Pneumatic Elevators
Typically, pneumatic elevators are used for structures they'll higher than four stories because they are operated solely through changes in air pressure. There are no pulleys or cables involved at all so when looking at them for the first time it appears to be magic. At least a small child looking at these clear elevators, it appears that they're going up and down as if by magic. In reality, is simply a change in air pressure which causes the elevator to ascend or descend. They're not built to carry a great deal of weight so they are not intended for industrial use. Most often you will see pneumatic elevators within private residential structures.
How They Work
There are actually three main components in pneumatic elevators which consist in a clear cylinder, the passenger car and the vacuum turbines. The passenger car is actually a clear cylinder within the main cylinder and eight provides a 360° view while riding up and down the elevator. When the passenger car needs to ascend the vacuum turbines reduced air pressure above the passenger car within the main cylinder so that in effect is drawn upward. When the passenger car needs to descend pressure is gradually released below the cabin so that it begins to move downward. It is actually quite safe and there are many failsafes built into pneumatic elevators, such as locks at each floor. Should there be a power failure is failsafe kicks in and the elevator is locked into position at the nearest floor.
Benefits of Pneumatic Elevators
One of the main benefits of pneumatic elevators is the fact that they used such a little bit of power. In fact, they used absolutely no power while descending and because of this they are considered to be one of the most innovative "green products" on the market. Another benefit of pneumatic elevators is the fact that they are the most easily installed type of elevator to add to an existing structure. There is no need to dig beneath the floor to assemble any type of hydraulics and of course there are no pulleys or cables. They require very little space and most often are built to accommodate between one and three passengers only. Also, because of their space saving feature, they can be installed literally anywhere within the building. However, with all the benefits it should be mentioned that the one disadvantage is in fact that they need to be regularly cleaned because air kicks up a lot of dust.
Whether you need to add an elevator to an existing structure or are building one into a new construction they are among the most easily installed. Actually, pneumatic elevators probably are the most easily installed simply because there are no cables are pulleys and no hydraulics that have to be built underground. There are a number of manufacturers who build and install pneumatic elevators and in order to find one in your area it is simply a matter of the quick online search.