As part of the project, TMI and its subcontractors are installing a complex, stainless steel exhaust system to carry carcinogenic and potentially contagious bacteria from research laboratory fume hoods through central sterilization and filtration equipment. After undergoing the purification process, the sterile air is discharged from high-velocity stacks at the roof of the building.

“There is no margin for defects in critical systems of this type,” said Rick Bartuska, president of TMI. “The ventilation system must maintain strict regulation of temperature and humidity to control airborne contaminants and must ensure accuracy and repeatability of research experiments.”

TMI's relationship with Children's Memorial Hospital began in 1995 when TMI was the successful bidder on a refrigeration project. TMI's current contract with the hospital is the company's largest. As part of the contract, TMI will also install in the new research facility piping for cooling and heating, in addition to piping that will facilitate the distribution of laboratory gases and reverse osmosis water used in lab experiments. In a period of 12 months, the new five-story research facility at Children's Memorial Hospital is expected to be completed and operational.

Children's Memorial Hospital is recognized as one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country and number one in Illinois by rankings published in U.S. News & World Report. Its physicians are on staff at The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University.

Founded in 1995, TMI designs, installs, and services commercial and industrial HVAC systems. Based in Wheeling, IL, the firm handles both public and private projects, in addition to design and build services, for customers throughout the Midwest. For more information, call 847-537-1616 or visit www.tmi.com.

Publication date: 11/18/2002