There
are two main types of elevator systems: traction and hydraulic.
Traction
elevators utilize steel ropes or belts on a pulley system. Hydraulic elevators
are powered by a hydraulic jack, which are fluid-driven pistons that travel
inside of a cylinder.
HOW DO HYDRAULIC
ELEVATORS
WORK?
Unlike
traction elevators, hydraulic systems don’t use overhead hoisting machinery.
Instead, these elevators use the compression of fluids to generate movement.
Hydraulic
lifts work on a basic principle: to go up, a pump pushes oil
into the cylinder, pushing the piston (which
pushes the lift car) up. To go down, the valve opens and oil
is allowed to flow back into the reservoir and is pushed back using the
gravitational force of the lift car.
The elevator cab is lifted by an electric motor that pumps oil into the cylinder to
move the piston. Hydraulic elevators also incorporate electrical valves to
control the release of oil for a gentle ride.
Advantages of hydraulic Elevator
·
Hydraulic Lifts are usually cheaper to install than the traction
variety.
·
It uses less electricity. Motor works only for upwards travel and
for downward travel only works the solenoid valves to control the flow of oil
·
They also occupy less space in a building, as the lift shaft
requires about 10 per cent less area.
·
These lifts are also more effective when high loads need to be
moved, as the hydraulics provide a greater lifting force than traction ropes.
Disadvantages of Hydraulic Elevator
·
One of the main disadvantages of a hydraulic elevator is its slow
speed. It usually cannot travel at speeds higher than 150 feet per minute (on
larger travels).
·
The performance of the oil as a hydraulic fluid varies with
temperature, so an efficient machine-room control system is necessary. This
type of elevator is a high-heat producing system.
·
The oil may also leak into the ground at the base of the elevator
and cause pollution in groundwater.
0 Comments