DATA CENTRES & CABLE MANAGEMENT Spirotech has the cool solution for data centres


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Rob Jacques, Spirotech’s business director UK, provides an insight into the complexities surrounding data centres and why only a handful of UK companies are ‘geared-up’ to not only specify cooling systems for this ‘niche’ sector, but to provide a ‘cradle-to- grave’ service


he complex nature of data centres means that customer information needs to be secure and protected from outside computer viruses and hackers, otherwise millions of accounts could be accessed and breached. There is another potential danger that can have a far-reaching impact on these huge, linked computer systems and that is over- heating, which can cause untold damage and result in a major breakdown in service delivery. Key to preventing this from happening is in the design of reliable cooling systems with ‘back-up’ structures in place to ensure continuity of service. In an age when we want everything instantly,


stored data holds the key to so much of our everyday life and at the heart of this needs to be the smooth operation of data centres. Keeping them running around-the-clock


requires meticulous design of the cooling systems from the outset and, within the ‘blueprint’, needs to be a ‘back-up’/failsafe plan covering such elements as the chiller, pumps, and pressurisation. There are additional complexities to be taken into consideration and incorporated into the design, especially in terms of the communication between the plant itself and critical equipment parts. Quite simply, the bigger the computer, the more it has to be cooled. To put this in perspective, the rise of cloud computers means that a huge amount of energy is required to manage and maintain all our data, with tens of megawatts of computer power needed. This means computers occupy thousands of square metres of space. If the chillers, or the cooling programme were to fail, then data could be lost on a large scale.


Of course, all equipment is subject to fail at some point and that is when the ‘back-up ‘measures need to kick-in and ensure continuity of an effective cooling system. Our control systems feedback data from pumps, valves, pressurisation units and degassers. For example, we can tell from the vacuum degasser how much air has been removed over a certain period and when, as well as provide valuable information revealing trends within the system. The same applies to the pressurisation units: information is gathered over its operational lifespan revealing what the pressure has been, report on any leaks and when there has been the need to bring in more water. (There is a link between the pressurisation units and vacuum degassers). Any faults can be signalled and sent over to whoever needs the data.


A poorly designed, installed and maintained


pressurisation system can lead to negative pressures around the circuit. Air can be drawn in through automatic air vents, gaskets and micro leaks. High pressure situations can lead to water


being emitted through the safety valves and the subsequent frequent addition of further raw refill water. The top control unit has the electronic capabilities to effectively manage pressurisation within the system and be programmed to work in parallel with the ‘back-up’ system. Air and dirt separators are another key component to maintaining the ongoing health of any heating and ventilation system and keeping pipework clean is essential. Within our sector, there is a much smaller community serving the data centres – it’s an area not every company wants to be in or is geared-up to serve. Your reputation is effectively on the ‘line’ with every project that you undertake. Here at Spirotech, we have the expertise and experience within this ‘niche’ arena to provide an all-encompassing service. We listen closely to the needs of the client, design a bespoke system and, as a leading manufacturer, can supply the right equipment for the project. Customers also have peace-of-mind that we can supply spares to a tight deadline.


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