Micro tunnelling
Laser-guided tunnel boring for 1,000 to 2,800 mm pipe, holding precise gradients below the water table at up to 3 bar face pressure.
Micro tunnelling uses a micro tunnel boring machine (MTBM) mounted on a jacking frame and pushed forward by hydraulic jacks. The machine is launched from a pit through a sealed entrance that isolates the ground from the pit.
Excavated soil is carried to the surface as slurry. Ground pressure is balanced with slurry and jacking pressure, and new sections of jacking pipe are added behind the machine as it advances. A laser guidance system and hydraulic steering jacks inside the machine keep it on line and grade.
Because the method holds the required gradient in different ground formations and within the water table, at up to 3.0 bar of face pressure, it allows deep pipeline installation.
DWCC operates a Herrenknecht AVN 1200 TBM from Germany, a secure way to install oil and gas pipelines.
