UST: News

Work continues in SkyWay EcoTechnoPark both on testing newly created types of rolling stock at the existing routes and on the construction of new types of track structures. We reported at the end of last week on the preparation for testing new, super-lightweight version of string tracks that began there, demonstrated the preparation process for testing a new infrastructure complex and gave an announcement of a report detailing the purpose of the new track, its features and benefits.

We offer to your attention a video interview with the Head of the Administration on track infrastructure, rigging and testing equipment Yury Kashchuk, who told us everything we had promised and even more, including some technical details.

Translation of the video:

Mikhail Kirichenko: Hallo! Here is Mikhail Kirichenko with you. You are watching SkyWay news, where we report on the developments and implementation of breakthrough transport technologies. Today I am talking with a man, whose name reminds me that I have come here from the cosmic industry. Good day, Yury!

Yury Kashchuk: Good afternoon!

M.K.: I'm glad to see and greet you. We haven't met and talked with you for a long time. Please introduce yourself for those, who have forgotten you.

Y.K.: Yury Kashchuk, Chief of the Administration on track infrastructure, rigging and testing equipment.

M.K.: You are the person we need. Lots of questions appeared during EcoFest and they continue to come now. Why don't we tell anything about that new transport system that has already several names? Ultralight, superlight, coil tubing... Please clarify how it should be called correctly? And then we shall proceed with other questions.

Y.K.: This line is called "exhibition sample of communication string systems No. 4".

M.K.: What is its difference? We already have a lightweight track and this is a superlight one. What is it?

Y.K.: This is a fundamentally different approach to the creation of a rolling track. In this case we used a circular tube and made a special wheel to roll on it. We also changed our approach to the rail. In all our previous implemented rails we used a prestressing strand mainly as a pre-stressed element. In this track we applied a bit different material - a high-strength wire.

M.K.: Is it sort of a return to initial sources on a new round? That famous ZIL truck at the entrance to EcoTechnoPark also stands on circular rails.

Y.K.: In this case we used a high-strength tube that is normally applied in oil extraction industry. The so-called "coil-tubing pipe". It is a tube that has actually infinite length. Theoretically and relatively. We do not have any transverse joint seams; no need to fix any zed butts or other elements. It is just a finished product that we have unreeled and mounted on the support structure.

M.K.: What benefits does it provide? Of course, the absence of seams, no need to grind welded joints.

Y.K.: Installation of rolling track was done very quickly. Right after unreeling, we have received a ready rail element that had just to be mounted. This is the main benefit. In time and quality of mounting. And finally, saving of funds and reducing the period of project implementation.

M.K.: When will you start running tests to check the benefits of this transport system in practice?

Y.K.: In fact, tests go on right from the beginning. While mounting the track structure, we are working out the methods of assembling, some technological processes. In particular, we have filled the inner space of the tube with string elements in sufficient quantity to ensure the designed stretching and pre-stressing. Naturally, it will be filled with the mix to be pumped in at the end of mounting. I'd like to point out that one of our achievements is the quantity of string elements we have inserted. It is quite large. Actually, we have filled the tube almost completely. In this case we are working out new types of rail elements, a wheel of a new type that might be used in the future as quite simple structures to create transport complexes in some remote areas. Maybe somewhere in Siberia or in Africa, in the deserts. The mounting technology is quite simple. It allows to get long-distance routes with a small quantity of tooling and personnel. For example, if a person lives remotely and the population there is small, we can provide for him communication with some city using these structures.

M.K.: It is some sort of a solution to the "last mile" problem. Many people say that it would be impossible to bring a high-speed route to each house as an asphalt road. Is it right?

Y.K.: Yes. In fact, a transport complex should include above 3-4 types of vehicles and rail overpasses. It should meet all the demands of the market. If the market needs such system, relatively cheap and providing accessibility to scarcely populated areas, it should be there. If it is a high-speed route servicing traffic of a great number of people, it should also be there. If it is a cargo route designed to transport a huge volume of goods and various materials variously packed (containers, bulk, etc.), we should have it, too. Designed and prepared for selling and implementation.

M.K.: Do I understand correctly that if a high-speed or super-speed SkyWay for intercity traffic can be compared with a transport artery, then this one is a transport capillary?

Y.K.: Well, perhaps, you're right. It's a matter of choice to call it any way. Functionally, it is a lightweight and affordable transport that has to pass right to a consumer in each house.

M.K.: Thank you very much, Yury, for the most interesting interview. Wish you success. I'm not going to distract you from the main work longer. Thank you very much.

Y.K.: Thank you, too.

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