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

摘要

This study is the final phase of a muck pipeline program begun in 1973. The 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 500feet of 10-inch diameter pipe. The system transported up to 100tph of simulated tunnel muck with maximum sizes ranging from 1/2inch to more than 3inches. 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.