HyperloopTT, GNB unveil safety isolation valves

Safety isolation valves were revealed by Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT), critical safety components for HyperloopTT systems.

Built to precise specifications by GNB KL Group in Elk Grove, Calif., the valves will isolate sections of hyperloop system tubes to allow for easier system pressurization for maintenance or emergency.

The full-scale valve is built for commercial operations measuring 16.5 feet in height, weighing 77,000 pounds and can withstand 288,000 pounds (14.7 PSI) of force. The values can fully open or close within 30 seconds.

“Working with HyperloopTT has allowed us to showcase our world-class abilities with vacuum parts and technology,” said Ken Harrison, president of GNB. “We specialize in building specialty valves and chambers for fusion reactors, government science labs and more, so HyperloopTT’s groundbreaking transportation system is a perfect project for us.”

In most emergency scenarios, capsules will stop at pre-determined emergency stations along the route’s length to exit the capsule and tube infrastructure. As a redundant emergency response option, the HyperloopTT system will isolate sections of the tube for re-pressurization. If the capsule is unable to stop at a pre-defined exit, a lit emergency path in the depressurized tube will lead passengers to emergency hatches to safely exit the infrastructure.

GNB began collaborating with HyperloopTT engineers in 2019. Now complete, the valves will be shipped to the HyperloopTT facility in Toulouse, France, for integration and certification.

“One of the questions we regularly receive regarding our technology is about safety, especially in emergency scenarios,” said Andres De Leon, CEO of HyperloopTT. “These valves, built to safety certification standards by a world-class leader, are an essential part of hyperloop safety, as they allow us to isolate portions of the track in the event maintenance is needed or in the rare case of an emergency.”