Analysis of inner parts in the disc cutters applied to the field tests

The problems for non-rotating of a disc cutter proceed from the faults in inner parts of the disc cutter such as the leak of hydraulic fluid, the intrusion of tunnel mucks and water, overloading, overheating, poor assembly and substandard material. The rotating of a disc cutter is an indicator to show that the inner parts of disc cutter is operable, although the rotational torque depends on the extent of the damage. Therefore, the key in the problems for non-rotating of disc cutter is to maintain that the tapered roller bearings are working properly. This study aims to investigate the inner parts disassembled from disc cutters applied to the field tests in order to help decision for reuse of the disc cutters. As results, surface finishing to remove the scratch on the load zone of the hubs is needed, with the intent to reuse a hub. And the investigation of lapping surface by optical microscope of floating seals and the contamination test of oil need to be performed for reuse of a disc cutter. Especially, the analysis results show that the floating seals play a key role in the normal operati on of bearings. There is nothing significant to report in the rest parts such as bearing, shaft, seal retainers.Keywords: Disc cutter, Inner parts, Bearing, Floating seals