b'RESILIENCE IN METALBuilding 3001 at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma is
known as the largest electroplating shop in the Department of Defense for
a good reason.Nearly every component of a U.S. Air Force jet engine has a
thin coat of electroplating on it. That process takes place in the
chemical tanks within the facility. Some of the parts come through for
dimensional recovery, a process that restores thickness to its original
specifications. Others are processed to prevent corrosion and/or prepare
the surfaces for paint.The renovation project was no small task.
Approximately 180 chemical storage tanks, each with a capacity of 1,000
gallons, were removed and replaced while the facility remained
operational. A process instrumentation and control system was installed
for the plating shop tank processes, ventilation and utilities.Other
modifications included the replacement of the operating floor, which
required interior demolition of the working floor and mezzanines. We also
replaced and modified roof-mounted scrubbers/exhaust fans, electric,
lighting, reverse osmosis water systems, process control systems and
support structures.80 81'