Case Study: Implementing a Corrosion Control Solution for a Data Center in the Book and Periodical Publishing Industry

A leading company in the Book and Periodical Publishing industry operates a 24x7x365 data centre that supports digital content management, subscription services, and archival storage. Given the critical nature of its IT infrastructure, the company required an air purification system to prevent and control corrosion-related issues in the data centre.

PROBLEM

The data centre began experiencing corrosion-related issues, which posed a serious threat to its critical IT infrastructure. The presence of airborne contaminants and corrosive gases along with harsh service conditions, such as high humidity, temperature variations were accelerating the deterioration of electronic components and frequent pre mature failure of equipment was registered. This led to concerns about unexpected downtime, and rising maintenance and repair costs due to warranty rejection. Given the continuous operation of the facility, it was crucial to implement a solution that could effectively monitor and control corrosion, ensuring seamless function and protecting the warranty by maintaining the required service conditions.

SOLUTION

To assess the extent of corrosion, corrosion monitoring was conducted to gather initial data for further evaluation. And the resultant parameters were:

• Copper corrosion was measured at 170 Å (Mild, G1 classification), indicating that corrosion was not a significant factor affecting equipment reliability.
• Silver corrosion was found at 2430 Å (Severe, GX classification), highlighting a high severity level where only specially designed equipment could withstand the environment.

Temperature and humidity were also contributing factors, exceeding ASHRAE’s recommended limits of 18°C to 27°C and 40% to 60% RH, with recorded peaks of 29.8°C and 67% RH, further accelerating corrosion in the data centre.

To control gas infiltration and maintain temperature and humidity levels, a 500 CFM Corrosion Control Unit was recommended and installed, selected based on the 25x20 feet data centre space. Placed near the inlet air vent of the data centre. The unit operates through a three-stage filtration process. This includes a pre-filter that captures airborne particles and dust, followed by this, the carbon media, which is efficient in acidic gas removal and made from activated coconut-based carbon, effectively adsorbs gas contaminants. Finally, a post-filter eliminates any remaining fine particles, ensuring purified air circulation within the data centre. The unit provides temperature and humidity levels, helping to maintain optimal environmental conditions. It also provides an indication when a filter media change is needed for optimal efficiency and performance, filter replacement is recommended every six months.

RESULT

The corrosion control unit effectively neutralizes harmful gases, reducing the risk of electronic corrosion. Critical IT infrastructure is now better protected, minimizing premature failures and hence protecting warranty. With improved air quality, the data centre continues to function without operational disruptions, ensuring seamless operations.

Periodic filter changes are consistently carried out to maintain optimal performance and ensure uninterrupted operation of the data centre. By replacing filters at recommended intervals, the system continues to effectively remove airborne contaminants and corrosive gases, preventing any risk of premature equipment failure or downtime.

CONCLUSION

By implementing the 500 CFM Corrosion Control Unit in the data centre noted change in premature failure of electronics and operation disruption was controlled. Being located in an urban area, the facility’s data centre team understands the importance of maintaining a clean and controlled environment. understanding the benefits of air filtration, they continue timely filter replacements, ensuring consistent protection against corrosion and sustaining the reliability and efficiency of their IT infrastructure. 

RELATED POSTS

• Learn more about Understanding Electronic Corrosion and its Prevention
• Delve into ‘Data Centre Air Quality’
• Know about the gases causing corrosion in data centres
• Read more related articles from AQOZA

Explore how AQOZA can solve corrosion problems through its corrosion monitoring units and corrosion control units.