Bearing up under pressure: The safe, reliable operation of tunnel boring equipment relies on the integrity of critical bearings and seals. Once construction starts, there's no going back

摘要

Atunnel boring machine (TBM) is not equipped with a reverse gear! So, it is imperative that the machine is able to complete its job without suffering any significant mechanical failure on route. Where problems do occur, accessing the machine for repair can be a complex, costly and time-consuming project, especially with the main slewing bearing installed inside the TBM's gear box. As Paul Dysiewicz, engineering manager at SKF, explains: "The main slewing bearing is the heart of the machine and, in case of failure, it cannot be replaced easily, potentially causing months of delays and cost overruns that could easily add up to millions of dollars."