DemoTube
120m long tube
The DemoTube aims to set a benchmark in future vacuum transport mobility as the first test facility with its 120m long tube made of new innovative composite material.
R&D testing facility
The DemoTube is not only intended to validate research work conducted during the development and implementation phases, but will also set a milestone in optimising energy consumption and manufacturing more scalable solutions for the AlphaTube project.
Central location
Conveniently located in Dübendorf/Zürich, DemoTube will allow companies, research institutions and university teams will be able to test their technology and products.
Location
Zurich
Switzerland
Gamma shell project
GammaShellPipe (GSP) is EuroTube’s first major component fabrication project to validate the industrial scalability readiness. The GammaShell will be cast in fibre-reinforced concrete with precise ducts for post-tensioning. Once two end pieces and eight tube segments are cast, the full tube is assembled, post-tensioning cables are pulled through and tightened, and the sealant is applied for vacuum compatibility. Afterwards the pipe undergoes a series of structural and vacuum tests to confirm viability as a hyperloop infrastructure component.
DemoTube hyperloop demonstrator - system components
Our facilities can accommodate
different standing vehicle designs.
The valve-separated concept foresees
the vehicle entering the tube via an airlock,
to ensure that the vacuum of the tube is not affected,
the airlock is pumped down separately.
Vacuum system:
Pumps can vent the air out of both
the airlock and the tube
down to rough vacuum, sufficient for real-life
vacuum transport tests.
Tube:
The tubes are made from post-tensioned
fibre-reinforced concrete segments.
The tubes are coated in a sealant
to ensure vacuum properties.
Electrical linear drive:
The drive is installed in the track and propels
the vehicle to cruising speed. The track-side installation
of the propulsion allows for a lighter vehicle,
which only has to use its own propulsion
to maintain cruising speed.
Control systems:
All track and vehicle side sensor data
is fed into a control system which
regulates the speed and conctrols
the vacuum system and airlock operation.
- Test vehicle:
Our facilities can accommodate different standing vehicle designs. - Airlock:
The valve-separated concept foresees the vehicle entering the tube via an airlock, to ensure that the vacuum of the tube is not affected, the airlock is pumped down separately.
- Vacuum system:
Pumps can vent the air out of both the airlock and the tube down to rough vacuum sufficient for real-life vacuum transport tests. - Tube:
The tubes are made from post-tensioned fibre-reinforced concrete segments. The tubes are coated in a sealant to ensure vacuum properties.
- Electrical linear drive:
The drive is installed in the track and propels the vehicle to cruising speed. The track-side installation of the propulsion allows for a lighter vehicle, which only has to use its own propulsion to maintain cruising speed. - Control systems:
All track and vehicle side sensor data is fed into a control system which regulates the speed and conctrols the vacuum system and airlock operation.
