Anatomy of a hydraulic elevator – Hole less hydraulic

We will have a series of posts for a few different elevator anatomies; Second will be a holeless hydraulic elevator.  Holeless hydraulic elevators thrive in lower rise applications when there is a single stage jack.  They manufacturer 2 and 3 stage holeless elevator as well for larger travel applications.  The cylinders are typically on the sides of the elevator next to the rails.

Elevator controller – Most hydraulic elevator controllers will have the same functionality with slight differences based on if it is a borehole, single stage holeless, multi stage holeless or MRL.  See a picture of a basic hydraulic elevator controller.  

Motor starter – The motor starter is allows the elevator’s pump motor to run in the up direction.  There are a few different options.  In new installations you should have a solid state starter installed.

Elevator door operator – The door operator is what opens and closes the elevator car doors.  When the car door opens and closes it has a clutch that will pick up hatch door equipment and allow it the open and close.  If an automatic passenger elevator is not at the floor it is nearly impossible for the hatch doors to open by themselves.

Elevator power unit – The elevator power unit has a pump, motor, valve, muffler and hydraulic fluid.  There are two main types of power units;

Dry hydraulic power unit – Typically the pump motor and valve are under the tank.  Appropriate application is for higher capacity elevators, higher travel and anything above 40HP or where you have hydraulic noise concerns.

Submersible power unit – The pump and motor are submerged in oil and the valve is on top of the tank or in the tank above the oil. Appropriate application is for lower capacity elevators, lower travel and anything 40HP and below where you do not have hydraulic noise concerns.

Hole less hydraulic cylinder – A holeless hydraulic elevator cylinder became popular after we realized that lower rise buildings can install these without underground condition risks.

            Positives

No underground condition risks – No well hole

                      Lower rise applications are easier to install – less expensive

                      No well hole driller - less risk and expense 

            Negatives

Limited in travel – Just because they sell them doesn’t mean it is a good idea                  

Multiple piston seals – more potential repairs

If you have a wet pit it will still rust the cylinder and require replacement of cylinders – If cylinder manufacturer is no longer around it creates challenges for replacement based on space available.

Take away – A holeless hydraulic elevator is a great option for some applications[lower rise, lower capacity].  When sizing an elevator make sure you are getting the correct application for your building’s needs.  Just because they make it doesn’t mean it is a good idea to have installed in your building long term. 

Credit - https://www.meiusa.com/ - Minnesota Elevator sells a full line of hydraulic elevator systems.

As always feel free to contact us at www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.