Using Testing and Validation to Prevent Problems in a Data Centre - Case Studies
Client ordered nickel-plated floor components, but zinc-plated arrived and were installed.
We were called in to validate the condition of a new floor in a data centre. We found that, even though the client had specified nickel-plated pedestals, zinc-plated pedestals had been installed. This issue was sorted out between the client and their supplier, and ultimately, the potential whisker growing pedestals were replaced.
Full end-to-end new build audit
Our client wanted independent verification that the newly-built data centre they had commissioned was working cohesively. We worked with the contracted engineers and agreed a comprehensive set of test cases, presented in a database format. During the handover test phase, we methodically worked through each test case and, when we encountered failures, we worked with the engineers to resolve the issues. In this particular project, for example, even though the engineers confirmed that fresh air make-up was working based on their temperature and humidity measurements, our own tests revealed minimal airflow. Further investigation revealed a closed damper on the fresh air make-up feed, something that was easily fixed. At the end of the test period, the client was confident that all aspects of environmental operation met their specifications.
Independent particulate measurements required after a clean as part of hand-over package
We used an airborne particulate counter to quantify particle concentrations across a range of particle sizes at various points within the hall, at sites of known contamination accumulation, such as in front of air handlers and, in this case, at points in the airflow emerging from floor void. The floor void measurements in particular, fully represented the air quality that will reach servers in the cold aisles once containment has been installed. The measurements were made at a height of 1 metre from floor tile level where open vented tiles were accessible, and above opened ‘brush protected’ cable cut outs where this was not possible. We found that the whole area met the ISO Standard 14644-1 Class 8 limit, with some of the room exceeding Class 7 overall. On the basis of our experience we would expect the room ultimately to perform at better than ISO Class 7.
While doing air particle measurements, spotted zinc-plated stringers
While investigating the floor void as a part of a routine particle count measurement, our expert spotted an area under the floor that contained zinc-plated stringers. The client was able to replace the potential whisker growing stringers with hot-dipped stringers, before any kit was moved into the room.
