Elevator shaft drains, take them where ??
I've been involved with several projects in different states, and it seems to me that most places have no concrete written code on where you should take discharge from an elevator pit. Even when the elevator uses biodegradable oil, some municipalities like to try to make you put in an oil seperator, some want you to tie indirectly to the sanitary system, some want you to spill them to grade, etc.. the list goes on and on, and gets very frustrating, especially when you hear conflicting requirements in the same state ! Anyone else have any thoughts/ideas on this issue ? (I personally like connecting indirectly to the sanitary system myself.)
Drains (or sump pumps) are required in every pit to prevent accumulation of water, whether ground water, water from fire sprinklers or any other source.The direct connection to sewers is prohibited to prevent entrance of sewer gases.
The method of complying with these requirements is a non elevator matter and beyond the scope of the Elevator Code. The methods you mention would seem to be possible alternatives. Concrete Machinery
Well, better late than never....
The governing "standard" is the ASME Elevator Code, ASME A17.1. The code compliance path to ASME A17.1 in the IBC is section 3001.2. Most recognized codes reference ASME A17.1 for elevators.
ASME A 17.1 (2000), section 2.2.2 discusses the design and construction of pits. Paraphrasing, it requires a permanent means to prevent water build-up and a means to prevent water, gas, and odor build up into the pit (i.e., explosive methane from sewer gases). In other words, a sump pump or drain must be provided. Where the NBCC is being enforced, a pump can not be provided.
The pump or drain discharge must be indirect waste, discharge to grade, discharge to storm (where permitted by the AHJ) or otherwise prevent water, gas, or oders from entering the elevator shaft/pit.
Some AHJ's exceed their authority and require oil separators in the discharge. This is not a requirement in the Elevator Code nor nationally recognized Codes. A municipality could require it IF it has become local law. As one of our colleagues suggested, a pump with an oil sensor (e.g., Stancorpumps) may be prudent when the AHJ has concerns over the potential for oil in the pit.
Hope this is of assistance.
Our interpretation has been that hydraulic elevator pits should be pumped to drums and the fluid disposed of properly. If it is just water we pump them to the storm drain.
We have recently been using a pupm that detects hydraulic fluid. If it is just water it pumps and if fluid is detected it shuts the pump down, alarms and the owner needs to drop in a portable pump and pump it to containers.
the manufacturer web sit for these pumps is: http://stancorpumps.com/oil-minder2.htm
Hope this is of use.
Jim :idea:
for new information regarding the elvator drain pit issue you may wish to visit the following site.
http://www.jdlsales.com/ASME%20A17.1/ASMEIndex.htm
I hope this clears it up for you a little.
Scott
My "favorite" way to deal with elevator waste is to simply place a liquid level sensor in the pit, tie that into the BAS or an alarm, so that when the liquid level reaches a certain level, the waste is pumped out to a tanker truck or drum and disposed of at an approved location. I've worked on several projects where this has been the preferred method of the owner.
As with many of you, the conflicting directions and lack of a clear and concise requirement have led to many different ideas and installations. I have found that the "sump only" is required and that the pump is not. If a pump is installed, it could sit in that sump for 20 years and never operate. My solution for hydraulic elevator systems, has been to call for a portable pump to be used and the discharge to be contained in either drums or larger tanks depending on the quantity of water. Of course this is all up to the AHJ. When the AHJ mandates the pump, I call for a pump, piped drain, oil interceptor and either a dry well or storm drain termination. Traction type elevators (usually 10 or more floors), the chance of oil contamination is minimal and can be discharged to sanitary or storm, again, depending on the AHJ.