Tunnel Construction - Working under Pressure

Air pressure stops water from penetrating

During the construction of a tunnel, ground water can flow into the tunnel. To prevent this, the tunnel is kept under pressure between partition walls. As people were working in this area, the air had to be cool and clean (oil free).

100% Oil-free air

Because the construction labour is temporary it is attractive for the building company to rent the machines. Because of the long initial period, ARD was able to deliver 100% oil-free blowers with watercoolers that were made to measure for the project. People and machines enter the tunnel via locks. When the intermediate doors open, the pressure in the tunnel has to remain. To maintain the pressure at an accuracy of 10 mbar, one machine is equipped with frequency control.

Loss of pressure is likely to put people in danger because of the potential water hazard and the risk of the decompression sickness. For this reason, one installation is made up of several machines with sufficient backup.

Scope of delivery

  • 1 x BVO 5500 (29.0 - 90.3 m³/min @ 2.0 bar)
  • 4 x BFO 5500 (85.0 m³/min @ 2.0 bar)
  • 5 x water-air cooler

Information & documents

Brochure [ARD-002-03]

Brochure [ARD-002-03]