Shaft Boring Roadheader (SBR)

Proven technology as the basis for new developments

The Vertical Shaft Sinking Machines (VSM) for shafts with lower depths developed by Herrenknecht have already proven successful in numerous applications. Based on these project experiences, the SBR boom with cutting drum has been modified to meet the requirements of shaft sinking in the mining industry and the working platforms have been adapted. The boom  allows excavation of the entire shaft cross section to a depth of 1 meter in several roadheading steps. The SBR does not need to be moved vertically during this cutting process.

In the first step of the cutting cycle, the cutting drum creates a cut up to 200 millimeters in depth. Subsequently, more circular sections are cut clockwise from the shaft center to the shaft wall. After every five of these cycles, the shaft is 1 meter deeper. The SBR is now moved down a meter and the cutting cycle begins again.

The loosened rock is collected from the shaft bottom via a newly innovated pneumatic mucking system and carried away to the suction tank. The shaft wall is secured from a work deck above the roadheader boom and can be done for example by the application of shotcrete, formwork or anchoring.

The SBR is safely controlled from higher working decks. In contrast to conventional shaft excavation, there are no personnel at the bottom of the shaft during mechanized excavation with the SBR. Overall, the SBR design sets new standards in safety for personnel.