The routine inspection

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Paul Ross, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron central heat plant project manager, performs a routine inspection of the central heat plants emergency fuel tanks, Aug. 27. During the inspection Ross examines the tanks in search of leaking oil, cracks and anything that could potentially cause a major fuel spill on base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick Wilson) (Released)

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Checking the levels

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Paul Ross, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron central heat plant project manager, checks the level of liquid in a 100,000 gallon diesel fuel tank, Aug. 27. This is one of two fuel tanks used as an emergency back-up to support the boilers that provides heat on base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick Wilson) (Released)

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Checking for hardness

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Paul Ross, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron central heat plant project manager, examines a mixture of chemicals during a water hardness test, Aug. 27. The test ensures no deposits of dissolved solids are in the water that could lead to a tube rupture. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick Wilson) (Released)

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Checking it twice

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Paul Ross, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron central heat plant project manager, inspects a membrane pressure gauge on a reverse osmosis system, Aug. 27. The reverse osmosis system purifies the water that goes into the boiler system. Any impurities found in the boiler system's water can cause deterioration of the interior boiler tubes. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick Wilson) (Released)

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Drip, drip, drip

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Paul Ross, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron central heat plant project manager, performs a boiler chemistry test to verify water used by the base’s heat plant is clean and ready for use, Aug. 27. Maintaining proper condensate return line chemistry prevents deterioration and corrosion of pipes that carry steam and condensate. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick Wilson) (Released)

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Inspecting for operational capability

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Paul Ross, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron central heat plant project manager, inspects sight glasses on a condensate receiver tank, Aug. 27. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure the receiver tank is mission capable for continual use. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick Wilson) (Released)

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Climbing on the job

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Paul Ross, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron central heat plant project manager, climbs a ladder before visually inspecting the exterior of a dearation tank, Aug. 27. The tank removes air and non-condensable gases from water to prevent corrosion in the boilers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick Wilson) (Released)

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Reviewing data

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Paul Ross, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron central heat plant project manager, reviews manufacturer data on a piece of equipment so he can order new parts, Aug. 27. The base’s heat plant has a team of professionals who work 24/7 to ensure the multi-million dollar facility stays operational. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick Wilson) (Released)

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What's the plan?

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Paul Ross, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron central heat plant project manager, and John Goff, 509th CES boiler operator, discuss a centrifugal pump’s operational procedures, Aug. 27. The 50-horsepower pump is used to distribute water for use in the heat plant’s boilers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick Wilson) (Released)

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Whiteman's Heat Plant

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. – Whiteman’s central heat plant is maintained by a team of dedicated professionals who work around-the-clock 24/7 to provide steam for heating, open humidification and reheat for various buildings throughout the base. The multi-million dollar plant utilizes more than seven miles of steam distribution and condensate return piping. It has the capability to provide 4.8 million pounds of steam per day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick Wilson) (Released)

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A day in the life: 509th CES Heat Plant

Published Aug. 29, 2012

The routine inspection

Checking the levels

Checking for hardness

Checking it twice

Drip, drip, drip

Inspecting for operational capability

Climbing on the job

Reviewing data

What's the plan?

Whiteman's Heat Plant