International Operating Engineer - Fall 2019

Training & Education
Local 399 Opens New Technology Center
Best in industry training raises the bar again
where students can perform real world
maintenance tasks using a variety
of tools. The chiller’s heat removal is
supported by an Evapco cooling tower
using redundant condenser water
pumps to complete the system loop.
Ancillary chemical treatment
stations and expansion tanks provide
for a well-designed system and learning
environment. A Cleaver Brooks firetube
Clear-Fire H boiler complete with
feedwater heater, chemical station,
water softener, and common boiler
fittings / accessories provide steam to
the AHU coil.
A NEW, state-of-the-art training
facility, the IUOE Local 399 Technology
Center in Chicago, will offer more
opportunities for Local 399 members
to expand their knowledge base. This
re-developed property was designed
with careful thought and planning to
target Stationary crafts competencybased
learning objectives.
From its inception, close attention
was paid to building a training platform
that at its core includes a functional
central plant which behaves like
traditional commercial properties.
A liquid Carrier chiller provides
managed chilled water to Carrier’s air
handling unit (AHU) using a redundant
pumping network. The AHU along with
a Trane 20 Ton rooftop unit (RTU)
provide supply air to fan power boxes
(FPB), variable air volume boxes (VAV),
and diffusers at the mezzanine level
[above] The new Local 399 Technology
Center interior.
[opposite page, top] Lab Carrier chiller and
lab chill water pumps.
[opposite page, center] Pump training
cross sections and lab mezzanine access.
[opposite page, bottom] Tech and Data
Center classrooms.
[below] Boiler section of new lab.
[article & photos] Jim Coates, Local 399
A Tridium-based, BACnet
compatible, building automation
system (BAS) is integrated throughout
the lab and classrooms with generous
expansion possibilities. Six second
floor “smart classrooms” blend
industry specific equipment with stateof-the-art
interactive audio visuals for
maximum comprehension.
The new Technology Center builds
upon the history and reputation Local
399 has for providing its members with
the finest education opportunities in
the industry.
6 INTERNATIONAL OPERATING ENGINEER
FALL 2019 7