To ensure the device its operation, we sometimes make extensive test setups. This test setup simulates the process of our vacuum lifter inside a tunnel boring machine (TBM). The vacuum lifter moves the tunnel segments from transport to the erector. We also designed a lifter which operates as vacuum segment erector.
We copied the rail, including a small part which is going downwards. For the load we used a steel plate which has the exact same radius as the tunnel segment. To reach the maximum weight of almost six tons we used concrete plates.
During the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) we look if every movement is going smoothly:
The vacuum lifter moves both tunnel segments and keystones from transport to the erector. During handling the suction pad is able to turn 90 degrees to meet the erector’s position. The rotating function is integrated in the vacuum lifting to limit the number of needed equipment.
For the tunnelling industry we not only offer vacuum lifting solutions for inside the TBM, but also for production, storage and transport. We offer complete handling solutions from production and handling inside the TBM.
