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Emergency Maintenance
HomeEmergency Maintenance

E  mergency Maintenance (EM) in the context of TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) maintenance refers to unplanned, urgent repair work that is required when a critical failure occurs unexpectedly. This type of maintenance happens when the TBM experiences an issue that threatens its operation or the safety of the project, and immediate action is needed to restore functionality.

Characteristics of Emergency Maintenance in TBM Operations:

 
  1. Unplanned and Immediate: Emergency maintenance is reactive, meaning it occurs without prior planning, typically after a sudden breakdown or failure in the TBM.
  2. Critical Issues: It is performed to address serious problems that could halt tunneling operations entirely, such as cutterhead damage, electrical system failures, or hydraulic issues.
  3. Longer Downtime: Since emergency maintenance is not scheduled, the time required to fix the issue may be longer, leading to significant downtime and production delays.
  4. High Costs: Emergency repairs often involve higher costs due to the need for immediate action, potential procurement of parts at short notice, and the possible use of specialized labor.
  5. Increased Safety Risks: Emergency conditions can lead to higher safety risks, especially in a TBM operation where failures underground can pose significant hazards to workers and the surrounding environment.
  6. Complexity: TBMs are highly complex machines, and emergency maintenance can be challenging, requiring specialized expertise and tools to access and repair damaged components within the confined space of a tunnel.

Common Causes of Emergency Maintenance in TBMs:

 
  • Cutterhead Damage: Disc cutters, rippers, or scrapers on the cutterhead might get damaged due to hitting unforeseen obstructions like hard rock or metal.
  • Hydraulic System Failures: TBMs rely heavily on hydraulic systems to control movements; any failure here can cause serious operational issues.
  • Electrical Problems: Malfunctions in the electrical systems that power the TBM can lead to emergency stoppages.
  • Overheating: Excessive heat in the machine’s key systems can result in sudden shutdowns.