Elevator Modernization Project in Colombia
This elevator modernization project in Colombia involved upgrading an older Andino elevator while retaining selected parts of the existing installation.
The customer chose to retain the existing elevator car, guide rails, and landing doors. The major mechanical, electrical, and control systems were replaced, including the original geared worm-wheel traction machine, which was upgraded to a permanent-magnet synchronous gearless traction machine.
With these components remaining in service, interface compatibility became the main engineering requirement. Instead of applying a standard modernization package, EKCNE developed the replacement equipment around the measured shaft conditions and the existing components selected for reuse.
Project Overview
- Project market: Colombia
- Existing elevator brand: Andino
- Project type: Elevator modernization
- Floors served: 7
- Rated load: 300 kg
- Rated speed: 1.0 m/s
- Overhead: Approx. 4456 mm
- Pit depth: Approx. 1290 mm
- Retained components: Existing car, guide rails, and landing doors
- Replacement scope: Major mechanical, electrical, and control systems
- Original traction machine: Geared worm-wheel traction machine
- New traction machine: Permanent-magnet synchronous gearless traction machine
Modernizing Around Existing Equipment
Partial-retention modernization starts with the existing elevator and its actual site conditions rather than a new-installation specification.
Because the car, guide rails, and landing doors were retained, their dimensions, positions, condition, and connection interfaces became fixed inputs for the replacement-system design.
Before reuse is confirmed, each retained component needs to be evaluated for condition, compatibility, and suitability for continued service under the final modernization configuration and applicable requirements.
This approach allows the replacement equipment to be engineered around existing building and elevator interfaces instead of requiring the shaft to be redesigned around a standard package.
Upgrading From Geared to Gearless Traction
The original Andino elevator used a geared worm-wheel traction machine.
The modernization replaced it with a permanent-magnet synchronous gearless traction machine. Removing the worm-gear transmission stage changes the traction-machine configuration while allowing the broader modernization to proceed around the retained elevator components.
For this project, the traction system was therefore upgraded without requiring replacement of the existing car, guide rails, or landing-door arrangement.
Matching the New System to the Existing Car
Retaining the elevator car reduces the replacement scope but makes the car-to-system interfaces part of the new design.
The replacement traction, suspension, control, and safety-related equipment had to be coordinated with the existing car geometry and connection conditions.
The engineering review therefore included:
- Car dimensions and position
- Guide-rail spacing
- Available running clearances
- Suspension arrangement
- Connection interfaces
- Counterweight arrangement
These checks establish how the replacement equipment can be integrated without unnecessarily replacing the existing car.
Reusing the Existing Guide Rails
The existing guide rails were also included in the customer’s retention scope.
Their position and spacing therefore became design constraints for the modernization. Before continued use, the rails need to be checked for condition, alignment, fixing conditions, dimensions, and compatibility with the new system.
Suitable rail reuse can reduce demolition and reconstruction work, but it increases the importance of accurate measurement and interface verification.
Coordinating With Existing Landing Doors
Retaining existing landing doors requires the replacement elevator system to work with the established landing positions and building openings.
The modernization therefore had to account for the existing entrance dimensions, landing-door positions, and relevant door control interfaces rather than introducing an entirely new landing-door arrangement.
The final door integration depends on the retained door configuration and its compatibility with the replacement control and operating system.
Working Within the Existing Shaft
The modernized elevator was configured for a 300 kg rated load, 1.0 m/s rated speed, and seven-storey service.
The approximately 4456 mm overhead and 1290 mm pit depth were existing structural conditions that the replacement system had to accommodate. Unlike a new installation, these dimensions could not simply be redefined during equipment selection.
This makes verified shaft measurement an important early input for modernization engineering.
Site Measurement and Interface Confirmation
Accurate site information establishes the boundaries for replacement equipment.
For this project, the technical confirmation covered:
- Existing shaft dimensions
- Guide-rail positions and spacing
- Existing car dimensions and interfaces
- Landing-door positions and openings
- Overhead and pit dimensions
- Floor and stop arrangement
- Traction-machine installation conditions
- Suspension and counterweight arrangement
- Control-system interfaces
- Required operating and safety functions
The modernization drawings can then be developed around these confirmed conditions before replacement equipment enters production.
Project-Specific Replacement Scope
Modernization does not necessarily require complete replacement of the elevator.
In this project, the customer retained the car, guide rails, and landing doors while replacing the remaining major systems. The upgrade therefore focused on the drive, control, electrical, and other required operating systems.
The final retention and replacement scope depends on the condition of the existing components, their compatibility with the new configuration, and applicable local requirements.
Manufacturing and Overseas Project Coordination
After the site conditions, retained-component interfaces, and modernization drawings are confirmed, EKCNE manufactures the replacement equipment according to the project-specific configuration.
Factory inspection needs to consider both individual equipment quality and interface conformity. The supplied components must correspond to the dimensions and connection conditions established during the modernization design.
For overseas projects, EKCNE can provide replacement equipment, technical drawings, and remote technical coordination. The local project team remains responsible for on-site dismantling, installation, construction work, inspection, and applicable local compliance requirements.
This division allows local elevator companies, contractors, and distributors to combine their installation capability with project-specific modernization equipment.
Project Value
This Colombia project demonstrates the engineering requirements of partial elevator modernization.
The customer retained the existing car, guide rails, and landing doors while replacing the major mechanical, electrical, and control systems, including the original geared worm-wheel traction machine.
The main challenge was therefore not simply selecting newer equipment. The replacement traction, suspension, control, electrical, and safety-related systems had to be coordinated with the existing shaft and the components selected for reuse.
For modernization contractors and local elevator companies, this approach provides a route for upgrading an existing elevator when selected components remain suitable for continued service and complete replacement is not required.
FAQ
Can an old elevator be modernized without replacing every component?
Yes. Selected components can remain when their condition, interfaces, and applicable requirements support continued use. The final retention scope should be established during the modernization assessment.
Can the existing elevator car be retained?
Yes, when its condition and interfaces are compatible with the replacement system. The existing car was part of the confirmed retention scope in this Colombia project.
Can existing guide rails be reused?
Existing guide rails can be considered for reuse after their condition, alignment, fixing conditions, dimensions, and compatibility with the modernization design have been evaluated.
Can a geared traction machine be replaced with a gearless machine?
Yes. In this project, the original geared worm-wheel traction machine was replaced with a permanent-magnet synchronous gearless traction machine as part of the modernization.
Why is site measurement critical for elevator modernization?
Existing shaft dimensions and retained components create fixed design boundaries. Accurate measurements allow the replacement equipment and interfaces to be developed around actual conditions rather than assumptions.
Who handles installation for overseas modernization projects?
EKCNE supplies project-specific replacement equipment, drawings, and remote technical coordination. The customer’s local team handles dismantling, installation, construction work, inspection, and applicable local compliance requirements.
