A safe operation device, system and method of a high-pressure water jet shield machine

Abstract

This invention provides a safe operation device, system, and method for a high-pressure water jet tunnel boring machine. The device is installed on a flexible hose connecting a high-pressure pump set and the slewing center, including two branch pipes connected to the hose and control valves installed on each branch pipe. The other end of each branch pipe is connected to the outside. The opening and closing of each control valve is controlled according to the operating status of the high-pressure jet system to change the pressure of the high-pressure jet. This invention can promptly relieve and reduce pressure, and provide safety protection, avoiding injury to personnel and damage to equipment, and ensuring the safe operation of the high-pressure jet system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of tunnel boring machine technology, specifically relating to a safety operation device, system and method for a high-pressure water jet tunnel boring machine. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] As the main technology for existing underground construction, tunnel boring machine (TBM) technology does not cause ground subsidence, does not disrupt traffic, and does not require large-scale demolition during its construction process. It has good social and ecological value and is increasingly favored by underground pipeline construction departments.

[0004] Shield tunneling allows for simultaneous tunnel excavation and lining operations while preventing face collapse and maintaining face stability. It offers advantages such as safety, high efficiency, and minimal ground disturbance. However, in urban underground space construction, shield tunneling machines frequently encounter various underground obstacles, such as underground pile foundations, reinforced concrete structures like diaphragm walls, and complex excavation conditions like composite strata. Under these conditions, the cutting efficiency of shield tunneling machines using mechanical cutters is poor, easily leading to rebar entanglement on the cutterhead, causing equipment jamming, severely impacting construction efficiency, and potentially posing safety hazards.

[0005] Currently, high-pressure abrasive water jet, as a new rock-breaking technology, has advantages such as being clean and environmentally friendly, efficient, and easy to implement. Combining high-pressure jet technology with shield tunneling, the high-pressure jet first erodes the steel bars to cause pre-damage, and then the shield cutters cut them. This not only efficiently breaks through reinforced concrete but also reduces cutter wear, showing great potential in solving the problem of shield tunneling efficiently traversing urban obstacles.

[0006] High-pressure water jets can reach speeds of hundreds of meters per second. However, water jet systems can encounter numerous problems during operation. For example, misoperation could cause the jet to directly strike a person, endangering their life. Furthermore, blockages in the pipelines can lead to excessively high system pressure, damaging components and compromising the system's safety and reliability. Currently, research and design on safety operation devices, systems, and methods for high-pressure water jet tunnel boring machines are relatively limited. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a safe operation device, system, and method for high-pressure water jet tunnel boring machines. This invention can promptly relieve and reduce pressure, and provide safety protection, preventing injury to personnel and damage to equipment, and ensuring the safe operation of the high-pressure jet system.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] A safety operation device is installed on a hose connecting a high-pressure pump set and a rotary center. It includes two branch pipes connected to the hose and control valves installed on the branch pipes respectively. The other end of each branch pipe is connected to the outside. The device controls the opening and closing of each control valve according to the working status of the high-pressure jet system to change the pressure of the high-pressure jet.

[0010] As an alternative implementation, a solenoid valve is installed on one branch of the safety operation device, and a ball valve is installed on the other branch. When the solenoid valve and / or the ball valve are opened, the high-pressure jet is depressurized.

[0011] As an alternative implementation, the solenoid valve is a normally open solenoid valve.

[0012] As an alternative implementation, a pressure detection and early warning system is also included, which includes multiple pressure detection elements and a controller. The pressure detection elements are installed on the hose or / and branch line to detect the pressure in the line and transmit it to the controller.

[0013] As an alternative implementation, a personnel sensing and early warning system is also included. The personnel sensing and early warning system includes multiple infrared detection devices and a controller. The infrared detection devices are installed at the cutter head to detect maintenance personnel at the cutter head and transmit the information to the controller.

[0014] A high-pressure jet system includes a storage device, a high-pressure pump unit, the aforementioned safety operation device, a slewing center, and a high-pressure distributor, wherein:

[0015] The storage device is used to store the jet material;

[0016] The high-pressure pump set includes several cascaded high-pressure pumps used to pressurize the jet material, forming a high-pressure jet, and delivering it to the hose;

[0017] One end of the hose is connected to a high-pressure pump unit to deliver the high-pressure jet to the center of rotation. A section of the hose is equipped with a safety operation device, which controls the opening and closing of each control valve according to the working status of the high-pressure jet system to change the pressure of the high-pressure jet.

[0018] The other end of the hose is connected to the rotation center, and is connected to the high-pressure distributor at the cutter head through the rotation center. The high-pressure distributor is connected to multiple diversion pipelines, which are used to divert the high-pressure jet transported in the hose to each jet nozzle.

[0019] As an alternative implementation, the hose has multiple sections, each connected by a high-pressure connector.

[0020] As an alternative implementation, the hose is fitted with a hose protective sleeve to reduce the risk of leakage.

[0021] As an alternative implementation, the diversion pipeline is provided with a bend along the cutter head, and the bend, as well as the connection between the diversion pipeline and the jet nozzle, are provided with a reinforcing sleeve.

[0022] As an alternative implementation, a soil chamber is also included, which is located on the back of the cutterhead and has an observation door thereon.

[0023] The operating method based on the above-mentioned device includes the following steps:

[0024] According to the operation requirements, when the high-pressure jet is running, close the control valves of all branch pipelines of the safety operation device;

[0025] When the high-pressure jet becomes blocked and the pressure in the pipeline exceeds the warning value, at least one branch pipeline should be opened to relieve the pressure in the pipeline.

[0026] When the cutter head needs maintenance, both branch lines are opened simultaneously.

[0027] A tunnel boring machine includes the aforementioned device or high-pressure jet system.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0029] This invention incorporates various protective measures, such as a long flexible hose shared by multiple trailer sections, an external hose protective sleeve, and an observation door for the soil chamber, into the original jet system. It also connects a set of safe operation devices, consisting of pipelines, solenoid valves, ball valves, and other components. When operated according to safe operating procedures, it can protect against potential system leakage risks, promptly relieve and reduce pressure in case of misoperation, and provide safety protection, thus preventing injury to personnel and damage to equipment and ensuring the safe operation of the high-pressure jet system.

[0030] This invention is effective and reliable. During system operation, people and objects inside the soil chamber can be monitored through the observation door, allowing for timely and intuitive detection of problems, effectively ensuring the normal operation of the equipment and the personal safety of personnel. During system operation, the connection of the pipeline inside the device can be controlled by adjusting the opening and closing of the solenoid valve and the ball valve. The water jet system can only operate normally when both the solenoid valve and the ball valve are closed. Even if the high-pressure pump and the solenoid valve are accidentally operated at the same time, the high-pressure water will flow out and be unloaded. Therefore, the solenoid valve and the ball valve play a dual protective role, which can effectively ensure the safe operation of the system.

[0031] The invention is easy to operate and has a simple principle. The protective measures only need to be installed according to the plan drawings, and the protective components are common and readily available. During operation, the working and pressure relief are achieved by controlling the closure of the branch circuit. The device can be operated by simply opening and closing the solenoid valve and ball valve in the device. When the pipeline is under abnormally high pressure, the system will automatically cut off the power to release the pressure of the solenoid valve. When personnel are performing maintenance work at the cutter head, the system will also release the pressure of the ball valve. There is basically no need to conduct extensive training for operators, making it easy to get started quickly.

[0032] This invention is low in cost and does not require major modifications to the device. It only requires connecting a safety operation device to the hose line between the high-pressure pump group and the central rotary joint. It does not require other materials, has high economic benefits, and is easy to promote and apply.

[0033] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a safety operation device according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a secure operating system according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0038] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0039] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0040] Where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described in this application may be combined with each other.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] A safe operating device, such as Figure 2 As shown, set as Figure 1 The high-pressure jet system shown has a hose connecting the high-pressure pump set and the rotation center. It includes two branch pipes connected to the hose and control valves installed on the branch pipes. The other end of each branch pipe is connected to the outside. The opening and closing of each control valve is controlled according to the working status of the high-pressure jet system to change the pressure of the high-pressure jet.

[0043] This embodiment uses water jet as the jet material for description. However, it does not mean that the solution provided by this invention can only be used in this scenario.

[0044] Specifically, in addition to one pipeline that delivers the jet to the rear hose, the operating device has two branch lines that connect to the outside. These are controlled by a solenoid valve and a ball valve, respectively. When opened, they can unload the jet and relieve pressure.

[0045] The solenoid valve is a normally open solenoid valve.

[0046] It also includes a pressure detection and early warning system, which comprises multiple pressure detection elements and a controller. The pressure detection elements are installed on the hose or / branch pipe to detect the pressure in the pipe and transmit it to the controller.

[0047] It also includes a personnel sensing and early warning system, which includes multiple infrared detection devices and a controller. The infrared detection devices are installed at the cutter head to detect maintenance personnel at the cutter head and transmit the information to the controller.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] A safe operating system, such as Figure 2 As shown, the system includes a water storage device, a high-pressure pump set, hoses, a safety operation device, a pressure detection element, a slewing center, a cutter head, an infrared detection device, nozzles, a U-shaped beam box, a U-shaped pipe sleeve, and a high-pressure distributor. The high-pressure pump set is a machine that converts low-pressure liquid into a high-pressure state, transforming low-pressure water into a high-pressure jet and outputting it to the hose. The hose connects the pump set and the slewing center, transmitting the jet from the pump set to the slewing center. Multiple trailer sections use a single hose to reduce joints, and the hose is covered with a hose protective sleeve to reduce the risk of leakage.

[0050] The safety operation device in Example 1 is a device that can release pressure in the system by means of pressure detection elements and infrared detection equipment when the system malfunctions or the pipeline is blocked, thus playing a safety protection role.

[0051] The hose is shared by multiple trailer sections and is quite long. High-pressure connectors are used to connect different pipelines, ensuring the connectivity and stability of the pipeline system. It can withstand pressures exceeding 280 MPa. A hose protective sleeve is installed on the outside of the hose.

[0052] The jet is transmitted to the rotation center through a hose. The rotation center is the hub connecting the high-pressure pump set and the cutter head, making the pipeline between them connected. The high-pressure water pipeline connects from the rotation center to the high-pressure distributor inside the U-shaped beam box of the cutter head, and then splits the flow to reduce the size of the central rotary joint. The bends along the pipeline and the connection points of the cutter nozzles are all reinforced and protected with U-shaped sleeves.

[0053] An observation door is reserved on the soil chamber of the tunnel boring machine. During the operation of the system, the people and objects inside the soil chamber are monitored through the observation door to ensure their safety.

[0054] Example 3

[0055] The operating method of the safe operation system provided in Embodiment 1 or the device provided in Embodiment 2 includes the following situations:

[0056] In the first scenario, when the high-pressure water jet system is operating normally, the solenoid valve (normally open) is energized to close the pipeline, the ball valve is closed, and all pipelines of the safety operation device are closed. The jet can then be delivered to the rear hose, and the high-pressure water jet system can operate normally to assist in rock breaking. In this case, there are no safety issues with the system, and the safety operation device is ineffective.

[0057] In the second scenario, when the high-pressure water jet system starts operating, all pipelines of the safety operation device are closed. If, due to unforeseen circumstances, the high-pressure water pipeline becomes blocked, causing the pressure inside the pipeline to exceed a certain warning value, the system's pressure detection and warning system detects the abnormal pressure and issues an alarm. It automatically de-energizes the normally open solenoid valve, opening the solenoid valve pipeline. At this point, high-pressure water flows out through the solenoid valve pipeline to unload, instantly reducing the pressure. Operators can also open the ball valve based on the alarm to accelerate the pressure relief process.

[0058] In the third scenario, when personnel are performing maintenance work inside the cutter head, the solenoid valve (normally open) is not energized, the pipeline is open, and the infrared detection equipment at the cutter head senses the maintenance personnel, controlling the ball valve to open automatically. At this time, if the high-pressure pump button is mistakenly pressed in the main control room, high-pressure water flows out through the ball valve and solenoid valve pipelines, instantly reducing the pressure.

[0059] In the fourth scenario, if an operator accidentally presses both the high-pressure pump button and the solenoid valve (normally open) button simultaneously while performing cutterhead maintenance, the solenoid valve will be energized and close the pipeline. The infrared detection device at the cutterhead will sense the maintenance personnel and automatically open the ball valve, allowing high-pressure water to flow out through the other ball valve pipeline for unloading. In other words, when the system experiences unexpected events as described in scenarios two through four, requiring pressure relief to resolve a safety issue, the safety operation device can quickly release pressure, thereby providing pressure relief, reducing pressure, and ensuring safety, preventing injury to personnel and damage to equipment, and ensuring the safe operation of the high-pressure jet system.

[0060] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made by those skilled in the art without creative effort within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A safe operating device, characterized in that, It is applied to high-pressure water jet tunnel boring machines and is installed on the hose connecting the high-pressure pump set and the rotation center. It includes two branch pipes connected to the hose and control valves installed on the branch pipes respectively. The other end of each branch pipe is connected to the outside. The opening and closing of each control valve is controlled according to the working status of the high-pressure jet system to change the pressure of the high-pressure jet. A solenoid valve is installed on one branch pipeline and a ball valve is installed on another branch pipeline. When the solenoid valve and / or the ball valve are opened, the high-pressure jet is depressurized. It also includes a personnel sensing and early warning system and a pressure detection and early warning system. The personnel sensing and early warning system includes multiple infrared detection devices and a controller. The infrared detection devices are installed at the cutter head to detect maintenance personnel at the cutter head and transmit the information to the controller. When the high-pressure jet system is running normally, the solenoid valve is energized to close the pipeline, the ball valve is closed, all pipelines of the safety operation device are closed, and the jet can be delivered to the rear hose. The high-pressure jet system can run normally to assist in rock breaking. At this time, the safety operation device does not work. If the high-pressure water pipeline becomes blocked due to an accident, causing the pressure inside the pipeline to exceed a certain warning value, the pressure detection and warning system will detect the abnormal pressure and issue an alarm. It will automatically de-energize the solenoid valve and open the solenoid valve pipeline. At this time, the high-pressure water will flow out and be unloaded along the solenoid valve pipeline, instantly reducing the pressure. Operators can also open the ball valve according to the alarm to speed up the pressure relief of the pipeline. When personnel are performing maintenance work inside the cutter head, the solenoid valve is not energized, the pipeline is open, and the infrared detection equipment at the cutter head senses the maintenance personnel and controls the ball valve to open automatically. At this time, if the high-pressure pump button is accidentally operated in the main control room, high-pressure water flows out from the ball valve and solenoid valve pipeline, instantly reducing the pressure. If, during cutter head maintenance, the operator accidentally presses both the high-pressure pump button and the solenoid valve button simultaneously, the solenoid valve will be energized and shut off the pipeline. The infrared detection device at the cutter head will sense the maintenance personnel and automatically open the ball valve, allowing high-pressure water to flow out and be unloaded through the other ball valve pipeline.

2. The safe operation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure detection and early warning system includes multiple pressure detection elements and a controller. The pressure detection elements are installed on hoses or branch pipes to detect the pressure in the pipes and transmit it to the controller.

3. A high-pressure jet system, characterized in that, Includes a storage device, a high-pressure pump unit, a safety operation device according to any one of claims 1-2, a slewing center, and a high-pressure distributor, wherein: The storage device is used to store the jet material; The high-pressure pump set includes several cascaded high-pressure pumps used to pressurize the jet material, forming a high-pressure jet, and delivering it to the hose; One end of the hose is connected to a high-pressure pump unit to deliver the high-pressure jet to the center of rotation. A section of the hose is equipped with a safety operation device, which controls the opening and closing of each control valve according to the working status of the high-pressure jet system to change the pressure of the high-pressure jet. The other end of the hose is connected to the rotation center, and is connected to the high-pressure distributor at the cutter head through the rotation center. The high-pressure distributor is connected to multiple diversion pipelines, which are used to divert the high-pressure jet transported in the hose to each jet nozzle.

4. A high-pressure jet system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The hose has multiple sections, and each section is connected by a high-pressure connector.

5. A high-pressure jet system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The hose is fitted with a hose protective sleeve to reduce the risk of leakage.

6. A high-pressure jet system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The diversion pipe has a bend along the cutter head, and the bend, as well as the connection between the diversion pipe and the jet nozzle, are all provided with a reinforcing sleeve.

7. A high-pressure jet system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a soil chamber, which is located on the back of the cutterhead and has an observation door.

8. A method of operation based on the apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2 or the system according to any one of claims 3-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: According to the operation requirements, when the high-pressure jet is running, close the control valves of all branch pipelines of the safety operation device; When the high-pressure jet becomes blocked and the pressure in the pipeline exceeds the warning value, at least one branch pipeline should be opened to relieve the pressure in the pipeline. When the cutter head needs maintenance, both branch lines are opened simultaneously.

9. A tunnel boring machine, characterized in that, Includes the apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2 or the system according to any one of claims 3-7.

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