Stanford University Medical Center's pneumatic tube system, one of the largest such networks in the world, will be on display March 20 as part of Obscura Day.
Capable of transporting a lab sample across the medical center in the blink of an eye, the tubular system consists of four miles of pipe, 124 stations and 29 blowers. Depending on the diameter of a tube, cylinders can reach speeds of up to 25 feet per second, or about 18 miles per hour.
Chief engineer Leander Robinson, pictured above, will explain how this incredible system works during a free tour of the tube network on Obscura Day. While the tour is currently full, you can add your name to the wait list.
Sponsored by Atlas Obscura, Obscura Day is a worldwide event featuring free back-room tours of curious places.
Previously: Totally tubular
Photo by Norbert von der Groeben
