This Algeria project involved two indoor escalators for continuous passenger circulation within a building.
Each unit was configured with a 5700 mm vertical rise, 1000 mm step width, 0.5 m/s rated speed, and 35° inclination. These dimensions established the basic operating geometry, while the truss, drive system, step chain, guide rails, handrail, comb plate, lubrication system, and safety circuit had to be coordinated around the same configuration.
EKCNE confirmed these operating and installation requirements before manufacturing.
Project Configuration
- Project market: Algeria
- Equipment: Indoor escalator
- Quantity: 2 units
- Model: ML-35B1000-0.5
- Step width: 1000 mm
- Rated speed: 0.5 m/s
- Vertical rise: 5700 mm
- Inclination: 35°
- Main power supply: 380 V, three phase
- Balustrade: Slim-type transparent glass
Engineering the Truss for a 5.7 m Rise
The truss provides the structural framework for the drive system, step tracks, balustrade, and operating loads.
For the 5.7 m vertical rise, EKCNE used a welded structure made from high-strength rectangular steel sections, with a project deflection reference of 1/750.
Truss rigidity and dimensional consistency are important for maintaining the relative alignment of the step tracks, transmission components, and passenger-facing structures during operation.
Drive and Control System
The escalators use an integrated drive arrangement combining the motor, reducer, and double-row chain transmission.
Variable-frequency control and PLC-based logic manage the operating system. The electrical configuration was matched to the project’s 380 V three-phase power supply before production.
The drive and control system therefore had to be coordinated with the escalator’s continuous operating requirements rather than treated as an isolated electrical package.
Step Chain, Steps, and Guide Rails
Step movement depends on the coordinated operation of the step chain, sprockets, rollers, and guide rails.
The upper and lower curved guide sections use an integrated structure, while galvanized guide rails are used along the straight sections. Rotational assemblies are processed for alignment so the steps follow the intended running path without abnormal contact with the skirt or comb areas.
The steps use anti-slip tread surfaces with visible yellow boundary lines to define the passenger standing area.
Handrail and Glass Balustrade System
The passenger-facing system combines handrail guidance with a slim architectural profile for indoor installation.
The project includes:
- Black vulcanized-rubber handrails reinforced with internal steel wires
- Friction-wheel handrail drive
- Hairline stainless-steel handrail guides and interior components
- 10 mm clear tempered-glass balustrade panels
- Slim-type balustrade structure
The handrail is part of the operating system rather than only a decorative element. Its movement must remain coordinated with the escalator, while the glass balustrade provides the specified passenger-facing enclosure.
Automatic Lubrication for Continuous Operation
Continuous escalator operation places repeated loads on the step chain and other moving components.
Both units therefore include automatic lubrication. Lubrication intervals can be configured according to operating conditions, allowing regular lubrication while reducing the need for repeated manual intervention.
Escalator-Specific Safety Protection
Escalators present passenger-contact risks around moving steps, handrails, comb plates, and skirt areas. The project therefore uses a safety circuit covering key transmission, passenger-contact, and operating conditions.
The protection functions include:
- Drive-chain breakage or excessive elongation
- Phase loss and incorrect phase sequence
- Step-chain breakage or excessive elongation
- Foreign objects at handrail entrances
- Motor overload
- Comb-plate impact and comb-tooth abnormalities
- Abnormal contact in the step-to-skirt area
- Step sagging or missing steps
- Handrail breakage or abnormal handrail speed
- Overspeed
- Emergency stopping
- Fault display for maintenance diagnostics
These functions monitor the principal moving interfaces and transmission components and provide corresponding protection when abnormal conditions are detected.
Why 1000 mm Steps and 0.5 m/s?
Step width and rated speed are two of the main parameters defining passenger movement through an escalator.
For this project, the 1000 mm step width establishes the specified passenger standing area, while the 0.5 m/s rated speed defines the operating speed for boarding, transportation, and alighting.
Combined with the 35° inclination and 5700 mm vertical rise, these parameters define the operating geometry that was confirmed before manufacturing.
Project Confirmation and Manufacturing Control
Escalator production begins after the installation geometry and operating requirements have been confirmed.
For this project, EKCNE coordinated:
- Vertical rise
- Inclination
- Step width
- Operating speed
- Support dimensions
- Entrance arrangement
- Finishing requirements
- Main power supply
- Control configuration
During production, the truss, guide system, step-chain assembly, drive components, balustrade, and safety-control components were checked against the confirmed project configuration before packing and shipment.
This project-specific verification helps reduce dimensional and system coordination issues during installation.
Project Value
The Algeria project demonstrates the importance of treating an indoor escalator as an integrated transportation system.
The 5.7 m rise, 1000 mm step width, 0.5 m/s speed, and 35° inclination establish the main operating geometry. Reliable operation also depends on the compatibility of the supporting truss, transmission, step chain, guide rails, handrail, balustrade, lubrication system, and safety protections.
For distributors, contractors, and local elevator companies, confirming these interfaces before manufacturing can make installation requirements clearer and provide a more defined basis for subsequent maintenance.
FAQ
Why is the truss important in an escalator project?
The truss supports the drive system, step tracks, balustrade, and operating loads. Its structural rigidity and dimensional accuracy affect the alignment of these components throughout the escalator.
What does the step-chain safety system monitor?
The safety circuit monitors conditions including step-chain breakage and excessive elongation. The escalator stops when the corresponding protection device is activated.
Why are comb and skirt protections important?
The comb and skirt areas are direct passenger-contact interfaces on an escalator. The specified protection devices help detect abnormal contact or foreign objects and initiate a stop when the corresponding condition is detected.
Does this escalator include automatic lubrication?
Yes. Both escalators include automatic lubrication for relevant moving components, with lubrication intervals configured according to the operating conditions.
What power supply does this Algeria project use?
Both escalators were configured for a 380 V three-phase main power supply.
