3D illustration of a Shaft Boring Cutterhead in white and red with a green cutterhead and a stone wall in the background

Shaft Boring Cutterhead (SBC)

Safe and fast full-bottom shaft sinking to depths of 2,000 meters

Geology Rock
Diameter
7-12m

The Shaft Boring Cutterhead (SBC) is developed for mechanized full-face shaft sinking in hard rock to a depth of 2,000 meters. The excavation sequence is highly automated.

Increased worker safety

Although on the SBC work steps are carried out in parallel, the machine concept significantly increases worker safety compared to conventional shaft sinking. During the excavation, personnel are not exposed to the unlined shaft wall.

Designed for efficiency

The design of the SBC is based on reference projects and is aligned with leading operators on shaft sinking activities. Each SBC is tailored to the specific requirements of the project to ensure the maximum support for safe and fast shaft sinking in each construction phase.

Higher advance rates

The full face cutterhead is equipped with disc cutters. It has a speed of 2 to 3.5 revolutions per minute and thus achieves high advance rates in relation to the geology. After an advance of 1 meter has been sunk, the SBC is lowered. The  installation of the  shaft lining from a work deck of the SBC is proceeded parallel to the advance and can be  adapted to the requirements of the project.

 
Proven technology as the basis for new developments

The components used in the SBC have proven themselves worldwide in Herrenknecht shaft sinking and tunnel boring machines.

Functional principle

1
Sheaves deck

SBC is suspended by shaft ropes and can be lifted or lowered as required

2
Pneumatic mucking system

The proven pneumatic conveying system has been optimised for hard rock applications. The excavated rock cuttings, as well as inflowing water and dust from the bottom of the shaft are conveyed into the suction tank and transferred to the shaft conveyors

3
Work decks

Several decks with installations, infrastructure and supply line extension for power, air and ventilation

4
Muck bucket

The Muck is hoisted to surface. Auxiliary and man buckets are also used

5
Control Cabin

The SBC operator controls all functions and the semiautomatic excavation process

6
Rock support deck

Several applications can be installed: shotcrete, rock bolts, mesh, segments or liner plates

7
Gripper system

Creating additional thrust force for the cutterhead and for the steering the cutterhead according to the guidance systems

8
Cutterhead

Equipped with disc cutters and can be adapted to different diameters

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SBC is suspended by shaft ropes and can be lifted or lowered as required

The proven pneumatic conveying system has been optimised for hard rock applications. The excavated rock cuttings, as well as inflowing water and dust from the bottom of the shaft are conveyed into the suction tank and transferred to the shaft conveyors

Several decks with installations, infrastructure and supply line extension for power, air and ventilation

The Muck is hoisted to surface. Auxiliary and man buckets are also used

The SBC operator controls all functions and the semiautomatic excavation process

Several applications can be installed: shotcrete, rock bolts, mesh, segments or liner plates

Creating additional thrust force for the cutterhead and for the steering the cutterhead according to the guidance systems

Equipped with disc cutters and can be adapted to different diameters

Further Informations

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With the further development of existing technologies and profound engineering know-how, Herrenknecht opens up new business areas. In the field of mining in particular, innovative machine concepts are needed to safely and efficiently develop deposits even at great depths.

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Steffen Dubé President and General Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA Inc.
Gerhard Goisser Commercial Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA, Inc.

Your contact person Contact us

Steffen Dubé President and General Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA Inc.
Gerhard Goisser Commercial Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA, Inc.