Thrust Cylinder
The thrust cylinder is the primary drive element of a shield machine’s propulsion system. Arranged in a circular array inside the tail shield, it pushes the entire machine forward by reacting against the assembled segmental lining ring. This series spans a complete range from compact to very large bore and ultra-long stroke, delivering over 8,300 kN of thrust per cylinder. With grouped zone control for steering and articulation, a super-rigid structure, specialized high-pressure sealing, integrated counterbalance valves, and displacement sensing interfaces, these cylinders provide stable, synchronized, zero-drift thrust in deep overburden, high water pressure, long-distance drives, intense vibration, and slurry environments — ensuring precise advance rate and tunnel axis control.