Our entire economy has become heavily reliant on data centers to store and process company information. So much so that one hour of downtime in a data center could cost organizations hundreds of thousands of dollars due to service disruptions. Not to mention the costs associated with repairing damaged IT equipment.
The main cause behind data center downtime is inadequate filtration and ventilation. Without proper filtration, harmful contaminates, like particulate matter and volatile organic compounds can wreak havoc in the server hall.
With a business’s success hinging on the reliability of data center uptime, it’s vital to understand the main causes of indoor air pollution and how to stop it.
How Does Indoor Air Pollution Impact Data Centers
Much like the life sciences industry, data centers contain extremely sensitive assets that, if contaminated, could cause company’s to lose revenue, data, and their reputation.
Even small amounts of microscopic particles can accumulate on the surface of IT equipment and cause corrosion, which leads to damaged equipment and prolonged downtime – a period where a data center becomes inoperable.
In an economy that operates around the clock, it’s essential for data centers to be mindful of their indoor air quality to better serve the businesses that depend on them.
1. Particulate Matter
Although particulate matter – dust, dirt, smoke, etc. – is smaller than human hair, it’s a huge problem in data centers. Known for its ability to enter deep with an individual’s respiratory system, particulate matter can manifest symptoms like coughing, throat irritation, and in more serious cases, lung disease. This threat to data center workers is equally dangerous to IT equipment. Tiny bits of dust and dirt can clog filters and internal fans that disrupt the cooling process, leading to overheated servers. Further, particulate matter can build up on server components, trap moisture, and eventually cause corrosion.
2. Temperature Control Issues
Like cigars in a humidor, data center servers are extremely sensitive to their environment. If the facility is too dry, you run the risk of Electrostatic Discharge – static electricity within hardware components – that could permanently damage the microchips, circuit boards, and other essential pieces that make up a server.
On the other hand, an environment with high humidity levels can be just as detrimental and promote corrosion. ASHRAE recommends 20%-80% relative humidity in data centers, but stresses that 50% is optimal.
3. Overheated Servers
Ironically, data center servers themselves can be the source of their own destruction. If the data hall isn’t effectively cooled, whether through Computer Room Air Conditioners or liquid cooling technologies, servers can overheat and release volatile organic compounds into the air.
Once airborne, formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and other emitted VOCs then corrode IT equipment and cause employees to suffer from negative health effects, like liver or kidney damage.
4. High Levels of Outdoor Air Pollution
Outdoor air quality heavily influences our indoor air quality. In fact, contaminant concentrations are 2 to 5 times higher indoors compared to outside pollution.
Although environmental air quality varies by region, diesel trucks on nearby highways, wildfires, and manufacturing plants all have the potential to release particulate matter that enters poorly filtered data center halls.
How to Improve Air Quality in Data Centers
Your first line of defense against outdoor air pollution is an effective filtration system. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one data center might not work as well for another.
That said, Camfil Hi-Flo ES MERV 11A filters are your best bet to provide optimal protection. These high efficiency filters also support the HVAC system by allowing smoother airflow, which saves on energy usage – a growing issue in the data center market. Additionally, filter screens provide added support by keeping large debris, like snow and leaves, from clogging filters.
Contact Our Air Filtration Experts Today
As data centers continue to surge across the country, it’s essential to ensure server halls are protected from particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. Both of these substances can not only damage IT equipment, but they could harm workers as well.
Our filter experts have extensive experience in the data center market and can help you find a custom solution to fit your needs. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our indoor air quality team today.