CREG's TBM for Singapore project rolls off production line in Zhengzhou

CREG's TBM for Singapore project rolls off production line in Zhengzhou

中铁装备出口新加坡盾构机在郑州下线

Recently, China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Co., Ltd. (CREG), the largest manufacturer of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in China, has completed customer acceptance for its latest TBM model, the "CREG 1238", which will soon be deployed to the construction site of Phase I of Singapore's Cross Island Line, known as the CR116 project.

近日，中国最大的盾构机整机制造企业中铁装备最新研制的盾构机——“中铁1238号”已通过客户验收，不久将发运至新加坡跨岛线一期CR116项目建设现场。

The "CREG 1238", with a diameter of 7.72 meters, exemplifies CREG's innovation power, even though it is not the largest or tallest TBM in CREG's lineup.

“中铁1238号”直径达7.72米，并非是中铁装备生产的最大、最高的盾构机，但它的背后却蕴含了创新的智慧。

Given the challenging application requirements, CREG optimized the TBM's length to 60 meters, significantly shorter than the typical length (over 100 meters) for TBMs of the same diameter. This adjustment perfectly aligns with the narrow space constraints of the construction site.

面对场地空间极度受限等特殊应用场景，中铁装备创新性地将整机长度缩减至60米，远低于同直径设备100米以上长度，完美适配了狭小空间的始发需求。

Furthermore, to ensure that the "CREG1238" effectively navigates through four underground turnaround operations and meets assembly and disassembly requirements within confined tunnel space, CREG has implemented a modular integrated design. A pioneering integral pipeline support system has been developed to modularize and integrate mud and hydraulic fluid pipelines. This design enhances efficiency during underground assembly and disassembly operations, thereby ensuring seamless project progress.

同时，为保证“中铁1238号”在井下来回掉头四次始发以及洞内拆装需求，该设备多数采用模块集成设计，如首创一体式管路支架系统，将泥水液压流体管路模块化、集成化，方便洞内转运，提高了井下拆装机效率，保障了工期时间。

It is worth noting that the "CREG 1238" features an innovative double-layer shield structure. During underground excavation, engineers can retract the TBM through the starting shaft, leaving the outer shell of the shield as permanent tunnel support. The inner shell can be reused for future tunneling operations or projects. Inspired by nature's molting process, akin to a cicada shedding its exoskeleton, this design effectively addresses the inefficiency of traditional tunneling, where the shield structure is discarded after single-use, effectively optimizing resources and reducing waste.

尤为值得一提的是，“中铁1238号”采用创新双层盾体结构。设备在井下掘进时，工程师可以从始发洞口将盾构机原路拽出来，双层盾体外壳作为稳固支撑永久留于洞内，内壳还可以继续使用。此设计巧妙借鉴自然界的智慧，和“金蝉脱壳”有异曲同工之妙，成功解决了传统作业中盾体用一次就报废的问题。

In addition, a notable featureis the shaft pipeline extension device. Unlike traditional methods where mud and water pipelines are transported into the tunnel using shuttle trains and manually installed, this innovative system enables automatic extension of the shaft pipeline during excavation. This enhancement not only improves the efficiency of the excavation, but safeguards the well-being of construction personnel.

此外，该项目首创的井口管路延伸装置也是一大亮点。与传统作业模式不同，泥水管路不需要再用编组列车运送到洞内，靠人工辅助安装，未来设备在掘进过程中能够自动拖带井口泥水管路延伸装置前行，既提升了掘进效率，也能确保施工人员的安全。

Currently, CREG has exported nearly 30 TBMs to Singapore, with over 10 more machines scheduled for imminent delivery, capturing about one-third of Singapore's LTA (Land Transport Authority) market share. Throughout the years, CREG has been adhering to the strategy of innovation-driven development, successfully developing a series of pioneering products including the world's first horseshoe-shaped TBM and the globally largest sectional rectangular TBM. These achievements have filled industry gaps both domestically and internationally. Additionally, CREG has achieved significant milestones in core technology research and development, including independent development and application of core components such as main bearings, high-capacity hydraulic pumps, rubber seals, and frequency converters.

据了解，目前中铁装备已向新加坡出口近30台盾构机，后续还将有十多台设备陆续交付，总量占新加坡LTA市场的三分之一。多年来，中铁装备积极响应创新驱动发展战略，成功研制了包括世界首台马蹄形盾构机、世界最大断面组合式矩形盾构顶管机在内的多项首创型产品，填补了国内外行业空白。同时，企业在关键核心技术攻关方面也取得了显著成果，实现了主轴承、大排量液压泵、橡胶密封、变频器等核心零部件的自主研制及应用。

To date, CREG has received orders for over 1,700 TBMs, amassing a total tunneling distance that surpasses 5,000 kilometers. Its products are exported to more than 30 countries and regions, including Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Poland, Australia, and Singapore. Holding the top global sales position for six consecutive years, CREG stands as a prominent representative of China's high-end equipment manufacturing industry.

截至目前，中铁装备盾构/TBM订单总数已超过1700台，隧道掘进总里程超过5000公里，产品远销德国、法国、意大利、丹麦、波兰、澳大利亚、新加坡等30多个国家和地区，产销量连续6年位居世界第一，成为中国高端装备制造业的靓丽名片。（杨佳欣 张雅涵/文 丁岚/校）