The Vertical Reciprocating Conveyer (VRC) Subcommittee of the Conveyor & Sortation Systems industry group is comprised of the industry’s leading suppliers of material lifts intended to meet the safety requirements of ASME B20.1 – Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment. These members design, manufacture, and install VRCs worldwide for use in a wide variety of industrial, commercial, and institutional operating environments.
A VRC is defined as a reciprocating (alternating up and down) power or gravity actuated lift that receives objects or material only (not designed to carry passengers or an operator) onto a carrier and then transmits these objects vertically between two or more fixed elevations.
Vertical reciprocating lifts, like other types of conveyor, are used to provide a more efficient movement and/or storage of material within a manufacturing, retail, wholesale, or distribution facility – especially where one or more overhead storage or process areas are utilized.
VRCs can be operated automatically or manually, and are available in a wide variety of lifting capacities, speeds, carrier footprint sizes, and compatibilities for virtually any operating environment (outdoor, explosion-proof, clean room, low or high temperatures, etc.).
VRC Subcommittee members meet regularly to review, discuss and implement programs which effectively communicate and promote the safe application, design, installation and operation of vertical reciprocating lifts.
The VRC Programs Include:
- The publication and promotion of technical literature on the application, installation, training, inspection, safe use, and maintenance of VRCs.
- The ongoing review of, and revision to, nationally recognized safety standards which effect vertical reciprocating lifts.
- The discussion and adoption of industry best practices as it pertains to the application, design, installation, and safe operation of VRC equipment.
- The preparation and distribution of educational and promotional materials which explain the benefits of VRC equipment solutions.
- The regular review and discussion of regulatory and legislative activity – at the federal, state, and local levels – which may effect the vertical reciprocating lift industry, and respond to that activity as an industry when deemed necessary.
- The establishment of liaison relationships with those private and governmental agencies establishing policy which effects the application and use of VRC equipment and technology.
|
Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor 101 This paper is to serve a brief introduction to Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRC). |
|
VRC Application Guidelines The Application Guidelines for Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors were thoroughly revised from the original 1991 Version which they replace. They were prepared as a result of the VRC Sub-Committee's recognition of a need to develop comprehensive safety guidelines and establish a minimum design criteria for when such are used in conjunction with ASME B20.1 - The Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment. |
|
VRC Installer Guidelines Proper installation of Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs) is vital to the the safety of the operators, the efficiency of the unit, and the ultimate satisfaction of the end user. These guidelines have been prepared by member companies of the Material Handling Industry’s VRC Subcommittee to assist the VRC installers in understanding their role and responsibility in providing customers with a safe and reliable VRC. |
|
Industry Position on the Regulation of VRCs This position paper has been prepared by the VRC Subcommittee of the Conveyor Product Section of MHI and is intended to express the industry’s formal position regarding the proper application of recognized Safety Codes to VRCs. More specifically, it is the intent of this MHI Subcommittee to place into the hands of VRC equipment suppliers, installers, end users, inspectors and any other Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) a clear and definitive argument as to the validity of applying only ASME B20.1 to Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors. |
|
Myth-Busting Material Lifts Presentation A "Material Lift" or just "Lifting Material"? |
Two Post Cantilever Lift
The carriage is guided and supported by two masts, both of which are located on the same side of the carriage. Two post cantilever lifts are most commonly actuated by either electro-hydraulic or electro-mechanical means. Because three sides of the carriage can be accessed, this style lift can accommodate "C", "Z" and 90 degree loading patterns.
Member companies that manufacture this product type:
Two Post Straddle Lift
The carriage is guided by and suspended between two masts that are located on opposite sides of the carriage. Two post straddle lifts are most commonly actuated by either electro-hydraulic or electro-mechanical means. Because two sides of the carriage cannot be accessed due to the location of the two masts, this style lift is restricted to "C" and "Z" loading patterns.
Member companies that manufacture this product type:
Four Post Lift
This special type of straddle lift carriage is guided by and suspended between two sets of two masts that are located on opposite sides of the carriage. Four post lifts are used in applications where large carriages and/or higher capacities are required, and are most commonly actuated by either electro-mechanical or electro-hydraulic means. Although the two side of the carriage adjacent to the masts have limited access, this style lift can accommodate "C", "Z" and 90 degree loading patterns.
Member companies that manufacture this product type:
