Power Play
Boiler operator Andy Calise monitors one of four nearly 40-feet tall boilers in the main steam plant located in Bldg. 3001. Boilers act like huge pressure cookers, heating water to 246 degrees under 62,000 to 100,000 pounds of pressure an hour, depending on the boiler. The steam continuously supplies maintenance shops like plating or chemical cleaning with power to operate critical equipment. Seven equally mammoth chillers, some with pipes 42 inches in diameter, bring air conditioning throughout Bldg. 3001 and the east side of Tinker. Seven plants dot the base, some acting as unmanned satellites to help when demands require it. Most boilers were installed in 1942 though updated computerized monitoring helps operators like Mr. Calise keep the giants operating safely and smoothly. (Air Force photo/Margo Wright)