Tunnel Logistics — Slurry Circuit Flow
Slurry Circuit Flow for TBM drive planning.
Slurry machines pump rivers to move dirt: 10% solids means ten cubic metres of bentonite circuit per cube of ground. Pipe diameters, pump cascades and the separation plant all scale from this division — and clay that won't separate turns the whole loop into expensive soup.
Formula
Note: Planning-level tunnelling estimate — actual TBM performance is set by detailed geotechnical baseline data, machine design and the contractor's means & methods. Use for feasibility framing only.
Slurry Circuit Flow for TBM drive planning. A free tbm performance & tunnelling tool — no sign-up, no upload, instant results in your browser.
About Tunnel Logistics — Slurry Circuit Flow
Tunnel Logistics — Slurry Circuit Flow computes the governing relationship Q_slurry = excavation rate ÷ solids fraction live as you type. Slurry machines pump rivers to move dirt: 10% solids means ten cubic metres of bentonite circuit per cube of ground. Pipe diameters, pump cascades and the separation plant all scale from this division — and clay that won't separate turns the whole loop into expensive soup. Defaults are pre-filled with realistic values for this exact scenario, and the worked example substitutes your numbers step by step so the math is never a black box.
How to use Tunnel Logistics — Slurry Circuit Flow
- 1Enter your values — Bore diameter, Target boring rate, Slurry solids content (return) (sensible defaults are pre-filled).
- 2Read the live results: Soil excavation rate, Slurry return flow needed.
- 3Check the "with your numbers" line to see Q_slurry = excavation rate ÷ solids fraction substituted step by step.
- 4Adjust inputs until the scenario matches yours, then copy or share the result.
Why use Tunnel Logistics — Slurry Circuit Flow?
- ✓Instant, free and private — every calculation runs client-side in your browser; nothing is uploaded
- ✓Built on the stated formula Q_slurry = excavation rate ÷ solids fraction with authoritative sources cited on the page (Maidl et al., Mechanised Shield Tunnelling, 2nd ed.; ITA/BTS — Mechanised tunnelling guidelines)
- ✓Slurry machines pump rivers to move dirt: 10% solids means ten cubic metres of bentonite circuit per cube of ground.
- ✓Niche-specific defaults give a meaningful worked answer the moment the page loads
Frequently asked questions
What formula does the tunnel logistics — slurry circuit flow use?+
It evaluates Q_slurry = excavation rate ÷ solids fraction, exactly as published. Sources: Maidl et al., Mechanised Shield Tunnelling, 2nd ed.; ITA/BTS — Mechanised tunnelling guidelines. The substituted worked example on the page lets you verify every step against the textbook.
How should I read the result — and how far can I trust it?+
Slurry machines pump rivers to move dirt: 10% solids means ten cubic metres of bentonite circuit per cube of ground. Planning-level tunnelling estimate — actual TBM performance is set by detailed geotechnical baseline data, machine design and the contractor's means & methods. Use for feasibility framing only.
When is this calculator the right tool for the job?+
Slurry Circuit Flow for TBM drive planning. A free tbm performance & tunnelling tool. Pipe diameters, pump cascades and the separation plant all scale from this division — and clay that won't separate turns the whole loop into expensive soup. For neighbouring scenarios, the related tools below cover the same engine with different presets.
Do I need to install anything or create an account?+
No. The tool is pure client-side JavaScript: open the page and it works, offline once loaded, with no account, no quota and no data leaving your device.
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