Inspection & assessment – Exact analysis after breakthrough

After a successful breakthrough, the condition of tunnelling technology used varies considerably from one project to another. The first step toward sound assessment of the machine or individual components is therefore a technical inspection. Using predefined protocols, systematic inspections are conducted, some with technical support such as an endoscopy of a main bearing. On the basis of this analysis, Herrenknecht makes a recommendation as to whether and how the machine and individual components can be repaired or reused.

For many Utility Tunnelling machines, professional refurbishment with the corresponding technical upgrades is the right decision. In the case of machines with large diameters, worn parts or parts which can no longer be used are usually scrapped on site while valuable components are transported back to the manufacturer for professional rebuilding.

Upgrades – Modernizing proven technology

Machines and components built by Herrenknecht have often been in use for several years or decades and have already successfully completed many individual projects. This applies, in particular, to technology and equipment in the more standardized diameter range. Our machines and containers of modular design can be easily modernized to comply with the state of the art using the appropriate upgrades from Herrenknecht. These include, for example, software updates in containers or upgrades of navigation or control software in TBMs. In terms of performance, reliability and safety, professionally modernized technology is of the same level as new equipment.

Disassembly & return transport – Back to the start

In most cases, disassembly after successful breakthrough needs to be completed fast so as not to delay any subsequent work. Depending on the respective site conditions with a tight target shaft, restricted space or limited timeframes for removal, special challenges need to be overcome during planning and realization. On request, our assembly specialists can support you on site in all of the necessary steps. Furthermore, depending on the terms and conditions agreed in the contract, we can also transport the machine directly back to our production sites.

Rebuilding – Successfully reusing proven premium technology

On completion of a project, we professionally rebuild proven technology for new application. By doing so, we are pioneers in our sector. Herrenknecht follows the binding international ITA guidelines and even exceeds these minimum standards in many areas. This is economical, environmentally-friendly and good for the CO2 balance of your construction project. Our maximum technical and quality standards in new production as well as a modular machine design pay off in this regard and represent fundamental requirements for reuse. We differentiate between two categories of professional rebuilding:

Remanufacturing involves directing the product to an entirely new life cycle. The remanufactured systems and components can be regarded as at least “as good as new”.

High-end remanufacturing allows you to improve the environment-friendly impact of your project before you even start tunnelling operations. Proven operating systems and components going through our unique reman cycle can significantly boost environmental sustainability: on average, 71.42 % of emissions per tonne of TBM components can be saved once renewed components come into play.*

Refurbishment involves the basic idea of extending the useful life of the product. The process is primarily regarded as extensive maintenance with repair and/or replacement of defective functions or parts. This is concluded by a functional test including comprehensive test documentation.

*Result verified by TÜV SÜD: In a period of 3 years, an analysis was run at Herrenknecht Rebuild Services combining Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Gap methods. The analysis comprised 132 remanufactured TBM components. This combined method made it possible to compare CO² emissions of remanufactured with those of newly produced TBM components.

TBM refurbishment – Efficient solution for customer-owned TBMs

On request, we can get your machine back into shape and make it fit for its next job. In close collaboration with our customers, Herrenknecht draws up a detailed calculation of the costs and a reliable timeframe for systematic refurbishment. Integrating both additional engineering and process planning as well as a list of the specialist personnel and spare and wear parts required. It goes without saying that we can also consider project-specific requirements by the planned follow-up project and modify the equipment accordingly. On completion of work, you will also receive an official OEM certificate confirming the professional refurbishment of your Herrenknecht TBM. Refurbishments can be realized at our Group headquarters, our international service hubs or even in your workshop or, in the case of larger TBMs, directly on site.