Advantages of Spherical Hob

1. Cost Efficiency: The use of spherical hobs significantly lowers the construction costs associated with hydromill cutting in hard rock formations, leading to a faster project completion time.

2. Simplified Construction: There’s no requirement for precutting holes, which streamlines the necessary construction equipment and processes.

3. Extended Operational Capability: The hob-tooth hydromill wheel allows for prolonged continuous operation (up to 100 hours), minimizing the frequency of hydromill lifts and effectively prolonging the construction period while easing labor demands.

4. Reduced Maintenance: The hydromill module operates stably with minimal stress on the gearbox, which decreases maintenance needs and associated costs.

5. Minimal Ground Disturbance: This method causes low ground disturbance, making it ideal for construction projects located near existing buildings.

6. Improved Cutting Deflection: The design enhances the cutting deflection ability in tough rock layers, facilitating more efficient operations.

7. Precise Vertical Control: The trench's vertical alignment can be maintained with an accuracy of within 1‰, ensuring high-quality results.

8. Fuel Efficiency: The system achieves over 20% fuel savings (averaging 73L/h with a CAT C18 engine), contributing to energy efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint.

Cutting Wheels: Gearbox and Cutting Wheels Overview

For the spherical hob to function effectively, it must generate adequate downforce. Each hob needs a minimum of 5 tons of downforce. Taking a wheel with a thickness of 1200mm as an example, it is equipped with a total of 54 hobs. On average, about one-third, or 18 hobs, actively participate in the rock-breaking process, necessitating a total pressure of at least 90 tons. Consequently, each gearbox must withstand 45 tons of pressure, requiring a robust radial load-bearing capacity.

The hob operates as a rolling rock-breaker, which means it doesn’t demand high torque. For safety purposes, the gearbox is engineered with a torque rating of 150 kNm. The output end features a tapered hexagonal design, facilitating quick installation and removal of the cutting wheel.

There are two primary types of fixed cutting tools used with the spherical hob: the side hydromill and the main cutting hydromill. Each trajectory line is equipped with three side hydromills and two main cutting hydromills. Additionally, there is a flapper tooth designed in a roller structure, which is both simple and practical. This innovative design offers superior force resistance compared to traditional machines, where the flapper tooth structure is heavier and less effective, leading to rapid wear of the wear block and guide ring.

Module Parameter with SC-135

Module Parameters with XCMG 120

APIE FOUNDATION EQUIPMENT (CHINA) LIMITED was established in 2021. It is dedicated to building a bridge for communication and cooperation in the domestic and international piling industry. The company provides online and offline international promotion services for domestic suppliers, offering a one-stop platform and service guarantee. It is a comprehensive service platform for the piling industry, “based in China and oriented towards the international market.” Currently, it has established international marketing service centers for piling engineering in Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan), North America (Mexico), Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia), and the Middle East (Iraq, Dubai, Iran).
APIE has obtained international market authorization from dozens of enterprises.As of June 2023, has become the exclusive authorized agent in China for the top international brand Soilmec, and has established strategic partnership with the well-known Italian brands Tecniwell and Beretta. As of November 2024, it has officially become Kyrgyz Republic East China Liaison Office, which has now been authorized by the Upper House of Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Health.