MasterRoc SLF 419

High Performance Foaming Agent Chemically Stable at Low Temperatures for
Difficult Heterogeneous Grounds with Variable Range of Permeability, Readily
Biodegradable for Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) Applications

Material Description

MasterRoc SLF 419 is a highly biodegradable, high-performance foaming agent, specifically designed to improve contractor’s tunnelling performance in environments at low temperatures. Given its ability to remain stable at low temperatures, MasterRoc SLF 419 will greatly help the TBM Operator to control the rheology of the soil without altering the construction performance in such environments. MasterRoc SLF 419 guarantees a new improved foam stability that guarantees proper EPB counter pressure. Its improved foam properties will ensure better control of the ground pressure, reducing the risk of additional ground settlement at the surface and over excavation. MasterRoc SLF 419 is an eco-friendly foaming agent, based on biodegradable raw materials.

Areas of Application

MasterRoc SLF 419 is specifically designed for silty to sandy soils in environments at low temperatures, given its ability to ensure chemical homogeneity and stability also in frozen soils. MasterRoc SLF 419 creates a highly stable foam to hold the face pressure and maintain the rheology of the excavated ground longer than conventional foaming agents. MasterRoc SLF 419 can be used with the standard foam generators installed in all EPB machines. It can be injected at the cutterhead to the front, into the TBM working chamber and in the screw conveyor.

Characteristics and Benefits

Operational

• Due to the high foaming capacity, it will be possible to work with high FER values avoiding the collapse of the foam, compared to standard foaming agents.

• You will work with lower FIR values to obtain the desired soil rheology, compared to standard foaming agents.

• Improved face excavation support pressure and control.

• Improved TBM excavation cycle’s time, quality, and cost.

• Facilitated muck extraction from tunnel and from the muck pit area.

• Improved overall tunnel performance.

• Reduced tunnel excavation time.

• Reduced TBM maintenance costs.

• Optimized muck logistics outside job site.

• Minimized over excavation and contractual disputes.

• Reduced risk of surface settlement.

Technical

• Occurred no separation at low temperatures.

• Higher foam stability at low temperatures.

• Great performance also at higher temperatures.

• Improved soil behavior.

• Reduced soil permeability.

• Creation of plastic deformation properties in the soil, which increases face stability.

• Lower inner friction and lower abrasiveness of the soil at the cutterhead and shield.