Xpertisys’ newly developed EL16 automated pumping system, designed to combat water ingress and damp in lift shafts, has been officially certified by Liftinstituut. Managing Director Chris Banis and Operational Manager Jim Vodegel are delighted with the result. Jim explains: “I’ve worked with certification bodies before, but Liftinstituut has truly exceeded our expectations – in knowledge, in guidance and in the way they communicate.”
Tackling a growing problem
In recent years, heavy rainfall and rising groundwater levels have increasingly caused lift pits to flood. Building owners and managers face the task of addressing the problem promptly to avoid corrosion, which can compromise safety and lead to significant maintenance and repair costs.
Chris notes: “Even aside from the risk of rust, water in the shaft can pose hazards for those working there – for example, lift maintenance engineers and inspectors.” Traditionally, the solution has been to hire a specialist company to pump the shaft dry – a process costing €500 to €1,000 each time and putting the lift out of service, often to the frustration of building users.
No human intervention required
The concept for the EL16 came from a client at a technical maintenance company. She asked if Xpertisys, as a supplier of smart water pump solutions, could design a system to keep lift shafts dry around the clock without the need for human intervention. Jim: “That request led us to develop the Xpertisys EL16 automated pumping system.”
The EL16 removes contaminated water from the lift pit, filters it, and pumps clean water outside. An online dashboard allows building owners and managers to monitor factors such as water level. The monitoring system is also available without a pump, providing a more budget-friendly solution. Extensions are possible as well: “For lift shafts with high humidity, we have developed a dehumidifier that can be connected to the pump system.” Maintenance is minimal: “The two filters require cleaning once a year, and the battery needs replacing – both of which can be done during regular servicing, eliminating extra downtime.”
Meeting strict safety standards
Because adding a pump to a lift shaft can present safety risks, Xpertisys chose to have the EL16 certified by Liftinstituut. “A building owner pointed out that such a product should be tested by a third-party certification body against the applicable safety standards. He recommended Liftinstituut,” Jim recalls. The collaboration was an immediate success. “From the very first meeting, the cooperation was smooth and pleasant. Certification specialist Azaad Santoe guided us, even during the design phase. He explained everything that really matters when it comes to ensuring safety in the lift shaft and lift pit.” Jim and Chris immediately put the knowledge Azaad shared into practice every time.
Overcoming design challenges
One of the biggest technical challenges was to create a unit no wider than 18 centimetres (7,1 inches), ensuring it would not obstruct personnel working in the pit. “It was very difficult to fit all the technology into such a compact space, but in the end we succeeded,” Chris says. After that hurdle, the certification process went smoothly. “We’d anticipated the certification process would take a year, but it was completed within seven months. Azaad responded incredibly quickly to our emails.” Jim adds: “I’ve worked with several certification bodies in the past, but Liftinstituut truly stands out – in communication, speed of response and expertise. Thanks to Azaad’s guidance, I’m confident our product will be a success.”
Ready for launch
With their patented lift shaft pump, Jim and Chris believe they have something unique: “The basic idea is simple, yet nothing like this exists anywhere in the world. We’ve already installed the Xpertisys EL16 in two buildings, and we’ll soon launch a social-media campaign in the Netherlands targeting building owners, managers and lift consultants. Our ambition is to introduce the product to Europe and the rest of the world. With the certificate from the globally respected Liftinstituut, we have solid proof of its safety.”