Subterrene

Subterrene

A Subterrene is a type of tunneling machine, similar to that of a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). A subterrene works by utilizing forward pressure and massive amounts of heat to push through rock. The front of the machine is equipped with a stationary drill tip which is kept between to 1300-1700 degrees Fahrenheit. The molten rock leftover from drilling is immediately turned into a glass-like material and coats the inner diameter of the tunnel, creating an initial tunnel liner. Massive amounts of energy are required to heat the drill head, which is supplied via nuclear power or electricity. All of this is in stark contrast to traditional TBMs, which grind away at rock instead, however both achieve the nearly same results. Patents issued in the 1970s indicate that US scientists had planned on utilizing nuclear power to liquefy lithium metal and circulate it to the front of the machine (drill). [Cite web|url=http://www.google.com/patents?vid=USPAT3885832&id=B9E5AAAAEBAJ&dq=3885832&jtp=1#PPP1,M1|title=APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LARGE TUNNEL EXCAVATION IN HARD ROCK|accessdate=2007-03-13|publisher=US Patient Office|year=1974] .

Advantages

* In theory, tunnels can be built much cheaper and much more quickly because of their reduced complexity, equipment costs and operational overhead.
* A smooth glass-lined tunnel wall is created as a result of the process. This can further reduce costs and provides an insulated barrier and basic support structure.

Disadvantages

* Patented designs in the US utilize nuclear power which is typically not well received by the US populace for varying reasons.
* These machines inherently use a very large amount of energy.
* Unknown safety and performance records.

ee also

* Tunnel
* Tunneling
* Tunnel Boring Machine

References


* [http://www.google.com/patents?vid=USPAT3885832&id=B9E5AAAAEBAJ&dq=3885832&jtp=1#PPP1,M1 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LARGE TUNNEL EXCAVATION IN HARD ROCK Altseimer] US Patient #3885832, Nuclear powered Subterrene


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Subterrene — Sub ter*rene , a. [L. subterrenus, equiv. to subterraneus.] Subterraneous. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Subterrene — La Subterrene es un tipo de máquina tuneladora, similar a la tuneladora convencional. En los trabajos de tunelado, la subterrene utiliza una fuerte presión hacía delante con enormes cantidades de calor para penetrar a través de la roca. La parte… …   Wikipedia Español

  • subterrene — adjective underground, subterranean …   Wiktionary

  • subterrene — sub·ter·rene …   English syllables

  • subterrene — |səbtə|rēn adjective or noun Etymology: Latin subterrenus, from sub + terrenus of earth, earthly, from terra earth : subterranean …   Useful english dictionary

  • Dreamlands — The Dreamlands is a fictional location in the Dream Cycle of H. P. Lovecraft. It is also the setting for a number of pastiches written by other authors.The Dreamlands is a vast, alternate dimension that can be entered through dreams, similar to… …   Wikipedia

  • Tunnel boring machine — A tunnel boring machine that was used at Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository A tunnel boring machine (TBM) also known as a mole , is a machine used to excavate tunnels with a circular cross section through a variety of soil and rock strata.… …   Wikipedia

  • Tuneladora — de tipo topo utilizada en Yucca Mountain, Washington. Una tuneladora, T.B.M. (del inglés Tunnel Boring Machine) o minador a sección completa es una máquina capaz de excavar túneles a sección completa, a la vez que colabora en la colocación de un… …   Wikipedia Español

  • subterrane — /sub teuh rayn , sub teuh rayn /, n. a cave or subterranean room. Also, subterrain, subterrene /sub teuh reen , sub teuh reen /. [1605 15, in sense subterranean ; 1765 75 for current sense; < L subterraneus subterranean, equiv. to sub SUB +… …   Universalium

  • List of Pokémon (494–545) — Contents 1 Victini 2 Snivy 3 Servine 4 Serperior …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”