Earth Pressure Balance Machine (EPBM)
Akkerman Earth Pressure Balance Machines (EPBM) are designed for soft, wet, or unstable, pressurized ground under the water table. Akkerman EPBM equipment is manufactured to pipe jack prefabricated jacking pipe or install liner plate, rib and board, or steel liner plate.
EPBM systems for large infrastructure projects are custom designed and manufactured.
FEATURES:
- Cutter heads and tooling with soft‑ground carbide tooling or mixed‑face designs using roller disc cutters.
- Plenum mixing chamber blends spoil and allows conditioning slurry injection behind the cutterhead.
- Dual earth‑pressure sensors communicate plenum chamber pressure to the operator.
- Sealed steering system with active articulation for line and grade control.
- Variable‑speed primary screw conveyor adjusts spoil removal based on advance rate and plenum pressure.
- Heavy‑duty tri‑roller TBM bearings with grease‑purged seals and variable‑speed hydraulic periphery drive.
- Compatible with multiple guidance systems, from tunnel laser and active targets to total‑station navigation.
- Additional accessories available to meet project requirements.
Testimonials
Super Excavators, Inc. has enjoyed a long partnership with Akkerman over the years. We originally bought a competitor’s microtunnel system and had nothing but problems with quality and service. Finally we called Akkerman and bought their SL36 microtunnel system. Since then we have never looked back. We have bought several other pieces of equipment from Akkerman. From GBM equipment to ABIS to several microtunnel cutting heads. They have been great working with our staff to customize the equipment for our specific needs. We have put their equipment to the test on several projects by pushing the envelope in long drive distances and very difficult ground conditions. The equipment has responded well and together we have made modifications to continue to improve on efficiency. In our business it is necessary to have people their when you need them. Akkerman has done a great job at supplying quality equipment and servicing our needs in a timely matter, helping keep our work on schedule.