Material Handling Systems

Conveying Systems

• Conveying systems are used to move people and freight in various applications such as restaurants, libraries, private homes, hotels, hospitals, and schools.

Types of Conveying Systems

• Conveyor Belts: continuous loops of material used to transport items horizontally or at a slight incline.
• Pneumatic Tubes: use air pressure to move cylindrical containers through a network of tubes.
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): mobile robots that transport materials around a facility without human intervention.
• Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs): a type of freight lift designed to move materials between floors.

Modern Innovations

• Automated systems with energy-efficient designs and advanced safety features.
• Safety measures include regular maintenance, emergency brakes, and alarm systems.

Conveying Systems in Buildings

• Types of conveying systems used in buildings include elevators, escalators, moving walkways, freight elevators, dumbwaiters, conveyor belts, pneumatic tubes, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs).

Elevators

• Vertical transport systems primarily used to move people between floors.
• Types of elevators include passenger elevators, service elevators, and freight elevators.
• Applications include high-rise buildings, hospitals, office buildings.

Escalators

• Moving staircases used to transport people between floors.
• Advantages include continuous movement and high capacity.
• Applications include shopping malls, airports, and metro stations.

Moving Walkways

• Horizontal or inclined conveyors for people.
• Advantages include ease of transportation over long distances and ideal for people with luggage.
• Applications include airports, large commercial spaces, and exhibition centers.

Freight Elevators

• Designed to transport goods and materials.
• Features include higher load capacity and are often used in warehouses, factories, and hospitals.
• Applications include industrial buildings, retail stores, factories, theatres, and warehouses.

Dumbwaiters

• Small freight elevators used for transporting food, laundry, and other small items.

Design Considerations

• Capacity: must accommodate peak loads, consider traffic flow patterns, and ensure accessibility.
• Speed: needs to be balanced for safety and efficiency.
• Safety: includes emergency stop mechanisms, proper lighting, clear signage, and handrails.

Energy Efficiency

• Systems should be designed to minimize energy use through efficient motors, controls, and materials handling.
• Control Systems: automation and real-time monitoring systems to track performance, detect issues, and perform predictive maintenance.

Environmental Considerations

• Systems should be designed to minimize noise, vibration, and other environmental impacts.