Separation Technology

Separation plants in operation

Around the world, requirements for tunnelling and other separation projects are continuously increasing. With over 40 years of experience, Herrenknecht offers the know-how and leading expertise in state-of-the-art separation systems to provide solutions for customized project needs.

A versatile separation system is the basis for a successful operation of slurry-supported tunnel boring machines such as AVN and Variable Density Machines, Mixshields as well as Vertical Shaft Sinking Machines.

Efficient and powerful separation performance

Herrenknecht Separation Plants are optimally adapted to the requirements of the tunnelling process. They separate the slurry suspension continually from the loaded solid particles in the slurry circuit. A powerful and efficient combination of state-of-the-art screening technology and hydro-vacuum cyclones with high g-forces and low cut points results in depositable excavated material with low water content. The lower the water content and thus the weight of the excavated material, the lower the costs for disposal and recycling. Very fine particles that remain in the suspension have a significant impact on parameters such as excavation speed and daily advance rate. Additional equipment and fine treatment devices like filter presses and centrifuges are necessary to keep the suspension from thickening and the TBM performance high.

The right set-up for every geology

One particular strength of slurry operated TBMs is their versatility when used in heterogeneous ground conditions. Therefore, the separation components must be flexible and adjustable if soil and rock conditions vary. With equipment designed by Herrenknecht, it is possible to accomplish such customer requirements, save costs and reduce handling time during the separation-process.

Modular design for more flexibility

For the standardized set-up of Herrenknecht separation plants, a modular and pre-assembled container system is used, which can be extended, reduced and relocated quickly and easily. This allows flexible adaptation to the particular jobsite needs and contributes to quick and affordable assembly and dismantling.

The internal setup of the separation plant is based on a modular and stackable principle as well. Like this, regular maintenance, repairs or replacement of spare parts is considerably easier compared to platform solutions. Upon customer request, the individual components can be encased with noise insulation, making the machine capable of operation in urban areas.

Optimizing tunnelling and separation

A look at the displays in the control cabin of the TBM and the separation plant provides updated data about the utilized capacity and performance of the tunnel boring machine and the processes in the separation plant. The staff in the two control cabins can optimize the two systems with this interface by exchanging information, thus creating an ideal interaction between tunnelling and separation process.

To the Separations website