What are Elevator Buffers
An elevator buffer is a mechanical accessory placed at the base of an elevator shaft. Its main intended use is safety. They are to act as shock absorbers. They counteract the effect of the energy produced by a falling elevator car. They serve the purpose of ensuring that the occupants of the elevator car or the car are safe from any potential harm. It is especially in the case of an emergency or a system malfunction.
In general, there are various categories of elevator buffers. It depends on their function and the elevator’s features, including speed and carrying capacity. They also often contain heavy-duty springs, hydraulic cylinders, or other elements that might work as shock absorbers.
They are also very effective in lowering the costs associated with the maintenance of and repairing elevator parts.
Types of Elevator Buffer
Elevator Oil Buffer
Elevator Oil buffers operate on hydraulic principle. It helps to decelerate the elevator car or counterweight during inertial gliding and bring it to a halt.
When the elevator strikes the buffer, hydraulic fluid is pumped through the orifices or valves.
It turns the kinetic energy into heat. This process makes sure that the deceleration is gradual and well measured.
Elevator Polyurethane Buffer
Elevator polyurethane buffers are sophisticated safety equipment. They are meant to cut and effectively translate the shock energy of an elevator car or counterweight.
They are famed for their reliability and performance. Also, their lack of need for frequent maintenance. They are available in very simple structures that do not harbor fluids or any complex parts.
Polyurethane buffers are mainly made of polyurethane or other elastomeric material. This is because of their ability to absorb impact energy. These materials, when ap
Elevator Spring Buffer
The elevator spring buffers are a safety measure. They help in absorbing the kinetic energy of the elevator car or the counterweight during collisions. They are usually installed in hydraulic elevators and the ones with low operational speed.
Spring buffers use mechanical springs to dampen the impact force during the functioning of elevators. When the elevator car or counterweight hits the buffer, the spring either compresses or elongates.
Another advantage of spring buffers is that they are long-wearing. They are resistant to chemicals and abrasion as well. They have a high resistance to energy impact with little bounce back.
What Is The Difference Between Them?
In general, oil buffers, polyurethane buffers, and spring buffers are types of safety devices. They can effectively help to diminish impacts and vibrations. But, these devices differ in several ways.
Principle of Operation
Oil buffers utilize hydraulic fluid to store energy. The energy is converted into heat. The fluid is driven through small orifices or valves, in this case.
Polyurethane buffers work by employing the elastic characteristic of polyurethane. It is a kind of synthetic rubber. It has elastic properties.
The material changes shape when a load is applied and reverts back to its original shape once the load is released.
Application
A hydraulic oil buffer is suitable for any elevator speed. Especially elevators traveling at speeds greater than 1m/s. Most elevators use oil buffers.
Polyurethane buffers are typically used for elevators with speeds less than or equal to 1m/s.
Spring buffer is suitable for very low-speed elevators. But may not provide a satisfactory ride experience for passengers.
Temperature
The hydraulic fluid used in the buffer must meet the viscosity requirements at the operating and starting temperatures.
The spring material must be able to withstand environmental effects. Effects like humidity, high temperature, and chemical corrosion to ensure long-term stable operation.
Polyurethane buffers are expected to operate reliably in typical elevator environments.
Maintenance
This means that it is important to inspect oil buffers routinely. The aim is to look for any leakage and the level of the fluid.
Less maintenance is required for polyurethane buffers compared to oil buffers. This is because there is no fluid to be replenished.
In most cases, spring buffers need little maintenance. They do not contain any fluids
Routine Inspections
For oil buffers, typical inspection would include; maintaining the oil level. This should be after participation in tests of nominal impact fatigue and after any exposure to flood.
There are also daily cleanings and paintings. This is necessary, if the buffers are located in the elevator pit where they can be easily damaged by water and flooding.
As for springs, regular checkups aimed at detecting signs of corrosion or damage to the springs are necessary for the spring buffers.
FAQs
What is buffer stroke?
A buffer stroke is the extent that a buffer can expand. This is to effectively cushion the force of a coming down elevator car. It ensures that it comes to a halt gently at the bottom of the shaft.
What is a buffer in an elevator?
A buffer in an elevator is a mechanical component. It is mounted on the bottom of the elevator well. Its main utilization is to decrease the falling rate of an elevator car. It is to ensure that the car does not crash and endanger the lives of people inside during an accidental situation or over-speed control.
Why do elevators have buffers?
There are buffers that are put in place to help in case of any force. A key example is in case of overspeeding or a sudden halt in operation.
What is a pit buffer?
A pit buffer is a short stretch of road that is used when the track is not long enough to accommodate any more vehicles. A pit buffer is a type of a buffer that is put in the lower zone of the elevator pit. Similar to other elevator buffers, it functions on the same principle. It helps to reduce the kinetic energy to minimum and protect passengers as well as the internal parts of the elevator.
Conclusion
Elevator buffers are among the safety components. It helps in improving the safety of passengers and the elevator system. Therefore, when it comes to the efficiency and performance of any elevator, understanding elevator buffers, their role, and categories has become essential. In conclusion, If you need one of the best spare elevator parts suppliers that offer a wide range of elevator spare parts, contact Dazen today.
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