Method of using air and helium in low-pressure tube transportation systems

Abstract

A method is described for maintaining a gaseous composition within a tube (that is part of tubular transportation system for transporting passengers or cargos via a capsule). The method comprises: (a) pumping the tube to a pressure that is below atmospheric pressure until the tube is substantially evacuated; (b) identifying a predetermined power value; (c) identifying a first percentage, x, of helium based on the predetermined power value identified in (b) and a leak rate associated with the tube; (d) maintaining, within each tube in the plurality of substantially evacuated tubes, a gaseous composition a gaseous composition comprising a mixture of a first percentage, x, of helium and a second percentage, (100-x), of air.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of pipeline transportation. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of using air and helium in low pressure pipeline transportation systems. Background technique [0002] The most recent effort to develop the high-speed and efficient new form of transportation that Elon Musk calls the Hyperloop began in 2013 with the release of a technical white paper. A team of Space-X and Tesla scientists wrote the paper to define the technical advantages and engineering requirements for building such a device. [0003] Essentially, a Hyperloop is a system in which chambers are suspended in pipes at low pressure (and thus low air density). Suspension significantly reduces ground friction. Low air density significantly reduces air resistance. [0004] The white paper proposes that the aerial skateboard-supported chamber travels inside a vacuum tube with an absolute pressure of 100 Pascal (Pa)...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

So, the question is: How fast can the vehicle go with a small bypass size?

Even if it exists, the resistance is insignificant due to the pressure

[0026] The disadvantage of the second solution is that the power requirements, cost and engineering required to maintain very low pressure in such a large volume are enormous

[0032] 2) does not describe the proposed method of replacing the air in the pipeline with hydrogen, and

[0033] 3) Although hydrogen is non-flammable at concentrations above 75%, there are obvious safety concerns in the event of a tube rupture that would introduce air into the tube and potentially reach a flammable or explosive ratio

However, the German patent disclosure, much like current pipeline-based transportation systems, fails to utilize a mixture of air and helium where the composition of each gas in the mixture is dynamically determined to optimize resistance

Furthermore, the German patent disclosure, much like current pipeline-based transportation systems, fails to utilize a mixture of air and helium, where the composition of each gas is dynamically determined based on the desired velocity of the chamber

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