Pneumatic Tube System Upgrade

PROJECT PROFILE

Advocate Christ Medical Center Pneumatic Tube System Upgrade

Location: Oak Lawn, Illinois

Delivery Method: Construction Manager at Risk

PROJECT OUTCOME

The Pneumatic Tube System Upgrade at Advocate Christ Medical Center was successfully completed, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the hospital’s material transport system. Michuda Construction’s expertise in healthcare infrastructure ensured that this complex installation was executed smoothly, minimizing disruption to ongoing hospital operations and providing a streamlined solution for rapid material transport throughout the facility.

PROJECT SCOPE

Michuda Construction provided Construction Management at Risk services for the Pneumatic Tube System Upgrade. The project involved replacing and enhancing the existing pneumatic tube network to improve the hospital's ability to transport lab specimens, medications, and documents efficiently between departments.

The scope of work included:

• System-Wide Tube Replacement and Reconfiguration: Removal of outdated tubes and reconfiguration of the network layout to optimize routing for faster, more reliable transport.

• Installation of New Station Hubs and Diverter Units: Placement of upgraded station hubs and diverters in key areas to improve material distribution and reduce bottlenecks, enhancing the system’s overall flow and capacity.

• Electrical and Control System Integration: Upgrades to the electrical and control systems to support new equipment, including power routing and control panel installation for efficient system management and monitoring.

• Phased Implementation in an Occupied Facility: Execution of the upgrade in carefully planned phases to maintain full hospital operations throughout the project. Michuda scheduled work to minimize disruptions to sensitive areas and coordinated closely with hospital staff to address any temporary access changes.
  

CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS

The pneumatic tube upgrade presented unique challenges, requiring strategic planning and specialized solutions to ensure seamless integration with the hospital’s existing infrastructure:

1. Maintaining Operational Continuity: Working within a fully occupied hospital, Michuda conducted phased installations and scheduled high-impact activities during off-peak hours. Infection control measures were implemented to protect patients and staff.

2. Navigating Existing Infrastructure: The replacement required navigating the hospital’s existing infrastructure, including confined ceiling spaces and shared service corridors. Michuda’s team collaborated with hospital facilities to map routes and secure access, minimizing disruptions.

3. Integration of New Technology: Upgrading to a more advanced pneumatic system required precise electrical and control integration. Michuda worked closely with system vendors to ensure all new components functioned seamlessly within the existing framework, testing each phase to verify performance.
   

KEY PROJECT ELEMENTS

• Optimized Transport Efficiency: New station hubs and diverters enhance routing and reduce material transport times across the facility.

• Reliable Electrical and Control Integration: Updated electrical and control systems support continuous operation and monitoring of the pneumatic network.

• Phased Construction in Active Environment: Phased approach ensured hospital operations remained unaffected, maintaining patient care and hospital workflow.