University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences

Our Operations teams ensure the safety, sustainability and efficiency of all our hospitals and facilities. From mail to physical plant, multi-media to building management, and sustainability to safety, we keep the University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences running smoothly each and every day.

Pneumatic Tube System Information      

Periodically maintenance activities will take place on the pneumatic tube system. The schedule usually starts on Monday with all work completed no later than Wednesday. Components of the system will receive scheduled maintenance which includes the following items, and comprise what is known as a “zone”. The maintenance for each of the Medical Center’s 26 pneumatic tube system zones will occur at least once a year.

  • Blower unit: This is a mechanical and electrical driven device that supplies suction and pressure in your zone for moving the pneumatic tubes from one destination to another.
  • Transfer unit: This is a mechanical and electrical driven unit that moves the tubes from one zone or location to another.
  • Station:  This is the actual station that you send and receive from.  Numerous stations are included in each zone.
  • Zone:  The zone is the group of stations assigned to an individual blower unit.  Each blower unit has numerous stations assigned to it. The UCM has over 26 zones and over 100 stations in use.

When the pneumatic tube is scheduled for maintenance, an email is sent out to all key users of the system, and the notice is also posted on the Facilities Planning, Design and Construction web site. During these maintenance activities, make an alternate plan for your deliveries during the timeframes provided.

Maintenance scheduling on a complex system of this size is challenging but also is critical for keeping this important system up and operational.  Most locations will experience this scheduling one time per year.  Based on volumes and usage some locations may require additional visits.   We appreciate your help and assistance during this time.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ray Cullen @ 2-9980 or at raymond.cullen@uchospitals.edu.

Directory Pneumatic Tube Stations

Contact Us

Phone Pager Email

Judd Johnson Executive Director of Operations , Facilities Planning, Design & Construction

773-702-8259
8259
jjohnson@bsd.uchicago.edu

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Our Operations teams ensure the safety, sustainability and efficiency of all our hospitals and facilities that we manage. Click on the links below to request a service or to learn more about Facilities Planning, Design and Construction.