Optimization of dust removal performance of ventilation system in tunnel constructed using shield tunneling machine

Dust that is produced when a tunnel is being constructed using a shield tunneling machine is an important factor that affects the operating environment. A ventilation dust removal system is an effective tool for suppressing the diffusion of such dust particles. In this study, the operating process of the ventilation dust removal system of a shield tunneling machine was analyzed. Subsequently, through an orthogonal test, the effects of pressurized air flow rate, air extraction flow rate, and diameter of pressurized air duct on dust control distance are investigated in depth. Specifically, Factor A (pressurized air flow rate) imposed the most significant effect on the dust control distance, followed by Factor B (air extraction flow rate), and finally by Factor C (diameter of pressurized air duct). The optimal combination was determined as A(1)B(4)C(3). On applying this optimal combination, the dust control distance of the ventilation dust removal system was 23.54 m, which was 30.11 m shorter than that of the original ventilation system. Therefore, using this optimal ventilation system, the dust that is produced can be controlled around the main engine, and the dust control performance can be improved considerably.