As large-scale urban infrastructure projects continue to expand in South Korea, shield tunneling technology plays an increasingly important role in constructing underground transportation networks, utility pipelines, and municipal infrastructure. To support these demanding projects, GN Solids Control has supplied six packages of TBM slurry separation plants designed for slurry balance tunnel boring machines.
In slurry balance TBM operations, the excavation process generates large volumes of slurry containing soil, sand, gravel, and fine particles. If not properly treated, these solids can affect slurry performance, increase equipment wear, and disrupt the tunneling process. A reliable slurry separation system is therefore essential to maintain efficient TBM operation and ensure stable excavation conditions.
GN’s slurry separation plants are engineered to handle high-capacity slurry treatment requirements, with processing capacities of 500 m³/h and 750 m³/h. These systems are designed to continuously separate excavated solids from drilling slurry and recycle the cleaned fluid back into the tunneling circulation system. This recycling process reduces the consumption of fresh water and bentonite while lowering overall waste disposal costs.
Each of the six systems is equipped with three essential treatment modules: a scalping screen, a desander, and a desilter. These components work together to achieve multi-stage separation. The scalping screen removes oversized particles and debris at the initial stage, protecting downstream equipment and ensuring smoother processing. The desander module then uses hydrocyclone technology to separate medium-sized sand particles from the slurry. Finally, the desilter stage further removes fine particles, improving the overall slurry quality and enabling effective reuse.
One of the notable features of GN’s slurry separation technology is its modular system architecture. Each module is built as a self-contained unit, allowing easy transportation, quick installation, and convenient maintenance. This modular design also provides flexibility for project engineers to arrange the system layout according to site conditions, which is especially valuable for tunneling sites where available working space may be limited.
The compact footprint of the system is another key advantage. Despite its high processing capacity, the equipment is designed to occupy minimal space, allowing efficient use of construction areas. Fast assembly and disassembly further reduce project preparation time and help contractors maintain tight construction schedules.
In addition to operational efficiency, durability is a core consideration in GN’s equipment design. Shield tunneling slurry often contains highly abrasive particles that can cause significant wear to separation equipment. GN uses high-quality materials and robust structural designs to ensure long-term reliability and stable performance under continuous operation.
The successful delivery of six TBM slurry separation plants to South Korea demonstrates GN Solids Control’s growing presence in the global tunneling and trenchless construction market. With advanced separation technology, flexible modular systems, and proven reliability, GN continues to support infrastructure projects worldwide.
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