Proceedings International Conference On Advances In Engineering And Technology

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EVACUATED TUBE TRANSPORT

TECHNOLOGY(ET3)
YARAMULA BALIREDDY

Email: yaramulabalireddy@gmail.com
BIVEK KUMAR GUPTA
Email:bivek01@gmail.com
.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:
Our paper describes ET3. Here
ET3 stands for Evacuated tube
transport
technology.
Its
the
developing technology. Although there
are similarities to the Startram concept
we looked at recently, this take on
maglev-like transport is all on terra
firma and, if it ever eventuates, would
take passengers from New York to
Beijing in just two hours. Advocates of
Evacuated Tube Transport (ETT) claim
it is silent, cheaper than planes, trains
or cars and faster than jets.
The basic plan is, well, as old as
the enabling patent, US Patent
5950543, whose description is quite
thorough. Issued in 1999, there remain
seven years on the term of the patent,
which is assigned to ET3.com, Inc., a
licensing organization that hopes to
head an alliance of players to fund and
construct demonstration facilities.
The short version of the ETT story
is as follows: put a superconducting
maglev train in evacuated tubes, then
accelerate using linear electric motors
until the design velocity is attained. As
the motors are integrated into the

ISBN NO: 978 - 1503304048

evacuated tubes, the conveyance

capsules which travel in the tube need
have no moving or electrically
activated
parts
passive
superconductors allow the capsules to
float in the tube, while eddy currents
induced in conducting materials drive
the capsules. Efficiency of such a
system would be high, as the electric
energy required to accelerate a capsule
could largely be recaptured as it slows.
The most practical model system is
based on car-sized passenger/cargo
capsules that travel in 1.5 m (5 ft)
diameter vacuum maglev tubes. The
maglev
tubes
are permanently
maintained at near vacuum conditions,
and the capsules are inserted into and
removed from the tubes through
airlocks at stations along the route.
After the capsules are accelerated to
the design velocity (some 4,000 mph
or 6,500 km/h), they coast for the
remainder of the trip. There is no drag
from travelling through air, and
although small oscillations in the
maglev suspension do cause a bit of
inefficiency, it is a tiny fraction of the
rather immense kinetic energy of an
occupied capsule - which with a car of
about 550 kg (1,212.5 lb) travelling at
4,000 mph is just about 244 kWh.

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The capsule speed will depend on

the length of the trip, as it takes time to
accelerate.
Given
a
nominal
acceleration of 1 g, it takes about 3
minutes to reach 4,000 mph, at which
point the capsule has travelled over
100 miles (161 km). ET3.com, Inc.
believes that a reasonable speed for
shorter trips is 370 mph (600 km/h).
While tubes could be networked like

ETT :
Evacuated Tube Transport (ETT) is a
new kind of transportation system that
requires less than two percent of the
energy of current transportation
methods. It is also much safer, and can
be faster

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freeways, with capsules automatically

routed along their trip, local and longdistance trips would require separate
maglev tubes to avoid unreasonable
scheduling delays. Around the world in
just over six hours isn't orbital velocity,
but the practical benefits would be
nearly the same - vital goods and talent
delivered quickly to where they are
needed.
If not, the fares would be less than one
fourth of present-day travel cost. Or
travel much faster on the same budget;
for example, to go from New York to
Miami in about 25 minutes would cost
less than flying with super saver
airfares. Ultimately rates will decrease
fast, as the initial cost of construction
is paid off.
Unlike planes, automated ETT
virtually eliminates the chances of
collision. Also, ETT runs continuously,
so you travel when you want to;
without consulting the weather report.

Anywhere there is a road; visualize

two tubes below, or above the ground,
one tube for each direction. Air is
removed from the tubes, eliminating
resistance. Aircraft-like passenger
cabins (2 - 8 person capacity) travel in
the tube on thin steel wheels or on
nearly frictionless Maglev. Most of the
energy used to accelerate a capsule is
"recycled" as the capsule is stopped, by
using
conventional
electrical
motor/generator technology.

There are environmental benefits too.

Constructing ETT causes 95% less
environmental damage than a highway,
while using much less resources. Per
passenger mile, it releases from zero to
2% as much greenhouse gases as cars
and planes. Wildlife can migrate
unobstructed; animals will never be
killed as they are when they cross
roads. ETT is relatively harmless to
wetlands; it will not block natural
water flow or aquifer recharge. ETT is
durable, so maintenance and waste are
minimal. ETT can use small,
renewable,
non-polluting
energy
sources
like
solar,
wind,
or
hydroelectric.

Because ETT is so efficient,

transportation (at present speeds) could
be cheap enough that advertisers would
pay for travel if the public were willing
to watch commercial videos en route.

Riding ETT will be like traveling in a

very quiet airplane, perhaps watching a
movie in a reclined position. The ride
will be smoother than any luxury car or
airplane, and not at a nerve-wracking

Fig: ET3 concept model.

ISBN NO: 978 - 1503304048

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Proceedings International Conference On Advances In Engineering And Technology

32,000 feet above the ground.

Depending on distance travelled, ETT
speed can easily be up to 300 m.p.h for
Fig:

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we've created the very equipment we

need to implement ETT. For instance,
hundreds of companies in virtually all
countries make and install pipelines
(tubes), vacuum pumps, and the
electronics to operate them. We have
all the equipment we need to start
building ETT right now, with mostly
off-the-shelf parts.
Engineers suggest that we start by
building a small test ETT system for
courier transport of documents, and
then develop systems to transport
people. That test system, if about one
mile long, might take about 6 months
to create, and would cost less than
$1M.

Fig: comparison of area

trips between neighbourhoods or
towns, to a spectacular 4,000 m.p.h for
international travel that would take you
from DC to Beijing China in 2 hours.
You wouldn't have to waste two hours
to get to the huge airport - the terminal
would be a neat little station a few
minutes away.
Globally we spend $5Trillion (US) per
year on transportation. In doing so

FAQ
General:

The ETT Patent is assigned to et3.com

Inc.
intercontinental transport up to 4,000
mph or more. For greater detail see
technology section.
Who can use ETT?

What is ETT?
ETT stands for Evacuated Tube
Transport. ETT is the fastest and most
efficient way to travel. It uses well
known
methods,
parts,
and
technologies. The patented system
works by eliminating virtually all
friction normally associated with
travel. Three basic embodiments range
from: low tech low speed systems for
local use at speeds below 200 mph; to
high tech systems for continental and

ISBN NO: 978 - 1503304048

A low tech, low speed (300mph) ETT

is expect to cost about 50% of the cost
of a four lane interstate highway, and
need less than 20% of the ongoing
maintenance cost. The capacity will
exceed 8 lanes of traffic in each
direction. The over all energy use for
ETT will be less than one twentieth of
what we would use if we continue with
cars and planes.

Just like trains, initial ETT use will be

for freight, and along high use routes
of
travel.
Once proven, construction will rapidly
spread. Since the system is efficient in
energy and materials use, high-speed
travel will be low cost, and sustainable.
Eventually, everyone in the world may
use the system.
Who's going to operate ETT?

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For fiscal operation, both corporate and

public operation is encouraged by the
non-exclusive, low cost licensing plan.
The license promotes both cooperation
and
competition.
Physical operation of the system is by
automated computer control. The only
input and skills required are the ability
to chose and enter a destination.
Fig: construction of tubes

When can I use ETT?

In the year 1900 less than one percent
of the population had seen an
automobile. By 1935 ninety nine
percent of horse and buggy travel had
been replaced by automotive means.
People are less resistant to change than
they where a hundred years ago. Now
people demand change, when clear
benefits are perceived. If you, and
those you know, support the ETT
system, (even if it is just telling others
about it), we could all enjoy low cost
world travel in less than 10 years.
How much will it cost to ride?
The energy and material use is very
low, and the durability of the
components is great; so the initial, and
operating cost will be much less than
current methods of travel. Some
licensees believe that cost will be so
low that advertising could pay for most
travel, just like it pays for TV, or free
Internet. Depending on who you are,
advertisers may actually pay you to
travel
while
watching
their
presentation!

Construction:
Who is going to build it?

Those who license the technology and

collaborate with one another will build
ETT systems. The philosophy is an
open system (like Linux), where
improvements are made by many
collaborators working to achieve
mutual benefits, but the collaborators
have a mechanism for getting paid to
the extent of their contribution. People
who now work in almost any field will
build components, or provide services
that make the ETT system possible.
Even though most do not realize it,
everyone has underutilized, unique
skills or assets that could be used to
help manifest the ETT system. All the
skills, production capacity, materials,
and labour force required to build the
system exist right now. By purchasing
a life-time ETT license for just a
hundred
bucks,
anyone
can
competitively propose and bid on ETT
related work. Since one out of five
dollars
spent
are
spent
on
transportation, there is a tremendous
market available for your latent skills
or assets. The licensee web site at
www.et3.net will be the market place
for skills and assets relating to ETT
projects.
When will a prototype be built?
Prototypes, or production components
for all of the individual systems used
by ETT exist right now. These
components / facilities / materials etc.
will be virtually assembled into an

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Proceedings International Conference On Advances In Engineering And Technology

ETT system over the Internet. As the

real components are assembled
virtually, plans and alliances are
formed for actual construction. A
Licensee acts according to the
following outline to add the parts they
can supply:
1. Look over the ETT tech files
and determine the classification
for your skills, component,
material, asset, or service. (If a
classification does not exist,
propose one)
2. Post your licensee information
and what you offer / need;
along with delivery lead times
and prices, in the appropriate
classifications.
3. Look for projects you have an
interest in, submit offers / or
express needs.
4. Contact Licensees who offer
what you need or need what
you offer; to cooperate on
assemblies, and work out
standards etc.
5. When
all
required
classifications are represented
by licensees, bid winners start
to work.

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vacuum. Every route will have special

requirements according to local
conditions and economics. Some
possible materials include but are not
limited to: Sealed concrete, glazed
ceramic, steel, aluminium, fiberglass,
and plastics.
How much will it cost?
Since primitive man first made a
dugout canoe, the demand for
transportation
improvements
has
increased. Transportation expenditures
are around 14% of the world economy.
The rate of growth of transportation is
double the rate of growth of the world
economy. In developed countries it has
grown to 20% or one trillion dollars
per year in the USA. Experts have
estimated that the costs of ETT
transport will be much less than current
systems.
The
right-of-way
requirements are around 5% of an
interstate freeway. The materials use
for spans will less than one tenth. The
parts will have a much greater life,
further reducing costs.
Will the tube be under ground or
above ground?

Initially it is likely that a small demo

system will be built first.

Both underground and above ground

systems will be built, according to
local conditions and economic
requirements.

Where will the first one be built?

How big are the tubes?

Economics and politics will come into

play to determine the optimal location
for the first systems. Attractive routes
will be between major cities, over
unpopulated flat, dry terrain, below the
latitudes where the ground freezes.

Tubes less than a foot in diameter

would have use for mail and small
packages. Tubes 20 feet in diameter
could accommodate a bus. It is
estimated that a 6 foot tube could
accommodate almost all transport
needs.

What is the tube made out of?

How many people fit in a capsule?
The tubes can be made of any durable
substance that is capable of holding a

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Capsules 2 feet in diameter and 8 feet

long could be used for one person
lying down. Capsules could be made
big enough to accommodate a bus. A
five-foot diameter capsule 20 feet long
could accommodate 10 persons. The
economics for the particular route and
system will dictate capsule size.

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more for short periods of time. Top

fuel dragsters are capable of about 4g
acceleration. Many roller coasters
produce 3g of acceleration. Most cars
produce almost 1g under maximum
braking. If acceleration is limited to 1g,
most people will not experience any
discomfort. The time to travel
estimates assume a maximum of 1g of
force, and a top speed of 4,000 MPH .
How can people breathe?

Fig: Internal structure of capsule

Isn't mail or package transport a

good place to start?
Yes, the cost and liability would be
very low, and life support not needed.
Lessons learned would benefit large
scale use.
Will the government be involved?
Yes, Large-scale projects will at a
minimum
need
government
cooperation. We the people are the
government.
In
free countries,
demands of the people will insure full
government cooperation. Wouldn't you
vote for a candidate who openly
supports ETT? International systems
will need the sanction of the
governments involved.

Physiological effects:
Can people handle the forces of
going that fast?
Just going fast does not affect the
human body. Astronauts in orbit travel
faster than 20,000 MPH. The human
body can tolerate 8g of acceleration or

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Life-support apparatus is a well

developed field. Space stations in orbit
allow astronauts to breathe for several
months, even though the capsule is in a
near vacuum. Submarines have been
around for over a hundred years,
modern subs can stay submerged for
more than a month. The systems used
in Evacuated Tube Transport will be
much less demanding. Only 2-3 hours
(plus reserves) of life-support is
needed.
Won't people feel claustrophobia?
Some people are unreasonably afraid
of enclosed spaces. The amount of
room per passenger exceeds that of
airplanes and luxury automobiles.
Reclined seating and 'virtual window'
displays allow the simulation of
whatever environment the rider
prefers; or TV, movies, video games,
etc. may be displayed to provide
distraction from negative thoughts.
What if someone gets sick?
Since ETT will be the fastest method
of travel, it will be the preferred way to
transport persons for medical reasons.
Terminals will be equipped with EMT
facilities and personal. A button may
be pushed if a person is in distress
from sudden illness. Heart sensors also
signal a medical emergency. The signal
causes the capsule to be diverted to the

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nearest EMT facility. In case of a false

alarm, the person indicating the false
alarm could be charged a fine to
discourage misuse. Safety:
What happens if you stop in the
tube?
Emergency escape hatches are places
every mile or so along the tube. In the
rare event of stoppage in the tube, the
capsules will be directed to the nearest
escape
hatch.

Fig:
What if the brakes fail?
The braking system is automatic. It
does not rely on human control. The
parts are subject to continuous
automatic inspection and replaced
before unacceptable wear occurs.
Multiple redundant backup braking is
activated if any failure occurs in the
primary braking system. Compared
with automobiles, trains and airplanes,
failure of ETT braking systems are
unlikely.
What about terrorists?
Although rare, acts of terrorism occur.
Airplanes, boats, and cars are favoured
targets because the terrorist can use the
vehicle to escape detection, and elude
apprehension. Statistically, the death
rate due to terrorism is much lower
than deaths caused by operator error,

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weather, and mechanical failures. High

security, surveillance, and swift
apprehension of suspects reduce losses
due to terrorism. Much tighter security
is possible with the ETT system than is
possible with aircraft, boats, or
automobile.

Competition:
Will the oil companies resist ETT?
ETT system construction will require
large amounts of plastics. If demand
for transportation fuel is reduced, oil
companies could modify existing
refineries to manufacture plastics at
much lower cost, while maintaining
profits. Low cost plastic building
products will replace the use of wood
in
building
construction.
Oil
companies realize that oil reserves are
limited. When ETT becomes the
transportation system of choice;
valuable oil resources can be used and
recycled for many years instead of
being converted into smog by cars.
This will have a very beneficial effect
on the environment. Oil companies
will be seen as protectors of the forests,
instead of contributors to pollution. It
will also extend the amount of time oil
companies may profit from known oil
reserves.
What are you going to do about the
out of work truckers?
One thing in life is certain, that is all
things change. Some embrace change
others resist. For instance some people
still farm with horse and wagon. Some
people learn new skills as quick as
possible. They are able to capitalize on
the fact that many resist inevitable
change.
Will
the
aircraft
and
manufactures try to stop ETT?

car

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Perhaps some will, most will realize

that they are in the transportation
business,
and
use
under-used
production facilities to manufacture
ETT components. Much like in the
early 1900's when Fisher (coach
works)
switched
to
building
automobile bodies as buggy demand
declined. Other companies were not so
wise.

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company.
There are many opportunities for
Licensees to use their skills or assets to
perform ETT related work leading to
mutual rewards. The current needs are
posted on www.et3.net ; a licensee
may submit a proposal for work,
services, or asset utilization on the site.
The proposals and bids are reviewed,
ranked and awarded according to
demand and merit.

Company operations:
How can a Licensee profit?
Are you going to sell stock?
The company is not selling stock to the
public. The company is using stock to
compensate its licensees who perform
needed functions for start up and
continuing
operations.
The
compensatory shares are restricted and
may not be sold or transferred to the
public. Any sale of stock will be
private placement to licensees of
et3.com Inc. who meet the Accredited
Investor qualifications defined by the
SEC.
When are you going public?
A public offering of stock is expensive.
Often the extra overhead and reporting
hampers the ability of the company to
perform its core functions. A core
philosophy if the company is the
minimization
of
unproductive
overhead to keep license cost as low as
possible. The company et3.com Inc.
will go public only if it is a key to
fulfilling its mission.
Does et3.com have any employment
openings?
No, et3.com has no employees.
Licensees
handle
all functions
normally allocated to employees as
jobs. Licensees competitively bid their
services for compensatory shares in the

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There are three basic ways an et3.com

Licensee makes money:
1. Use the technology to build all
or part of an ETT system,
profiting from the construction,
or sharing in the revenues
generated by operating a
completed system.
2. Contribute intellectual property
(IP) relating to ETT, to the
et3.com technology pool, and
share in royalty income
generated
by
Licensees
engaging in ETT projects, as
that IP is used.
3. Perform services for et3.com
Inc. in exchange for stock; thus
sharing in any royalty income
allocated to shareholders.
How is a License acquired?
1. Read and understand all terms
of the et3.com
License
Agreement.
2. Fill out the license application
form, agreeing to all terms by
printing, signing, and sending
in the form and other required
documents.
3. Pay the one time license fee of
$100.
4. Receive Grant of License if
application is accepted.

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CONCLUSION:

Compare with the other vehicles its

better. Why because of following
factors.

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Eliminates virtually all chance

of collision
Protected from adverse weather
and obstacles

ACHIEVABLE:
FAST:

N.Y. to L.A. in 45 minutes

Washington D.C. to Beijing in
2 hours
350mph local , to over
4000mph international.

CONVENIENT:

Runs continuously - travel

when you want to without
delays or stops.

EFFICIENT:

Uses less than 1% of the energy

at a given speed,
90% + material savings.
300+ mph on human power is
possible.

CLEAN:

Environmentally benign
Sustainable with renewable
energy
Ultra quiet

So we should implement it. Because if

we implement it..! the efficiency will
be more. we will reduce accidents also.
very less fuel will require to run and
pollution is also very less. ET3 can
provide 50 times more transportation
per kWh than electric cars or trains.
. Compared to high speed rail, ET3
needs only 1/20th the material to build
because the vehicles are so light. With
automated passive switching, a pair of
ET3 tubes can exceed the capacity of a
32 lane freeway. ET3 can be built for
1/10th the cost of High Speed Rail, or
1/4th the cost of a freeway.

References:

SAFE:

ISBN NO: 978 - 1503304048

All equipment exists to build

ETT now, mostly with off the
shelf parts
The individual technologies
involved are all in active
commercial use.

www.gizmag.com
www.et3.com.inc

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