HVAC Apprenticeship Training Room Gets A Copper Finish

Copper adds protection against the spread of disease causing microbes like coronavirus.

For a new apprenticeship training room at the headquarters of Mechanical Contractors, Inc. (MCI), the company installed a custom stretch of copper ductwork as an added layer of protection against the spread of disease causing microbes like the coronavirus.

“At MCI, we chose to start our own apprenticeship program,” explains company president Bill Champion. “We decided to make this training room reflect the best that our company can offer.”

That includes large white boards with high definition smart projectors. Multiple in wall TVs and a state-of-the-art HVAC system utilizing needlepoint bipolar ionization (NPBI) and MERV 14 in the filtration system.

“Our custom fabrication department created and fabricated the copper ductwork, taps and air distribution,” says Champion. “Being that copper is very soft and easily damaged, we utilized an internal steel structure that we ‘wrapped’ with copper sheets.”

The finishing product (as seen in the photo above) will make a great lesson in fine craftsmanship.

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Emell Derra Adolphus has more than a decade of writing and journalism experience. He is senior editor of ENR’s Top Lists and Survey Rankings at ENR magazine and frequently contributes stories on technology, climate resiliency, diversity, equity and inclusion.