What Is an Elevator Buffer?
The elevator buffer is a mechanical device used to protect an elevator from the effects of vibration. It consists of an attachment base 11 with a cylinder filled with oil and a cylindrical plunger that can reciprocate in axial direction. This device also helps to dissipate energy generated by an elevator. This type of device should have minimum stroke requirements and a non-removable information label. For more information on elevator buffers, read the following article.
Energy dissipation elevator oil buffers
A hydraulic energy dissipation elevator oil buffer is designed to absorb the kinetic energy of an elevator car or loaded cabin while minimizing its impact on the counterweight. In order to be considered energy efficient, it must be easy to adjust the level of oil within the buffer. It should be suitable for all speed groups. It should also be equipped with a safety switch. It is important to use energy dissipation elevator oil buffers whenever the elevator’s speed exceeds one mph. In addition, the oil level of the buffer must not become permanent after impact.
These oil buffers are designed to allow for easy installation on elevator cars and counterweights. They are sealed to avoid leakage and are maintenance free. EECO can help you find the right oil buffers for your elevator project. To know if an elevator is energy dissipation-friendly, contact an EECO representative. The company can help you find the right oil buffer springs for your project.
The type of energy dissipation elevator oil buffers varies depending on the rated speed of the elevator. Energy accumulation elevator oil buffers have nonlinear properties. They can handle loads ranging from 500kg to three thousand kilograms. The impact speed of these buffers is between one and two m/s. They are provided with a maximum and minimum oil indicator. The type of oil used in the elevator is a hydraulic fluid, which has a viscosity of 4.6 degE at fifty degrees Celsius.
The freefall distance of the elevator should be at least a third of its full stroke. This is a crucial factor to consider when selecting an elevator oil buffer. This distance is an important criterion for determining the height and size of the buffer. However, it is difficult to determine the exact height of the buffer for an elevator that is under-loaded, since the passengers may feel deceleration at a lower speed.
There are several requirements that apply to the design of an energy dissipation elevator oil buffer. The minimum and maximum load levels for each type must be approved. Additionally, they must be able to determine the level of oil within the permitted limits. Besides the above requirements, oil buffers must be approved by the Division of Industrial Safety. A representative of the division must certify the oil buffers for safe use. Alternatively, a certified test report is acceptable.
As an energy dissipation elevator oil buffer, the spring-return type of the spring must return to a fully extended position after a compression of two inches or more. The counterweight buffer must also contain a switch connected to a control circuit. When the plunger returns to the normal position, the elevator car will not exceed half of its rated speed. The springs and the oil buffers are designed with different safety criteria in mind.
Minimum stroke requirements
When installing an elevator buffer, the height of the installation is dictated by the required minimum stroke. This force must be applied throughout the entire stroke. Some elevators are built with an emergency terminal speed limiting device, which can reduce the size of the buffer. Minimum strokes are also specified under code requirements. For example, EN81 requires a minimum stroke of 420mm for a 50 percent calculation and 540mm for a 33.33 percent calculation.
Elevator buffers can exert very high decelerations within 0.04% of a second. If a buffer was able to decelerate 6.25g over 0.04 seconds, it would change the velocity of the elevator by 2.5m/s. This is a very small change in velocity, but it’s still a necessary safety criterion for elevators. However, the limiting performance criteria for an elevator buffer are higher than these.
Elevator buffers are vital safety devices that prevent an elevator from free-falling into the basement. The minimum stroke requirement of an elevator buffer varies depending on its type and operating velocity. Energy-accumulating buffers, which use springs, store energy during the initial movement, and dissipate that energy on the return movement. This means that two separate requirements must be met. A buffer with buffered return movement is best for elevators that travel less than 1.6m/s.
In addition to the minimum stroke requirements, the elevator buffer should meet other safety and performance requirements. For example, a spring-return buffer must meet Section 3019.1.2, and must be mounted so that the spring will be compressed before the car reaches the support. In addition, the counterweight and car must be based on Design Section 3108. For new installations, a reduced stroke oil buffer can meet all of these requirements as long as they are based on the required size.
Despite the fact that an elevator buffer is an emergency only device, it is essential to have a minimum stroke. In addition, it is imperative that the elevator buffer can stop the elevator in case of emergency. Fortunately, the European standard 81-20/50 indicates the highest level of qualification for elevator buffers. The minimum stroke requirements for elevator buffers, therefore, may differ depending on the type of elevator and the manufacturer. You should inspect your elevator buffer at least once a year. If you own a hydraulic elevator buffer, it’s also essential to check the oil level on the buffer.
The pit buffer assembly is designed to meet the minimum stroke requirements for elevators. It combines conventional elevator components, such as the pit and cab frame. The pit buffer assembly is designed to provide a deceleration stroke of less than 30 feet and is typically composed of spring and oil buffers. The pit buffer assembly may be used to prevent elevators from exceeding the speed limit specified for the elevator system. It may also be modified to handle ultra-high-speed elevator systems.
Non-removable information label
The non-removable information label for elevator buffers provides important safety information and is crucial to avoid suffocation during a trip. A non-removable label is a permanent fixture on the elevator buffer, which must be inspected every six months for proper maintenance. For hydraulic buffers, oil level should be checked regularly. If the information label is removed, the safety of the elevator or the passengers are in jeopardy.
In order to remain safe, elevator buffers must meet strict requirements to keep average deceleration below one g. They should never allow more than 2.5 g for more than 40 milliseconds. This makes them fully compliant with the elevator code. In addition, these buffers must be easily removed in case of emergencies. To make sure you are safe, check out the following tips: