Company Strength
Boasting over 500 employees, nearly 180 engineers and technicians, a dedicated R&D center, and over 7% annual R&D investment, ensuring robust production and innovation capability.
Overview and Advancement in Underground Coal Mining Support Equipment for Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) and Shield Tunneling Applications
Underground coal mining has long relied on specialized support equipment to safely and efficiently extract resources while ensuring operational stability. With the rise of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) and Shield Tunneling technologies, equipment requirements have evolved significantly to meet new engineering challenges underground.
These innovative tunneling methods demand robust hydraulic components, seals, loaders, and transport trucks specifically engineered to handle extreme pressure, abrasive environments, and continuous operation. Shaanxi Kelong New Materials Technology Co., Ltd., founded in 1996 and stemming from the Xianyang Kelong Rubber Products Institute, stands as a leading provider of such critical mining support equipment. Their specialization in hydraulic seal sets, high-pressure hoses, and auxiliary transport vehicles showcases their commitment to cutting-edge R&D and manufacturing tailored to the mining industry's evolution.
Commercial and Industrial Landscape
The global underground coal mining sector is currently undergoing transformative upgrades, driven by automation, safety regulations, and the adoption of advanced tunneling technologies. Tunnel Boring Machines and shield tunneling techniques have become essential for constructing long tunnels with minimal surface disruption, especially in demanding coal mining environments.
Consequently, support equipment must accommodate these technologies by providing enhanced durability, operational efficiency, and adaptability to various mining conditions. Hydraulic seals, piston seals, and rod seals designed with advanced polymers such as NBR, PU, and POM improve equipment longevity and reduce downtime. Meanwhile, powerful diesel shovel loaders and hydraulic support trucks enable precise material handling with high load capacities underground.
Technological Developments and Trends
Emerging trends emphasize digital integration and AI-enhanced predictive maintenance within underground mining equipment. Seals embedded with embedded sensors to monitor wear and pressure leakages are becoming increasingly viable, enhancing real-time diagnostics for TBM support systems. Furthermore, more energy-efficient hydraulic components contribute significantly to lowering operational costs and carbon footprints — critical metrics as mining companies pursue sustainability goals.
Manufacturers invest heavily in research and development, illustrated by Kelong’s annual R&D investments exceeding 7%, alongside a strong engineering workforce of nearly 180 specialists. This enables innovations such as low friction PTFE piston guide rings and improved hydraulic cylinder seal kits that withstand corrosive and abrasive conditions typical in coal mine tunnels.
In-depth Application Scenarios
Practical usage of support equipment for TBM and shield tunneling encompasses:
- Tight hydraulic sealing systems: Essential for fluid power control, preventing leakages that could compromise TBM thrust cylinders and shield segment erectors under high pressure.
- Auxiliary transportation: Diesel shovel loaders and hydraulic support trucks transport excavated coal and materials through confined underground spaces. Their compact design and load capacity (ranging from under 25 tons to over 60 tons) ensure continuous workflow without bottlenecks.
- Seal reliability under harsh conditions: Components like the KL06 Heavy Duty Rod Seal and NBR piston seals maintain performance in dusty, wet, and variable temperature environments, reducing equipment failure risks and maintenance frequency.
Why Choose Shaanxi Kelong New Materials?
Delivering reliable and innovative coal mining support machinery positions Kelong within the top tier of the domestic market, holding an 8% market share in coal machine sealing. Its substantial corporate assets valued at 600 million RMB, annual output of 400 million RMB, and a workforce exceeding 500 employees illustrate its scale and capability.
Certified with ISO and IRIS standards, Kelong’s stringent quality control ensures every hydraulic piston seal, hose, and loader meets international benchmarks. The company's focused investment in R&D and comprehensive production infrastructure allows customization and rapid delivery tailored to client needs, driving operational excellence for TBM and shield tunneling projects.
