Improving the Performance of Tunnel, Raise and Shaft Boring Machines for Coal Mine Applications

摘要

A 6-ft-diam laboratory tunnel, raise, and shaft boring machine was designed and constructed to carry out research investigations to enhance the performance of mechanical rock excavation equipment. The machine is operated with a computer control system and features extensive instrumentation to monitor and record various test parameters, including triaxial cutter forces, machine thrust, torque, revolutions per minute, and penetration rate. An extensive laboratory testing program has been conducted using this machine, demonstrating the feasibility of attaining high rates of penetration in various sedimentary geologies.