high at the blower and muck preparation unit but could be reduced in actual practice. The system was found to be reliable except for the elbow wear.138