Seen at Bauma 2007At Bauma 2007 held in Munich, Germany on 23rd-29th April, manufacturers of machinery for tunnels and mines have put a lot of effort into easy assembly. Assembly times have been greatly reduced and also the work processes simplified. Productivity has become a key issue. Options for adapting the machinery on site to the specific conditions have been expanded. For the tunnelling contractor, this brings considerable time and cost savings. For instance, while it was only possible to use conventional boring techniques, because of wide variations in geological conditions for example, it is now possible to use TBMs that offer two boring modes (closed and open) in one machine and are able to drive in changing geology from hard to soft ground. Also, some types of machinery can switch from dry to wet conditions without problem.Another issue for the R&D departments of the tunnelling machinery manufacturers is easy operation. Operations which used to be done in several stages can now be performed fully automatically pressing a button or in one hand movement.In addition, the machinery - and this applies to virtually all the machines and other equipment used in tunnelling - is now more robust. The result is less sensitiveness to wear and tear and a longer service life.The emphasis has also been put on health and safety. The manufacturers have managed to further reduce noise and dust emissions as well as vibrations. This means greater comfort for the operator and therefore faster progress in tunnelling. A few snapshots of these market trends follow. Visit www.bauma.de ConjetSwedish hydro demolition equipment manufacturer Conjet used Bauma for the world launch of the latest model in its 360 range, the Conjet Robot 364 MPA. Conjet hydro demolition is used to remove concrete from sensitive structures, such as tunnels. When concrete has been removed with hydro demolition, no micro cracks are created in the surface left behind, which is the best foundation for a strong bond with the new concrete. This is said to result in stronger and longer lasting structures. Conjet robots can be used for selective hydro demolition, meaning that only damaged concrete is removed and the sound concrete is left behind.Conjet hydro demolition replaces jack hammers that create cracks and micro cracks in the concrete surface resulting in a bad bond with the new concrete overlay.The new unit has a rigid design and improved multipurpose arm, which reaches up to 6 m above the robot and 5 m to the side. The Robot 364 MPA can operate with a reaction force up to 2,000 N, which is equivalent to the force of a water jet generated by a 550 kW high pressure water pump. The Robot 364 is electrically powered so that it can be operated in tunnels without producing any exhaust gases that are hazardous for the operators. Visit www.conjet.comGrindexPump maker Grindex has released the first three models in its range of INOX submersible pumps, with all cast parts manufactured of stainless steel, and designed for use in corrosive materials applications. In addition to mining applications, where handling of corrosive materials is frequently required, applications include construction projects such as tunnels. All cast parts in the pump are made of acid-resistant stainless steel, and can handle pH values from two to ten.The first three of a planned range of six stainless steel pumps are the Major INOX (maximum head, 42 m, maximum flow, 43 lit/sec), the Master INOX (maximum head, 42 m, maximum flow, 52 lit/sec) and the Senior INOX (maximum head, 9 m, maximum flow, 35 lit/sec). Visit www.grindex.com LiebherrEasier tunnel excavation is promised by Liebherr's new R 944 C tunnel excavator, which was unveiled at Bauma. The 41-tonne machine replaces the R 934 B but is a completely new model powered by a 190 kW Liebherr machine, which delivers 31% more power than the engine in the previous model. The R 944 C is significantly heavier than its predecessor but has still retained its compact design. The R 944 C bucket stick has a 45 degree rotation for tunnel boring and the machine displayed at Bauma was fitted with an Erkat 1500-3 milling machine. The excavator has a maximum working height of 10.5 m, a forward reach of 2.7 m and a breaktrough force of 172.5 kN. Visit www.liebherr.com and www.erkat.de TUA in working position in a tunnel MoogWith three working lifts and a platform, Moog's Tunnel Inspection Unit (TUA) permits the user to inspect the tunnel structure and other nearby buildings simultaneously. The tunnel inspection unit is mounted on a universal road/rail carrier, which allows the unit to get rapidly to the required place for operation. By getting on the rail at the nearest operating place, it will increase the operation efficiency and the user can save a lot of time and money. Visit www.moog-online.deNormetAt Bauma 2007, Normet introduced the Spraymec 7110 WPC, the most advanced model for concrete spraying in its Spraymec series. Spraymec 7110 WPC is a versatile machine for medium size tunnels with variable cross sections. It reaches roof heights of over 11 metres but can also be applied to efficient spraying in tunnels with only 12 sq m cross-section. Normet's Spraymec 7110 WPC Since concrete spraying is one of the most critical processes in underground operations, the Spraymec 7110 WPC has been designed to incorporate the highest quality and safety requirements. The carrier is the new rigid frame, wheel steered type for heavy duty underground use. Fully enclosed multi-disc brakes ensure reliability and safety when moving around in underground conditions. The telescopic spraying boom features excellent lateral coverage and folding into transport position. All spraying components are optimal and specially designed for mobile spraying use: the spray pump is a double piston pump with maximum output of 40 cu m/h and the air compressor is electric driven screw type with FAD 12 cu m/min.Nordoser 900 EH 4G accelerator dosing system monitors and maintains the accelerator flow proportional to actual concrete delivery. The dosage rates can be preprogrammed according to the mix design. To withstand underground use it is housed in a shock-resistant IP65 enclosure. The improved features of the new configuration Nordoser 900 EH 4G include a multiple data storage capacity, a colour display module and USB data transfer. There are separate displays for settings and event registration. The operator can select an intermediate report showing cumulate data for concrete and accelerator used to that time. Push button control allows such data production for more than one location.Registration is automatic if the accelerator or pump rate is reset. Data can be removed from the machine at the end of the shift using a standard USB stick for supervisory checks. The dosing unit programme can be updated with the same USB port. Normet's Janne Lehto, Director tunnelling (left) and Juhani Asikainen, Marketing manager presenting the Spraymec 7110 WPC on show at Bauma 2007 Norjet Spraynozzle provides efficient mixing of accelerator into the concrete stream, excellent focusing of the spray and continuous, trouble free spraying with less blockages. The remote control unit for safety operation is available either cable or radio versions. Read more here about Normet's latest product developments. Putzmeister and Putzmeister IbéricaPutzmeister presented numerous innovations for conveying concrete, mortar and high-density solids, as well as for high-pressure water technology.Putzmeister showcased its new BSA series small stationary pumps with optimal design. The BSA 702 D is a 34 kW compact trailer pump, which weight is less than 1,900 kg. It is equipped with a hydraulically driven 150 mm-diameter 700 mm stroke piston pump powered by a Deutz F3M2011 diesel motor. Its theoretical output is 20 cu m/h for concrete of 22 mm granulometry maximum. It is mounted on a chassis with brake and can be towed on road up to 80 km/h. It is a suitable equipment for underground concreting in tunnels and shafts and wet shotcreting.Putzmeister also presented the i-Daisy system, a modern way of managing the concrete pump fleet based on the Internet and GPRS that includes the possibility to locate concrete pumps. The advantages of i-Daisy include the fully automatic exchange of data between the head office and truck, without the intervention of the operator, and the low cost of GPRS data transmission. Access via the Internet means that i-Daisy is now available worldwide, with the appropriate technical and personnel requirements on site. The new i-Daisy is therefore available in several languages. Visit www.putzmeister.de The Huron Mixer 4 by Putzmeister Ibérica and Maquinaria Lorenzana MOVER (multi optional vehicle range) is a range of mining and tunnelling vehicles with multiple configurations (personnel, material and other applications) developed by Putzmeister Ibérica and Maquinaria Lorenzana. The MOVER Huron mixer 4 is a small size concrete mixer providing the best performance in narrow spaces such as mines and tunnels. Its compact size enables its transport inside an 11.3 cu m container without needing to disassemble elements. Its 4 cu m concrete capacity drum supplies concrete in deep areas where, for multiple reasons, other supply means are not possible or practical. It is hydraulically or manually operated. Equipped with a powerful 150 CV Diesel engine and a robust power train with independent axles and four-wheel drive, this vehicle can provide an optimum performance in the harsch underground conditions. In addition, it can move quickly through underground spaces thanks to its great manoeuvrability.The Huron Mixer 5 efficiently transports and prepares five cubic metres of concrete to feed shotcreting machines and other equipment and applications requiring it. Visit www.putzmeister.es and www.mlorenzana.comSandvikAt Bauma 2007, Sandvik displayed the new Sandvik DT1130i, a 3-boom jumbo for excavation of 20-183 sq m cross sections. The new series combines precision and power with an advanced user-friendly working environment and many practical intelligence features.With the new i-series, Sandvik takes tunnelling performance to a totally new level. State-of-the-art technology integrated with solutions for the latest customer demands for accuracy, speed and user-friendliness form the backbone of the entire product line. Furthermore, the intelligence features offer the possibility to plan charging and blasting already in the early phase. This greatly facilitates the true optimization of drilling and blasting economy. The drifter and the control system play a key role in the new i-series. All the proven control system features are still in place but many brilliant new features have been added. Easy-to-use screen views for different functions make drilling easy and pleasant. Furthermore, fine tuning while drilling is easy thanks to a QuickStep system which lets the operator either speed up or slow down automatic functions when necessary. Equipped with powerful, high frequency HFX5T rock drills as standard, robust booms and advanced drill string guides, the new i-series jumbos are fast and accurate drillers, a feature which reduces tunnelling costs significantly. Excellent working conditions and safety have been on focus in the design of the Sandvik i-series DT tunnelling jumbos. The modern cabin with 20% larger-than-before window surface gives a feeling of space and provides excellent visibility in all drilling applications, also when the cabin is not elevated. Adding to the visibility, an operator seat placed as close to the windshield as possible, and high power xenon lights for drilling and tramming. Ergonomically designed workstation with armrest integrated controls, efficient air filtration and optimized flow, and excellent noise (under 75 dB) and vibration suppression make drilling with Sandvik i-series jumbos a pleasure. The intelligence features include built-in diagnosis and condition monitoring among others. Both features greatly contribute to avoiding unwanted downtime. Thanks to the condition monitoring, the operator can see whether preventive maintenance is needed immediately or if he can continue until the work phase is completed. Self-diagnosis in the machine also help service personnel to identify problems which, or course, saves time. The jumbo's data systems can interact with existing network systems. This offers a great advantage to contractors as it makes production and rig maintenance planning more effective. The machines can be configured with many different sets of features and components to handle multiple tasks in the tunnelling cycle and in different rock conditions. Click here. Visit www.sandvik.com 19/07.