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Compact, robust and reliable: these are the advantages of Tecdos drive technology from RUD, which also benefits tunnel construction. Whether for lifting devices, curved travel, reinforcement cranes or cutting equipment, the chain drive-based systems offer a wide range of applications in tunnels and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Dust, mud or debris are no problem for the products from the drive specialist based in Aalen (Baden-Württemberg). Another plus point: Tecdos drive technology from RUD is particularly space-saving – perfect for use in tunnels.
‘Our Tecdos products guarantee tunnel construction companies, tunnel boring machine manufacturers and engineering firms safety and efficiency in their projects,’ emphasises Anne Kühling, Head of Product Management at RUD Ketten Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co. KG. RUD Tecdos drive systems are based on a high-performance round steel chain. It is highly wear-resistant, making it a durable and robust solution for use in tunnel construction work.
Process reliability in tunnel construction
In tunnel construction, extensive projects with tight time frames are the order of the day. This makes it all the more important that processes run reliably and that there are no stoppages. This is where RUD's drive technology comes into play. The high-performance round steel chain, which forms the basis of the system, runs reliably and safely even in challenging environments: dust, mud, stones or debris cannot harm it. RUD Tecdos drive systems also function smoothly when the rack, rope and rail reach their limits.
Space-saving drive
The second challenge is the relatively limited space available for tunnel construction work, and this is another area where the RUD Tecdos drive system scores highly. The individual components and the drive housing are kept as compact as possible and can be installed directly at the site of use. ‘Cable drives in particular often require a large cable winch with several deflections. This is not necessary with our Tecdos drive systems, as the chain can be deflected in a small space and stored in a chain bag that takes up very little space,’ explains Sascha Olfert, Business Development Manager at RUD.
Drive technology: products and systems
RUD Tecdos drive technology offers various products and systems for tunnel construction: from sprockets, stroke limiters and slings to complete systems such as Tecdos Pi-Gamma and Tecdos Omega-Drive for different requirements in tunnel construction. RUD Tecdos Pi-Gamma is a flexible 2-in-1 chain drive system specially designed for vertical and horizontal applications. It has a fixed chain deflection of 180° or a flexible chain deflection between 90° and 180°. Thanks to its flexibility, it ensures greater efficiency in tunnel construction work. Depending on the design, a Tecdos Pi-Gamma drive can generate tensile forces of up to 260 kN.
The solution for linear or rotating movements in tunnel construction is called RUD Tecdos Omega Drive. The drive system has a wrap angle of 180° and, depending on the application, is either attached to the load to be moved and pulls it along the round link chain or moves the chain from another location. In its standard version, the Tecdos Omega Drive drive system generates tensile forces of up to 260 kN per drive in a single version.
Wide range of applications
RUD Tecdos drive technology is used, among other things, in lifting devices in tunnel construction, for example to lift heavy equipment to the tunnel ceiling or to raise and lower vertical drills. The robust technology also demonstrates its strengths in curved tracks, belt storage systems or conveyor belts, as well as in transport trolleys and transport racks. RUD's drive solution is also used in cutting devices, reinforcement cranes and shaft lowering systems.
There are virtually no limits to the use of Tecdos drive technology, as standard components and individual parts can be combined in a modular fashion to form drive systems, depending on the specific requirements of the tunnel construction project. ‘Our Tecdos drive systems can handle weights of up to 25 tonnes in any case. Theoretically, we are relatively open-ended and can double or triple the drives, for example, if larger loads need to be moved,’ emphasises Olfert.
