Subsea Tunnel Shield Bubbling Challenges and Chemi Tech's Efficient Defoamer Solution

During subsea tunnel shield construction, gases from the strata, foaming agents used in earth pressure balance shields, and complex geological conditions can easily generate large amounts of persistent foam. This foam not only reduces the fluidity of muck, impacting excavation efficiency and causing a decrease in the shield machine's advance rate, but it can also clog pipelines and screens, increase equipment wear, and even lead to pressure imbalance within the chamber, directly threatening construction safety and project timelines. Traditional physical foam removal methods are often limited in effectiveness and struggle to cope with continuously generated, highly stable foam.

Chemi Tech specializes in the research and development of engineering chemical additives. To address this industry pain point, we have launched a series of high-efficiency defoamers specifically designed for shield tunneling. Our solution is based on in-depth research into shield processes and foam causes. Our products feature rapid foam-breaking and long-lasting foam suppression, effectively adapting to the high-pressure, high-shear, and complex slurry environment inside shield machines.

Our resolution steps are clear and defined: First, our technical team conducts an on-site or online diagnosis of your specific project geology, foaming agent system, and current foam issues. Subsequently, based on the diagnosis, we recommend or customize a suitable Chemi Tech defoamer product. We provide detailed guidance on injection points, dosage ratios, and operational procedures to ensure perfect compatibility between the defoamer and your shield system. During the initial application phase, our engineers can provide remote or on-site support, monitoring defoaming effectiveness in real-time and making fine adjustments based on feedback until a stable and optimal control state is achieved.

In a shield project for a cross-sea passage in Eastern China, the constructor faced difficulties with severely hindered muck discharge and a significant reduction in daily advance rings due to excessive foam. After implementing the Chemi Tech defoamer solution, following a three-day system debugging and adaptation period, foam within the shield chamber and discharge pipelines was significantly suppressed. Muck conditioning improved, and equipment operation resistance decreased. The project ultimately achieved an approximately 30% increase in muck discharge efficiency, and the shield machine recovered and maintained its designed advance rate, safeguarding the critical path schedule.

Choosing Chemi Tech means opting for reliable technical support and proven product performance. We are committed to being your trusted partner in tunnel construction, working together to overcome construction challenges and ensure projects advance efficiently and safely.