Slurry circulation system and tunnel boring machine

Abstract

This invention relates to a slurry circulation system and a tunnel boring machine (TBM). The slurry circulation system includes a slurry inlet pipe, a slurry outlet pipe, a pressure-stabilizing rock storage device, a slurry conveying pipe, a slurry separation device, and a slurry tank. The pressure-stabilizing rock storage device has a gas chamber and a slurry chamber. The inlet end of the slurry inlet pipe and the outlet end of the slurry outlet pipe are both connected to the slurry chamber in a scalding manner, and the outlet end of the slurry inlet pipe and the inlet end of the slurry outlet pipe are both connected to the slurry tank of the TBM in a scalding manner. The inlet end and outlet end of the slurry conveying pipe are connected to the inlet of the slurry chamber and the slurry separation device in a scalding manner, respectively. The slurry outlet of the slurry separation device is connected to the slurry tank. This invention can stabilize the tunnel face, prevent formation water from entering the slurry tank, facilitate slag discharge, and achieve slurry separation on the TBM. It enables the TBM to perform pressurized tunneling and slag discharge in water-rich and high-pressure formations, as well as slurry separation on the TBM itself. Furthermore, it has a simple structure and low cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tunnel boring machine technology, and more particularly to a slurry circulation system and a tunnel boring machine. Background Technology

[0002] Earth pressure balance (EPB) tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and tunnel boring machines (TBMs) offer significant advantages in tunneling efficiency and cost compared to slurry shield tunneling machines. However, their progress becomes extremely difficult when encountering water-rich and high-pressure conditions in fractured or fissured strata. While ground reinforcement and freezing can be employed as auxiliary methods, these are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive. If a dual-mode TBM with a slurry circulation system is selected, additional equipment circulation systems, tunnel pipelines and pumping stations, and surface slurry treatment systems are required for short-distance passage through water-rich and high-pressure strata, leading to challenges such as limited space, high equipment costs, high operating costs, and demanding site requirements. Therefore, enabling EPB TBMs and TBMs to safely, economically, and efficiently traverse short distances through water-rich and high-pressure strata is a crucial technological breakthrough for TBM R&D companies. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a slurry circulation system and a tunnel boring machine that can stabilize the tunnel face, prevent formation water from entering the slurry chamber, facilitate slag discharge, and separate slag and slurry on the tunnel boring machine. This enables the tunnel boring machine to perform pressurized tunneling and slag discharge in water-rich and high-pressure formations, as well as slag and slurry separation on the tunnel boring machine. The system is simple in structure and low in cost.

[0004] The objective of this invention can be achieved using the following technical solutions:

[0005] This invention provides a slurry circulation system for installation on a tunnel boring machine. The slurry circulation system includes a slurry inlet pipe, a slurry outlet pipe, a pressure-stabilizing rock storage device, a slurry conveying pipe, a slurry separation device, and a slurry tank. The pressure-stabilizing rock storage device has a gas chamber and a slurry chamber connected vertically, with the gas chamber filled with pressurized gas. The inlet end of the slurry inlet pipe and the outlet end of the slurry outlet pipe are both connected to the slurry chamber, and the outlet end of the slurry inlet pipe and the inlet end of the slurry outlet pipe are both connected to the slurry tank of the tunnel boring machine. The inlet end and outlet end of the slurry conveying pipe are connected to the inlet of the slurry chamber and the slurry separation device, respectively, and the slurry outlet of the slurry separation device is connected to the slurry tank.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure-stabilizing stone storage device includes an air chamber, a slurry inlet pipe, a slurry outlet pipe, and a stone storage box arranged sequentially from top to bottom and interconnected with each other. The upper part of the inner cavity of the air chamber forms a gas chamber, and the lower part of the inner cavity of the air chamber, the inner cavity of the slurry inlet pipe, the inner cavity of the slurry outlet pipe, and the inner cavity of the stone storage box form a slurry chamber. The outlet end of the slurry inlet pipe is connected to the inlet end of the slurry inlet pipe, the inlet end of the slurry outlet pipe is connected to the outlet end of the slurry outlet pipe, and the outlet end of the slurry outlet pipe is connected to the inlet end of the slurry conveying pipe.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first grid is provided at the connection position between the slurry inlet pipe and the slurry outlet pipe, and a second grid is provided in the slurry outlet pipe near its outlet end.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pressure relief flushing port and a stone discharge port are provided on the stone storage tank, and corresponding switch valves are provided at the pressure relief flushing port and the stone discharge port.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an air inlet and an air outlet are provided on the air chamber, and the air inlet and air outlet are used to connect to the air storage tank.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pressure sensor and a liquid level sensor are provided on the gas chamber.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bypass pipe that can be switched on and off is connected between the slurry inlet pipe and the slurry outlet pipe.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first switching valve, a first pump, and a second switching valve are sequentially provided on the slurry inlet pipeline from its inlet end to its outlet end; a third switching valve, a second pump, and a fourth switching valve are sequentially provided on the slurry discharge pipeline from its inlet end to its outlet end; a fifth switching valve is provided on the bypass pipeline; the connection point between the bypass pipeline and the slurry inlet pipeline is located between the first pump and the second switching valve; the connection point between the bypass pipeline and the slurry discharge pipeline is located between the third switching valve and the second pump; and a sixth switching valve and a third pump are sequentially provided on the slurry conveying pipeline from its inlet end to its outlet end.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mud-water circulation system further includes a mud discharge pipeline and a mud recovery pipeline. The inlet end of the mud discharge pipeline is connected to the mud tank, and the inlet end of the mud recovery pipeline is connected to the mud discharge pipeline in a switchable manner, and its outlet end is connected to the slurry chamber.

[0014] The present invention also provides a tunnel boring machine, which includes a main tunnel boring machine and a trailer connected to each other, as well as the aforementioned slurry circulation system; the main tunnel boring machine has a slurry chamber, and the slurry circulation system is mounted on the trailer.

[0015] As described above, the slurry circulation system and tunnel boring machine of this invention utilize a pressure-stabilizing rock storage device with pressurized gas at the top and slurry at the bottom. This device can temporarily store slurry containing slag and provide stable pressurized slurry to stabilize the tunnel face. Through the cooperation of various components, it can stabilize the tunnel face, prevent formation water from entering the slurry chamber, facilitate slag discharge, and separate slag on the tunnel boring machine. This enables the tunnel boring machine to perform pressurized tunneling and slag discharge in water-rich and high-pressure formations, as well as slag separation on the machine itself. Furthermore, the system is simple in structure, low in cost, reduces construction risks, and improves tunneling efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings are intended only to illustrate and explain the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0017] in:

[0018] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of the slurry circulation system provided by the present invention installed on a tunnel boring machine.

[0019] Figure 2 : This is a front view of the pressure-stabilizing rock storage device provided by the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 : A side view of the pressure-stabilizing rock storage device provided by the present invention.

[0021] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0022] 1. Slurry inlet pipeline; 11. First switch valve; 12. First pump; 13. Second switch valve;

[0023] 2. Slurry discharge pipeline; 21. Third switch valve; 22. Second pump; 23. Fourth switch valve;

[0024] 3. Bypass pipeline; 31. Fifth switch valve;

[0025] 4. Pressure-stabilizing stone storage device; 401. Gas chamber; 402. Slurry chamber; 41. Air chamber; 411. Air inlet; 412. Air outlet; 413. Pressure sensor; 414. Liquid level sensor; 42. Slurry inlet pipe; 43. Slurry outlet pipe; 44. Stone storage tank; 441. Pressure relief flushing port; 442. Hydraulic gate; 45. Upper connecting pipe; 46. Lower connecting pipe; 47. First screen; 48. Second screen;

[0026] 5. Slurry conveying pipeline; 51. Sixth switch valve; 52. Third pump;

[0027] 6. Sludge-water separation device;

[0028] 7. Mud tank;

[0029] 8. Mud discharge pipeline; 81. Fourth pump; 82. Seventh switch valve;

[0030] 9. Mud recovery pipeline; 91. Eighth switch valve. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a slurry circulation system for installation on a tunnel boring machine. The slurry circulation system includes a slurry inlet pipe 1, a slurry outlet pipe 2, a pressure-stabilizing rock storage device 4, a slurry conveying pipe 5, a slurry separation device 6, and a slurry tank 7. The pressure-stabilizing rock storage device 4 has a gas chamber 401 and a slurry chamber 402 connected vertically. The gas chamber 401 is filled with pressurized gas. The inlet end of the slurry inlet pipe 1 and the outlet end of the slurry outlet pipe 2 are both connected to the slurry chamber 402 in a switchable manner. The outlet end of the slurry inlet pipe 1 and the inlet end of the slurry outlet pipe 2 are both connected to the slurry tank of the tunnel boring machine in a switchable manner. The inlet end and outlet end of the slurry conveying pipe 5 are connected to the slurry chamber 402 and the inlet of the slurry separation device 6 in a switchable manner, respectively. The slurry outlet of the slurry separation device 6 is connected to the slurry tank 7.

[0033] The pressure-stabilizing rock storage device 4 is installed on the trailer of the tunnel boring machine. The pressurized gas can be, for example, compressed air, or other pressurized gases as needed. The outlet end of the slurry inlet pipe 1 is specifically connected to the upper part of the slurry tank, and the inlet end of the slurry outlet pipe 2 is specifically connected to the lower part of the slurry tank. By introducing pressurized gas into the upper part of the pressure-stabilizing rock storage device 4, the slurry below it can be made to have the same pressure. When both the slurry inlet pipe 1 and the slurry outlet pipe 2 are connected to the pressure-stabilizing rock storage device 4 and the slurry tank of the tunnel boring machine, the pressurized slurry is transported into the slurry tank. The slurry mixed with the excavated soil from the cutterhead forms a mixed slurry. The mixed slurry is then transported back to the pressure-stabilizing rock storage device 4 through the slurry outlet pipe 2, and the slurry is discharged repeatedly. The pressurized slurry in the pressure-stabilizing rock storage device 4 and the slurry in the slurry tank form a relatively balanced state, which can stabilize the working face. After the slag discharge cycle stops, the pressurized gas in the gas chamber 401 is released, and the slurry in the pressure-stabilized stone storage device 4 is transported to the mud-water separation device 6 through the slurry conveying pipeline 5 for separation. The separated slag can be transported off-site by conveying equipment such as a continuous belt conveyor or slag car, and the separated mud is stored in the mud tank 7.

[0034] Therefore, the slurry circulation system in this embodiment can be installed on the tunneling machine. Utilizing a pressurized gas storage device 4 with pressurized gas at the top and slurry at the bottom, it can temporarily store slurry containing slag and provide stable pressurized slurry to stabilize the working face. Through the cooperation of various components, it can stabilize the working face, prevent formation water from entering the slurry chamber, facilitate slag discharge, and separate slag on the tunneling machine. This enables the tunneling machine to perform pressurized tunneling and slag discharge in water-rich, high-pressure formations, as well as slag separation on the tunneling machine itself. Furthermore, it features a simple structure, low cost, reduced construction risks, and improved tunneling efficiency.

[0035] In the specific implementation method, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The pressure-stabilizing stone storage device 4 includes an air chamber 41, a slurry inlet pipe 42, a slurry outlet pipe 43, and a stone storage box 44 arranged sequentially from top to bottom and interconnected. The upper part of the inner cavity of the air chamber 41 forms a gas chamber 401, and the lower part of the inner cavity of the air chamber 41, the inner cavity of the slurry inlet pipe 42, the inner cavity of the slurry outlet pipe 43, and the inner cavity of the stone storage box 44 form a slurry chamber 402. The outlet end of the slurry inlet pipe 42 is connected to the inlet end of the slurry inlet pipe 1, the inlet end of the slurry outlet pipe 43 is connected to the outlet end of the slurry outlet pipe 2, and the outlet end of the slurry outlet pipe 43 is connected to the inlet end of the slurry conveying pipe 5.

[0036] The axes of the slurry inlet pipe 42 and the slurry outlet pipe 43 are both horizontally arranged, and their middle sections are connected by an upper connecting pipe 45. The bottom side of the middle section of the slurry outlet pipe 43 is connected to the upper part of the stone storage box 44 by a lower connecting pipe 46. The lower connecting pipe 46 can be an inclined pipe to facilitate the falling of slag into the stone storage box 44. It can be understood that the aforementioned slurry chamber 402 also includes the inner cavity of the upper connecting pipe 45 and the inner cavity of the lower connecting pipe 46.

[0037] Preferably, a first grid 47 is provided at the connection point between the slurry inlet pipe 42 and the slurry outlet pipe 43, that is, the first grid 47 is provided inside the upper connecting pipe 45, to prevent slag and gravel in the slurry outlet pipe 43 from entering the slurry inlet pipe 42. A second grid 48 is provided inside the slurry outlet pipe 2 near its outlet end, that is, the second grid 48 is provided between the outlet end of the upper connecting pipe 45 and the slurry outlet pipe 43, to prevent large pieces of slag and gravel from entering the slurry conveying pipe 5.

[0038] In practical applications, the stone storage tank 44 is equipped with a pressure relief flushing port 441 and a stone discharge port, and corresponding switching valves are installed at the pressure relief flushing port 441 and the stone discharge port. The valve at the pressure relief flushing port 441 can be, for example, a ball valve; its opening is relatively small and it is mainly used for pressure relief or flushing. The valve at the stone discharge port can be, for example, a hydraulic gate valve 442; its opening is relatively large. Generally, two large stone discharge ports are opened at both ends of the stone storage tank 44 to facilitate the discharge of slag and stone.

[0039] In use, the stones screened out in the discharge pipe 43 enter the stone storage tank 44. When the stone storage tank 44 is full, the valve at the pressure relief flushing port 441 can be opened first to release pressure and discharge the slurry in the stone storage tank 44. Then, the valve at the stone discharge port can be opened to discharge the stones. During or after stone discharge, the interior of the stone storage tank 44 can be flushed using the pressure relief flushing port 441. It is understood that when using the pressure relief flushing port 441 for flushing, the pressure relief flushing port 441 needs to be connected to a corresponding water pump. When using the pressure relief flushing port 441 for pressure relief, only a flexible hose needs to be connected to the pressure relief flushing port 441.

[0040] Reference Figure 2 The gas chamber 41 is provided with an inlet 411 and an outlet 412, which are used to connect to a gas storage tank. Pressurized gas can be pumped into the gas chamber 401 using the gas storage tank. The pressure inside the gas chamber 401 can be easily adjusted using the inlet 411 and outlet 412. The pressurized gas can also be released using the outlet 412 as needed.

[0041] Furthermore, a pressure sensor 413 and a liquid level sensor 414 are installed on the gas chamber 41. The pressure sensor 413 installed on the gas chamber 41 is used to monitor the pressure of the gas chamber 41, and the liquid level sensor 414 installed on the gas chamber 41 is used to monitor changes in the liquid level inside the gas chamber 41 to ensure operational safety.

[0042] The entire pressure-stabilizing and rock-storage device 4 is divided into a pressure-stabilizing section and a rock-storage section. The working principle of the rock-storage section is as follows: When the equipment is excavating, after the slurry enters the slurry discharge pipe 43, large pieces of rock are blocked by the first grid 47 and the second grid 48, entering the slurry inlet pipe 42 and the slurry conveying pipe 5, and falling into the rock-storage tank 44. When rock needs to be discharged from the rock-storage tank 44, the slurry in the tank is discharged and pressure is released using the pressure relief flushing port 441. Then, the ball valve in the system (i.e., the valve at the pressure relief flushing port 441) is closed, and the hydraulic gate 442 (i.e., the valve at the rock-discharge port) is opened to remove the rock. If flushing is needed during or after the rock removal process, the small ball valve at the pressure relief flushing port 441 can be opened. The working principle of the pressure-stabilizing section is as follows: the pressure sensor 413 monitors the pressure in the air chamber 41, and the liquid level sensor 414 monitors the liquid level in the air chamber 41 to determine the pressure and whether the liquid level in the air chamber 41 is within a controllable range. The pressurized gas introduced through the air inlet 411 transmits pressure to the slurry in the pressure-stabilizing stone storage device 4.

[0043] Furthermore, a bypass pipe 3 that can be switched on and off is connected between the slurry inlet pipe 1 and the slurry outlet pipe 2.

[0044] To facilitate the connection and pumping of liquid at various points, a first switch valve 11, a first pump 12, and a second switch valve 13 are sequentially installed on the slurry inlet pipeline 1 from its inlet to its outlet. A third switch valve 21, a second pump 22, and a fourth switch valve 23 are sequentially installed on the slurry discharge pipeline 2 from its inlet to its outlet. A fifth switch valve 31 is installed on the bypass pipeline 3. The connection point between the bypass pipeline 3 and the slurry inlet pipeline 1 is located between the first pump 12 and the second switch valve 13. The connection point between the bypass pipeline 3 and the slurry discharge pipeline 2 is located between the third switch valve 21 and the second pump 22 (i.e., the two ends of the bypass pipeline 3 are respectively connected to the outlet of the first pump 12 and the inlet of the second pump 22). A sixth switch valve 51 and a third pump 52 are sequentially installed on the slurry conveying pipeline 5 from its inlet to its outlet.

[0045] In operation, first open the first switch valve 11, the fourth switch valve 23, and the fifth switch valve 31 to create a passage between the slurry inlet pipe 1, the bypass pipe 3, and the slurry outlet pipe 2. This allows for initial slurry circulation and the establishment of slurry pressure, facilitating the assessment of pipeline leaks and operational status. Then, open the second switch valve 13 and the third switch valve 21, and close the fifth switch valve 31. The slurry circulation then forms a new loop through the slurry chamber, enabling slurry-water tunneling.

[0046] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1 The mud-water circulation system also includes a mud discharge pipeline 8 and a mud recovery pipeline 9. The inlet end of the mud discharge pipeline 8 is connected to the mud tank 7, and the inlet end of the mud recovery pipeline 9 is connected to the mud discharge pipeline 8 in a switchable manner, and its outlet end is connected to the slurry chamber 402.

[0047] To facilitate the switching on and off of various points, a fourth pump 81 and a seventh switch valve 82 are sequentially installed on the mud discharge pipeline 8 from its inlet to its outlet. The connection point between the mud recovery pipeline 9 and the mud discharge pipeline 8 is located between the fourth pump 81 and the seventh switch valve 82. An eighth switch valve 91 is installed on the mud recovery pipeline 9. The mud recovery pipeline 9 enables the recycling of mud. Specifically, the outlet end of the mud recovery pipeline 9 is connected to the inlet end of the aforementioned slurry inlet pipeline 42. It can be understood that if the mud recovery pipeline 9 is not installed, the inlet end of the slurry inlet pipeline 42 can be set as a closed end.

[0048] More specifically, during operation, the entire slurry circulation system is mainly divided into two working modules: a pressure-stabilizing slag discharge module and a slurry separation module. The working principles of these two modules are as follows:

[0049] The working principle of the pressure stabilizing and slag discharge module is as follows: During equipment excavation, the slurry chamber is pressurized. The lower part of the pressure stabilizing and slag storage device 4 contains slurry, and the upper part contains compressed air. The pressurized slurry in the pressure stabilizing and slag storage device 4 and the slurry pressure in the slurry chamber are in a relatively balanced state. The slurry inlet pipe 1 draws the slurry from the pressure stabilizing and slag storage device 4 and pumps it into the slurry chamber. The slurry mixes with the slag excavated by the cutterhead to form a mixed slurry. The mixed slurry is then pumped back into the pressure stabilizing and slag storage device 4 through the slurry discharge pipe 2. This cycle is repeated to discharge the slag from the excavation chamber into the pressure stabilizing and slag storage device 4.

[0050] The working principle of the slurry separation module is as follows: After the pressure stabilizing slag discharge module stops working, all pipelines connected to the pressure stabilizing stone storage device 4 are closed, the compressed air in the device is released, and the slurry in the pressure stabilizing stone storage device 4 is pumped to the mud-water separation device 6 through the slurry conveying pipeline 5 for the separation of slag and mud. The separated slag is transported off-site by a continuous belt conveyor or slag car, and the separated mud is stored in the mud tank 7. The mud in the mud tank 7 is discharged off-site through the mud discharge pipeline 8 or transported to the pressure stabilizing stone storage device 4 for recycling, depending on the situation.

[0051] Furthermore, this embodiment also provides a tunnel boring machine, which includes a main tunnel boring machine and a trailer connected to each other, as well as the aforementioned slurry circulation system; the main tunnel boring machine has a slurry chamber, and the slurry circulation system is located on the trailer.

[0052] The tunnel boring machine includes the aforementioned slurry circulation system, which has the same advantages as the slurry circulation system, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0053] In summary, the slurry circulation system and tunnel boring machine of this embodiment solve the problems of existing earth pressure shield tunneling machines, TBMs, and dual-mode tunnel boring machines in water-rich and high-pressure strata where they cannot simultaneously achieve pressurized slurry chamber tunneling and muck removal while also performing slurry separation on the tunnel boring machine. They also address the difficulties in stopping water flow, screw conveyor jetting, slow tunneling speed, and high construction costs encountered during tunneling in water-rich and high-pressure strata. Specifically, they have the following advantages:

[0054] (1) By integrating a pressure-stabilizing rock storage device 4, a slurry discharge pipeline 2, and a slurry inlet pipeline 1 into the tunnel boring machine, a closed-loop circulation and pressure-stabilizing system is formed, which realizes the functions of stabilizing the working face pressure and discharging slag from the slurry and water tank. By integrating a slurry conveying pipeline 5, a slurry separation device 6, a slurry tank 7, a slurry discharge pipeline 8, and a slurry recycling pipeline 9 into the tunnel boring machine, the slag and slurry excavated by the tunnel boring machine can be separated on the tunnel boring machine. The separated slag is discharged externally, and the separated slurry is recycled or discharged externally.

[0055] (2) Based on the function of the slurry circulation system in discharging slurry under pressure in the slurry chamber and separating slurry on the tunnel boring machine. Its direct technical effect is: the pressure stabilization and slurry discharge module and the slurry separation module operate independently, achieving the purpose of stabilizing the working face, preventing formation water from entering the slurry chamber, smoothly discharging slurry, and separating slurry on the tunnel boring machine. Its indirect technical effect is: ① The earth pressure shield tunneling machine integrating this system can avoid the violent fluctuations of earth pressure screw pump gushing and excavation chamber pressure in water-rich and high-pressure strata such as fractured zones and stratum fissures, reducing construction risks and improving tunneling efficiency; ② The TBM integrating this system can avoid problems such as large formation water inflow and unstable strata that prevent tunneling in water-rich and high-pressure strata such as fractured zones and stratum fissures, ensuring smooth construction; ③ Compared with the existing conventional slurry circulation system multi-mode tunnel boring machine, this system saves tunnel slurry pipelines and pumping stations, simplifies separation equipment, reduces operating costs, and has high economic benefits.

[0056] (3) Compared with the prior art, the tunnel boring machine equipped with the slurry circulation system of this embodiment solves the problem of pressurized tunneling in water-rich and high-pressure strata where slurry separation cannot be achieved on the tunnel boring machine, as well as the resulting limitations of the geological conditions in earth pressure shield tunneling or TBM construction. This solution can simultaneously achieve four functions on the tunnel boring machine: pressure stabilization, water stopping, slag removal, and separation, ensuring smooth and efficient tunneling of earth pressure shield tunneling and TBM under extreme geological conditions, and reducing equipment and operating costs.

[0057] The above are merely illustrative embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any equivalent changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principles of the present invention should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A slurry-water circulation system, characterized in that, The mud-water circulation system is used to be installed on a tunnel boring machine. The mud-water circulation system includes a slurry inlet pipeline, a slurry outlet pipeline, a pressure stabilizing and rock storage device, a slurry conveying pipeline, a mud-water separation device, and a mud tank. The pressure-stabilizing rock storage device has a gas chamber and a slurry chamber that are connected vertically. The gas chamber is filled with pressurized gas. The inlet end of the slurry inlet pipe and the outlet end of the slurry outlet pipe are both connected to the slurry chamber in a way that allows for both switching on and off. The outlet end of the slurry inlet pipe and the inlet end of the slurry outlet pipe are both connected to the mud-water chamber of the tunnel boring machine in a way that allows for both switching on and off. The inlet end and outlet end of the slurry conveying pipe are connected to the slurry chamber and the inlet of the mud-water separation device in a way that allows for both switching on and off. The mud outlet of the mud-water separation device is connected to the mud tank. A bypass pipe that allows for both switching on and off is connected between the slurry inlet pipe and the slurry outlet pipe. The pressure-stabilizing and stone-storing device includes an air chamber, a slurry inlet pipe, a slurry outlet pipe, and a stone-storing box arranged sequentially from top to bottom and interconnected with each other. The upper part of the inner cavity of the air chamber constitutes the gas chamber, and the lower part of the inner cavity of the air chamber, the inner cavity of the slurry inlet pipe, the inner cavity of the slurry outlet pipe, and the inner cavity of the stone-storing box constitute the slurry chamber. The outlet end of the slurry inlet pipe is connected to the inlet end of the slurry inlet pipe, the inlet end of the slurry outlet pipe is connected to the outlet end of the slurry outlet pipe, and the outlet end of the slurry outlet pipe is connected to the inlet end of the slurry conveying pipe.

2. The slurry circulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A first grid is provided at the connection point between the slurry inlet pipe and the slurry outlet pipe, and a second grid is provided in the slurry outlet pipe near its outlet end.

3. The slurry circulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The stone storage tank is equipped with a pressure relief flushing port and a stone discharge port, and corresponding switch valves are provided at the pressure relief flushing port and the stone discharge port.

4. The slurry circulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The air chamber is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, which are used to connect to the air storage tank.

5. The slurry circulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A pressure sensor and a liquid level sensor are installed on the gas chamber.

6. The slurry circulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A first switching valve, a first pump, and a second switching valve are sequentially installed from the inlet end to the outlet end of the slurry inlet pipeline. A third switching valve, a second pump, and a fourth switching valve are sequentially installed from the inlet end to the outlet end of the slurry discharge pipeline. A fifth switching valve is installed on the bypass pipeline. The connection point between the bypass pipeline and the slurry inlet pipeline is located between the first pump and the second switching valve. The connection point between the bypass pipeline and the slurry discharge pipeline is located between the third switching valve and the second pump. A sixth switching valve and a third pump are sequentially installed from the inlet end to the outlet end of the slurry conveying pipeline.

7. The slurry circulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mud-water circulation system also includes a mud discharge pipeline and a mud recovery pipeline. The inlet end of the mud discharge pipeline is connected to the mud tank, and the inlet end of the mud recovery pipeline is connected to the mud discharge pipeline in a switchable manner, and its outlet end is connected to the slurry chamber.

8. A tunnel boring machine, characterized in that, The tunnel boring machine includes a main machine and a trailer connected to each other, and a slurry circulation system as described in any one of claims 1-7; The tunneling machine host has the mud and water chamber, and the mud and water circulation system is installed on the trailer.

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