What does a Steamfitter-Pipefitter do? 

The Steamfitter-Pipefitter is a tradesperson with the knowledge and ability to layout, fabricate, assemble, install, maintain and repair piping systems that transport all types of fluids, slurries and gas in the commercial, residential and industrial sectors.

They are the only trade to specialize in planning, design and installation of low and high pressure steam systems.

Their work is diverse, including fields such as oil refineries, nuclear power plants, manufacturing plants, paper mills and the automotive industry.

The systems that the steamfitter-pipefitter may work on are some of the highest pressure and temperature applications and require thorough knowledge of scientific principles to safely complete the job.

Required Classes for Fitters

Orientation

·       Introduction to OSHA

·       Hazard Communication

·       Personal Protective Equipment

·       Material Handling

·       Electrical Safety

·       Tool Safety

·       Scaffold Safety

·       Fall Protection

·       Stairways and Ladders

·       Confined Spaces

Rigging/Basic Math

·       Understand the reasons behind math used in the Piping Trades

·       Apply Units of Measurement to your job

·       Review and learn safety factors of “rigging” in the Piping Trades

·       Recognize various materials, hardware and tools associated with “rigging”

·       Incorporate Units of Measuring and mathematical formulas with “rigging”

Copper/Power Tools

·       Review and learn safety factors as it applies to soldering and brazing

·       Learn the principles of soldering/brazing using the necessary tools and apply them on the job

·       Recognize various fittings, pipes, materials and joining methods associated with copper

·       Understand the types of matter allowed to be conveyed with different copper piping systems

·       Identify piping hardware and materials used in the Piping Trades industry

·       Learn the principles necessary to select the proper tools and apply them to the job

·       Exercise units of measuring and “lay-out” methods used in the Piping Trade

Piping Math

·       Understand the development and reasons behind various procedures used in Piping  Mathematics.

·       Learn the principles of Piping Math as they apply to your job

·       Prepare for Advanced Math

ARC I

Students will be trained in:

·       Shop and welding safety

·       Fundamentals of welding

·       How to strike and maintain an arc with S.M.A.W. process

·       Flat, vertical and overhead positions with 610 and 7018 welding rod on plate

·       General knowledge of oxy fuel and ARC welding safety

·       Be able to flame cut and bevel pipe

·       Proper use of grinders for welding preparation

·       Welding techniques for plate and pipe

·       Weld rod designations, AMP settings and polarity

Advanced Math

Students will:

·       Learn the principles of Advanced Mathematics as they apply to the Piping Trades

·       Understand the reasons behind various procedures used in Advanced Math

·       Increase their math skills as they can help them progress into a valued Journeyman, Foreman, Project Manager or further

Drawing I

·       Introduction to basic drawing tools, measuring tools and lettering

·       Multi-View Drawings = Plan & Elevation Views

·       Graphic symbols for Pipefittings & Valves

·       Interpretation of technical drawings

·       Interpretation of isometric drawings and views

Science

·       Properties of Water & Steam

·       Hydraulics and Pneumatics

·       Mechanics

Heating

·       Properties of steam

·       Basic equipment for a 1 pipe system

·       One-pipe steam heating systems

·       Steam traps

·       Two-pipe steam heating systems

·       Vacuum steam heating systems

·       Vapor steam heating systems

·       Variable vacuum steam heating systems

·       Steam piping

·       Heat transfer equipment

·       Steam heating unit connections

·       Low-pressure steam boilers

Drawing II

This class will give the apprentice the opportunity to become more familiar with reading and understanding mechanical drawings.  They will learn to break down piping drawings into smaller, more detailed views (isometric drawings).  They will learn how to use these isometric drawings for material take offs and for making fabrication (spool) drawings.

Drawing III 

This class will allow apprentices to become familiar with HVAC systems and their applications.  Apprentices will be able to recognize the systems and identify the equipment that supports them.  Emphasis will be on scaling the drawings and related equipment and putting them in an isometric format.  Apprentices will learn basic detailing techniques and take-offs for fabrication, etc.

Hydronics

Objective of the course:  

·       Study the fundamentals and the basic principles of Hydronics as it applies to heating and cooling uses

·       Become acquainted and receive knowledge and understanding of the operation and applications of Hydronic Heating & Cooling systems and the equipment it interfaces with

Basic Instrumentation/Electricity

·       Feedback Control

·       Process Control Mode

·       Process Variables Pressure

·       Process Variables Level

·       Process Variables Temperature

·       Process Variables Flow

·       Process Variables Conversion

·       Instrumentation Symbols

·       Instrumentation Loop Diagrams

·       Mechanical Connections

·       Electrical Connections

·       Instrumentation Errors

·       Instrumentation Calibration

·       Control Valves, Actuators and Positioners

Piping Layout/Fitter P.I.P.E. Certification

Description coming soon.

Electives

ARC II

Students will be trained in the proper technique for fit up, tacking and welding of an open root V-groove pipe in the 2G, 5G and 6G positions

ARC III

Students will be trained in the proper technique for fit up, tacking and welding of an open root V-groove pipe in the 2G, 5G and 6G positions

ARC IV

Students will be trained in the proper technique for fit up, tacking and welding of an open root V-groove pipe in the 2G, 5G and 6G positions

ARC V

Students will be trained in the proper technique for fit up, tacking and welding of an open root V-groove pipe in the 2G, 5G and 6G positions

Computers/Foreman Training

·       Computer Operations and Concepts

·       Using computer-based technologies to manipulate, create, store and retrieve information to express ideas and communicate with others

·       Using computer-based technologies to locate, access, evaluate, store and retrieve information and to express ideas and communicate with others

·        Upon completion of this course the apprentice:

o     Will be able to identify qualities of a leader, duties and responsibilities and explain and exhibit leadership skill fundamentals

o     Shall be acquainted with the principles of leadership psychology as used by Foremen

o     Will show skill in clear and understandable communication, both orally and in writing

o     Will be able to exhibit decision-making capabilities

CAD

Pre-requisite:  Basic computer knowledge 

This course is designed as an introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD) and the CAD environment.  Emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of CAD software and the creation of two-dimensional CAD piping drawings.

AutoCAD Drafting Software and Windows XP Operating Systems are utilized in this class

CAD II

Pre-requisite:  CAD I

This course delves deeper into the uses of CAD including:

•          Placing text on drawings

•          Drawing display options

•          Layouts, plotting and printing

•          Basic editing commands

•          Automatic editing

•          Polylines and Multilines

•          Basic dimensioning practices

•          Creating symbols

•          Three-dimensional drawing

•          Geometric objects

•          And much more!

Quick Pen

Description coming soon

Medical Gas

The instruction in this course will focus on the proper procedures and requirements needed to successfully install Medical Gas Piping Systems.  Topics will include:

·       Vacuum system requirements

·       Procedures for installing copper tube and fittings

·       Brazing procedures

Pneumatics/HVAC

Pneumatics is a branch of technology, which deals with the study and application of use of pressurized gas to effect mechanical motion. 

Pneumatic systems are extensively used in industry, where factories are commonly plumbed with compressed air or compressed inert gases. This is because a centrally-located and electrically-powered compressor that powers cylinders and other pneumatic devices through solenoid valves is often able to provide motive power in a cheaper, safer, more flexible, and more reliable way than a large number of electric motors and actuators.