Secure, Clean and In Control

New and upgraded solutions provide an array of benefits.

Remotely Programmable MRL System

Arkel has developed ARMAXX, the world’s smallest remotely programmable box machine-room-less (MRL) system. Users find the system compact, lightweight and ready to install, with contactless design and a STO (Safe Torque Off) function. The system comes with a mobile app interface that offers excellent travel comfort, thanks to ARMAXX’s direct landing design. Among its features:

• Customizable modular software and hardware options
• Reduced connecting cables
• IoT connection technologies (GSM, Wi-Fi, Ethernet)
• Small, lightweight and ready to install
• Compatible with EN 81-1+A3, 81-20, 81-28 standards
• Mobile app interface
• Integrated emergency rescue system
• Contactless design with STO function
• All in one (UPS and battery, inverter and control card)
• Arkel says the ARMAXX system reduces connecting cables, which results in energy savings.

Cold Plasma Sterilization Technology

U.K. tech firm, OXONOX, unveiled the world’s first sterilization products using controlled plasma for lifts and escalators — AirLift and AirStair — at Liftex International in October, having secured global patent rights for the world’s first use of cold plasma technology in the elevator and escalator market.

OXONOX AirLift significantly reduces the risk of infection transmission in lifts, providing round-the-clock protection against bacteria and viruses by diluting the cabin with ultra-cleansed air. AirLift uses controlled plasma technology to fill the enclosed area with totally germ-free air at a rate of 92 cubic m, or roughly 20-30 air changes, per hour. By dilution, the process reduces the microbiological load in the lift space, which could be potentially carrying pathogens, including viruses, by over 90% according to independent testing.

Designed for escalators and moving walkways, AirStair sits underneath the escalator, automatically and permanently sterilizing handrails with up to a 99.999% kill rate. It works all day, every day by directing controlled plasma onto the handrail, killing germs instantly. The high-energy bioactive plasma particles permeate and penetrate surfaces for complete coverage, reaching places that disinfectants and UV light cannot. Most importantly, if a handrail was to be infected during the day, the infected area of the rail would be treated by AirStair in the very next revolution, reducing the risk of anyone catching an infection from a handrail.

Improved Safety Relay Modules, Solenoid Interlocks and More

Wuppertal, Germany-headquartered Schmersal Group is showcasing improved iterations of its SRB-E series of safety relay modules, solenoid interlocks AZM161 and AZM300 and Safety Fieldbox at the SBS (Smart Production Solutions) trade show in Nuremberg this month. Lifts compliant with the Lift or Machinery Directive can use the SRB-E safety relay modules, as well as solenoid interlocks AZM161 and AZM300. The SRB-E series is designed to optimize safety, usability and flexibility. The safety relay modules are suitable for use on lift systems in wind turbines, which, following changes to EN-81-44, are subject to new safety requirements. Combined with position switches and other Schmersal safety components, the relay modules can accomplish functions such as lift door monitoring in wind turbines, overload protection and direction monitoring. They can also operate as limit stops. 

The overhauled Safety Fieldbox allows different safety switchgear — from solenoid interlocks to safety sense and safety light barriers — to be decentrally connected and freely linked to the field. Unique to the device is the ability to connect up to four control panels with emergency stop buttons and as many as three non-failsafe command and signaling devices. This simplifies wiring, minimizes installation effort and enables wide-ranging diagnostic functions. Combining the AZM161 and AZM300 interlocks — which provide door-lock monitoring — with other components gives users “the perfect out-of-the-box” solution for older machinery, allowing them to guard against hazardous run-on movements of rotary machinery. AZM300 has been outfitted with a security-enhanced RFID (radio frequency identification) sensor.

Escalator Cleaning System

The Netherlands-based EscaTEQ, manufacturer of easy to use, cost effective escalator cleaning tools, now offers the new and improved Tread-TEQ, a maintenance cleaning system for escalator and moving walkway treads that was originally featured in Cleaning Systems for Escalator Treads. The updated system features a stronger and lighter injection molded head unit, a stronger and lighter thermoformed saturation trough with a cleaning solution fill line, a more reliable strap and carry system to make using Tread-TEQ even faster and an all new “level system” that allows for perfect alignment and faster, easier and more efficient cleaning. Tread-TEQ comes in three sizes: 60 cm, 80 cm and 100 cm. Tread-TEQ does not require the escalator to be shut off and does not require an external power source. It is similar to using a mop or broom, and Tread-TEQ can be cleaned for multiple uses.