Print this page
Email this to a friend
Discuss this article (0 Comments)Working on many levels
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Saturday, 03 November 2007
zoom
Steepling high-rise towers, with the average tower being built in Dubai reaching ever-increasing heights, are placing greater strain on those companies whose task it is to transport people within them. Throw in the intrinsic lack of skilled workers that is afflicting all sectors of construction in the region, and it is patently clear that lift and escalatorcompanies are facing as great a challenge as any company.
And it is not just tall towers that present issues. Typically, current deadlines mean contractors are placing unrealistic delivery times on equipment and installation. Yusef Shalabi, general manager, OTIS Middle East says: "Dealing with super high-rise building requirements is still a challenge. The other challenges being faced include supplying equipment for very large projects in a very short space of time." For example, Shalabi points to the Meydan project, where the contract called for the supply and installation of 245 elevators and escalators in a period of 15 months, a job that in the present climate, will be difficult to meet. "It is practically impossible under the present circumstances," he adds.
It is Shalabi's belief, however, that those responsible for the design of the towers and developments that are appearing throughout the emirate, could assist elevator companies by pursuing a more integrated approach to ensure that they work together towards a common goal. And when questioned, it is clear how much communication there is with consultants and designers. "None whatsoever," he says. "Nearly all designs and requirements are finalised by the architect or designer prior to the issuing of the tender. Some large projects use a VT (vertical transportation) consultant to come up with their design, but these are few and the quality of some of the VT consultants practising in the area leaves a lot to be desired. Most are of the ‘cut and paste' variety."
The company has continued to innovate, however, and has expanded the range of belt-driven, machine room-less elevators, which has become the most popular in the world. A fortnight ago, the company celebrated the sale of the 100,000th unit of this type of elevator. It is a green model with no lubrication required for belts - which replace traditional steel ropes - and a smaller machine with less power consumption. OTIS has also introduced a new model escalator, Link, which also incorporates features like reduced power consumption and less lubrication. Furthermore, in July this year, the company inaugurated a brand new, state-of-the-art factory in Tianjin, China, which is considered the most ecologically friendly elevator and escalator factory in the world. It also secured a US $14 million (AED 51million) contract to supply and install 136 escalators and 41 elevators for the Number 10 line of the Beijing subway. The units will be installed in all 26 stations of the 32.9km line designed to serve the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
Generally, elevator technology has improved significantly with the introduction in recent years of destination selection control. The system works with a touch-screen operating panel, placed outside the cabin in the lobby of the building. By entering the desired floor, the passenger will be informed which elevator will take them to their destination the quickest. "The main advantage of this system is that it improves the efficiency of the elevators by up to 25%," says DM Nehru, manager, field support, Kone. "They will take you to the floor you want to go to quicker. So one elevator will be designated floors one, two and three, for example and another will stop at floors four, five and six. It also gives the architect or the building owner the option of placing the elevators anywhere in the building they want rather than having them positioned next to each other."
This increase in efficiency means that the amount of elevators needed in a building can be reduced, freeing up more floor space to let. It can also result in considerable gain time and raised productivity in the office. The one problem, as far as Nehru can see, is educating passengers on using the new technology. "Obviously, new users might find it difficult at first to understand the buttons are on the outside of the lift, but this is down to education and to the building manager to inform the general public that this is how the elevators operate," he adds.
Mobile
EMIRATES ID DOWNLOAD
