Journal of Zhejiang University

Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE A

Accepted manuscript available online (unedited version)

Simulation and experimental analysis of grease injection process in the main drive seal lubrication structure of tunnel boring machines

Author(s): Zheming TONG^1, ², Yuchen ZHAO^1, ², Lianhui JIA³, Xiaolei Zhou³, Haoxiang Lu^1, ², Wenqi NIU³
Affiliation(s): ¹State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China ²School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China ³China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Co Ltd, Zhengzhou 450016, China
Corresponding email(s): Yafei QIAO, yafei.qiao@tongji.edu.cn
Key Words: Tunnel boring machine (TBM), Main drive seal lubrication structure, EP2 injection, Experimental analysis on grease optimization

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Zheming TONG^1,², Yuchen ZHAO^1,², Lianhui JIA³, Xiaolei Zhou³, Haoxiang Lu^1,², Wenqi NIU³. Simulation and experimental analysis of grease injection process in the main drive seal lubrication structure of tunnel boring machines[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science A,in press.Frontiers of Information Technology & Electronic Engineering,in press.https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.A2500282

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author="Zheming TONG^1,², Yuchen ZHAO^1,², Lianhui JIA³, Xiaolei Zhou³, Haoxiang Lu^1,², Wenqi NIU³",
journal="Journal of Zhejiang University Science A",
year="in press",
publisher="Zhejiang University Press & Springer",
doi="https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.A2500282"
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Abstract
Chinese Summary
Academic Network
Reviewer Comment

Abstract: During the excavation process of tunnel boring machines (TBMs), the precision of manufacture and accuracy of assembly components comprising the main drive seal lubrication structure, and operational conditions, directly impact the overall sealing performance. This, in turn, affects the lifespan of the main bearings and the entire TBM. Simulating the process of injecting grease into the internal structure of the main drive seal lubrication chamber under different working conditions is crucial. Analyzing the distribution of grease within the chamber and the pressure distribution within the system enhances the ability of the main drive seal structure to prevent external contaminants from infiltrating, ultimately extending the lifespan of the main drive structure. This study integrated VOF multiphase flow simulations and experimental investigations to systematically analyze the effects of different eccentricities, the number of grease injection ports, and inner wall rotation speed on EP2 grease distribution. When the eccentricity between the inner and outer seal axes was within 0.75 mm, the number of external grease injection ports was increased and the inner wall rotation speed decreased, the grease was evenly distributed in the flow channels. An injection optimization strategy based on pressure monitoring was proposed. In the design of the main drive sealing structure, controlling the eccentricity below 0.75 mm, arranging 12 injection ports along a single chamber while setting the inner wall rotation speed as 5 r/min can effectively improve the sealing performance of the main drive system.

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On-line Access: 2025-12-22

Received: 2025-06-30

Revision Accepted: 2025-11-04

Crosschecked: 0000-00-00

Cited: 0

Clicked: 985

Citations: Bibtex RefMan EndNote GB/T7714

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