Hydraulic Elevator Modernization – Chicago, IL

 

We recently started a 3 car hydraulic elevator modernization at a group of buildings with Westinghouse relay logic controls. We started working with the building in 2018, taking over from Schindler. The building was having a lot of problems and wanted a new look at the elevators, but where not ready to modernize yet. We quieted down the problems and the cars where running really well. 

The building had time to plan for modernization and where ready to pull the trigger on the elevator modernization in late 2022 for a 2023 delivery. They hired an elevator consultant who solicited multiple bids from elevator contractors. In the end, the building choose to work with Colley based on our positive ongoing relationship and competitive modernization pricing 

Existing elevator & project scope – We replaced the elevator controller, fixtures, door operators w/associated door equipment and hydraulic power unit. 

New equipment providers

Controllers – Smartrise Engineering

Door operators – GAL MOVFR w/new Adams/Westinghouse hatch door equipment

Fixtures – Innovation Industries

Power unit – MEI w/Maxton valves

Cab interior – Cabworks

Hatch and car doors – Peelle Company 

Elevator controller – The existing elevator had Westinghouse relay logic controllers which were very popular in the Chicago market. Great when they are working great; when they begin to have issues they have a lot of failure points. That's the nature of a relay logic control system with so many contact points and wires. We installed a Smartrise Hydraulic Elevator controller with Siemens solid state starter.

 

[Existing Westinghouse relay logic elevator controller] 

[New Smartrise hydraulic elevator controller] 

Elevator door operators – We replaced the original Westinghouse door equipment that had the 3 micro switches on the open and close. We put a new GAL MOVFR door operator on, replaced the Westinghouse hatch equipment with new Westinghouse hatch equipment, and new GAL door tracks and car door equipment. The cabs are tall cabs.

[The spec called for new door tracks and new car doors]

[New hatch doors from Peelle Company]

Elevator fixtures – We installed Innovation Industries hall and car fixtures to replace the original Westinghouse fixtures. We used some cool bar buttons and have future considerations for a security fob.

 

[Existing Westinghouse car operating panel] 

[New Innovation Industries car operating panel] 

Hydraulic power unit – We removed the Westinghouse submersible power unit with an EECO UV5 valve. The new equipment is an  MEI submersible power unit with a Maxton UC4 valve.

 

[New machine room & submersible power unit from MEI w/Maxton UC4 valve] 

Elevator interiors – Chicago’s own Cabworks did an interior refresh on the elevators.

[Existing cab interior before modernization] 

 

[New cab interior by Cabworks] 

Attention to detail – The team who completed this work did a great job on the big parts of the project as well as the non-essential parts. One of the stand out items were their painting of the elevator pit which put the finishing touches on this great elevator modernization.

[Pit equipment pre-MOD] 

[Pit equipment post-MOD] 

Turnkey – The building wanted a turnkey project and we had great partners to complete our fire alarm and electrical components. The elevator was inspected without a punch list by the City of Chicago Building Department on its first inspection.

Take away – We encourage building owners take a proactive approach to equipment replacement. When equipment gets to 20-30 years old and a building’s expectations are that the elevators are to run reliably, it's a good idea to start thinking about when your equipment should be replaced and develop a plan.

Team work– The sales person and the project team who finishes typically get the glory on a project. In between the initial contract sale and the final acceptance are many other people who work on the project to make it successful. From the truck driver to the engineer to the billing department to the assistance when needed, 14 Colley Elevator employees where involved in the project and we had tremendous team work. Thank you everyone. Without you we would not have had such a successful delivery! Thanks also to our great material supplier participation!

If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.