1. Serial Pump Combination Definition and Function
TheK3VL140 + K3VL140 Serial Pump Combinationintegrates two identical Kawasaki K3VL140 variable axial piston pumps connected in series via hydraulic circuits, forming adual-stage pressure superposition systemspecifically designed for the high-pressure, large-flow hydraulic demands of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs).
• Core Functions:
• Primary Pump (Low-Pressure Stage): Provides base flow (e.g., 252 L/min @1800 rpm) to drive conventional TBM motions (e.g., thrust cylinder extension/retraction, cutterhead rotation).
• Secondary Pump (High-Pressure Stage): Superimposes pressure (up to 70 MPa, with each pump rated at 35 MPa) to supply ultra-high-pressure power to critical TBM actuators (e.g., gripper shoe locking, rock bolt drills).
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2. Structure and Working Principle
2.1 Serial Connection Method
• Hydraulic Circuit Design:
• The primary pump outlet connects to the secondary pump inlet, forming aclosed-loop serial circuitto minimize pressure losses.
• Shares a single oil tank and cooling system, simplifying piping layouts.
• Control Logic:
• Proportional valves synchronously adjust the displacement of both pumps (0–140 cc/rev) forflow-pressure composite control.
• Equipped with pressure compensators to automatically balance loads between pumps and prevent overload.
2.2 Key Technical Parameters
【表格】
Parameter Primary Pump Secondary Pump Combined System
Displacement 0–140 cc/rev 0–140 cc/rev Synchronous adjustment
Rated Pressure 35 MPa 35 MPa (70 MPa superimposed) 70 MPa (peak)
Flow (1800 rpm) 252 L/min 252 L/min 252 L/min (pressure superimposed)
Speed Range 600–2500 rpm 600–2500 rpm Synchronous control
Total Weight ~120 kg (single) ~240 kg (combined)
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3. TBM Application Scenarios
3.1 Typical Actuator Requirements
【表格】
TBM Component Pressure Demand Flow Demand Serial Pump Advantages
Cutterhead Drive Motor 25–30 MPa 200–250 L/min Primary pump alone for energy efficiency
Gripper Shoe Cylinders 60–70 MPa 50–80 L/min Dual-stage supply for high-pressure locking
Rock Bolt Drill 50–60 MPa 30–50 L/min Secondary pump for precise pressure control, avoiding pipe burst risks
Thrust Cylinders 30–40 MPa 150–200 L/min Primary pump as main supply, secondary pump for pressure boost
3.2 Advantages Over Single-Pump Systems
【表格】
Comparison Item Single-Pump Solution Serial Pump Solution Improvement Effects
Pressure Range Max 35 MPa 70 MPa (superimposed) Meets ultra-hard rock excavation demands
System Efficiency 75–80% 85–90% Reduces energy loss by 20%, lowers heat generation
Piping Complexity High (parallel pumps) Low (integrated serial) Saves 30% piping space, reduces leakage points
Response Speed 0.5–1.0 s 0.2–0.5 s Cuts variable control delay by 50%
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4. Installation and Commissioning Guidelines
4.1 Mechanical Installation
• Alignment Requirements: Coaxiality error between pump shafts ≤0.05 mm to avoid vibration.
• Piping Connections:
• Use high-pressure hoses (rated for 80 MPa) to connect pumps, with pipe length ≤3 m to minimize pressure losses.
• Install 10 μm filters at primary pump inlets and 5 μm filters at outlets.
4.2 Electrical Control
• Controller Configuration:
• Dual PWM signal outputs for synchronous displacement adjustment.
• Set pressure threshold alarms (e.g., trigger load reduction if secondary pump outlet pressure ≥65 MPa).
• Sensor Layout:
• Pressure sensors at primary pump outlets; pressure/flow composite sensors at secondary pump outlets.
4.3 Commissioning Steps
1. No-Load Test: Start the primary pump and check for leakage (≤10 ml/min).
2. Gradual Loading: Incrementally increase secondary pump pressure to 70 MPa while monitoring oil temperature (≤80°C).
3. Dynamic Response: Simulate TBM load surges (e.g., gripper shoe locking) to verify pressure tracking speed (≤0.3 s).
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5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting
5.1 Routine Maintenance
• Oil Management:
• Test oil contamination every 500 hours (NAS 6 grade or better); replace hydraulic oil every 2000 hours.
• Monitor water content (≤0.1%) to prevent cavitation.
• Seal Inspection:
• Check pump shaft seals and port seals every 1000 hours; replace aged O-rings.
5.2 Common Faults and Solutions
【表格】
Fault Symptom Possible Causes Solutions
No pressure in secondary pump Primary pump outlet blockage Clean primary pump outlet filter
System overheating Mismatched pump displacements Recalibrate PWM signal synchronization
Piping vibration Serial circuit resonance Install an accumulator (0.5 L) in the piping
Pressure fluctuations
Secondary pump variable mechanism jamming
Disassemble and clean variable piston; replace spring