Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators

In the days before email, you might remember businesses in large buildings using pneumatic tubes to send messages and documents. This system is still used at banks at the drive thru and some factories to send parts to different areas. Well this same pneumatic system is now being used for residential elevators. Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators (PVE) of Medley, Florida is manufacturing these elevators in a cost and space saving way.

Current Elevators: What It Takes
Elevators in a residential setting is usually a big undertaking. A large footprint for a shaft first needs to determined. Then there’s the electrical and mechanical installation. All of which can cost a lot and take a long time to construct. Continued maintenance and inspections are also part of the package with standard elevators. PVE elevators can be a better option and solves some of the previous issues mentioned.

PVE Advantages
First is the space needed for the elevator. Instead of constructing a shaft, PVE elevators are self supporting tubes with no pit. So the size of the cab is basically the footprint size and holes just need to made in between floors. Installation time is also comparatively fast with only 1-2 days needed. Electrical usage is minimal with energy only used when going up. Gravity and air pressure is only needed when going down. Finally, scheduled maintenance is only needed every five years to replace the main seal.

What’s In The Tube
As mentioned before, PVE elevators work like the messaging pneumatic tubes. At the top of the tube is an air flow system that creates a vacuum and pulls the cab up at a steady rate. Then as mentioned before, gravity and the air pressure below the cab are used when going down. The cab is guided by rod shaped rails that are attached to the tube. PVE offers 1-3 person elevators with 2-4 level stops. For wheelchair users, the 3 person elevator is recommended because of the cab size and 32 inch wide door.

Conclusion
If you’re looking to add elevator access to your home, these elevators by PVE are a good consideration. Easy to install and cost effective. Plus I think the look is pretty sleek and modern. You will also want to check with your local building code authority to make sure these elevators are compliant in your area. For lots more information and pictures about Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators, visit www.VacuumElevators.com.