The threat posed by contamination to the equipment within data centres isn’t as obvious as that of a power outage. Yet in reality the effects can be just as devastating, with outcomes ranging from reduced power efficiency to unexpected equipment failure. This is increasingly recognised by equipment vendors who are starting to use evidence of insufficient data centre cleanliness as a reason to void warranties.

While it’s entirely possible to prevent the damaging effects of contamination, it takes expertise to do so. It is therefore essential to work with a specialist data centre cleaner such as 8 Solutions rather than risk the false economy of a general purpose cleaner or even a DIY approach.

To effectively manage data centre cleanliness, we need to understand what contamination is, how it can reach ICT equipment within data centres and the problems it causes if it does.

Then we can see how a professional and planned approach to cleaning will prevent these problems arising. Contamination affecting ICT comes in two forms – particulate matter (PM) and gaseous. External sources include cars, electricity generation, sea salt, natural and artificial fibres, plant pollens and wind-blown dust. Internal examples are particles from air conditioning unit fanbelt wear, toner dust, packaging and construction materials, human hair and clothing, and zinc whiskers from electroplated steel floor plates. Contaminating gases occur naturally or result from industrial processes. They can either act alone or together with other gases or PM, forming compounds that oxidize metallic materials.

Contaminants enter the data centre through air conditioning units, open doors, on clothes and on any equipment or materials brought into the room. Activities such as equipment maintenance, or lifting floor or ceiling tiles can also release PM which can then reach ICT equipment through gravity, diffusion or electrostatic attraction. Problems can then occur for many reasons. If PM starts to block equipment cooling fans and heatsinks, these components must work harder to keep equipment within operating temperature limits.

This can increase a data centre’s power demand by 2% or more, as well as potentially shortening equipment lifetime and causing hardware failure due to overheating. Zinc whiskers and other PM can bridge between conductive tracks within electronics equipment, causing short circuits and equipment failures – a growing occurrence as ICT equipment shrinks in physical size, correspondingly reducing track bridging distances.

Fibres longer than 5 mm have been found inside data equipment. Oxidisation arising from gas interaction can cause permanent corrosion, leading to irreparable equipment damage and failure. Because of these issues, ICT vendors are increasingly looking for evidence of insufficient contamination protection as a reason to void equipment warranties.

Prevention of such problems starts with the design of the data centre and its surrounding areas. Relevant factors include using filters within the air handling and air conditioning units, positive pressurization, limiting the number of room entrances, using Takmats to capture footwear and trolley wheel dirt, sealing of subfloor areas and use of suitable materials and fabrics within the data area. A policy for controlling and limiting the number of visitors into the data area is also important.

When it comes to cleaning, success in decontamination depends on the frequency as well as the nature of the cleaning activities. Ideally, cleaning should start before the first item of ICT or even associated hardware such as cable trays or suspended floors are installed. This is because cleaning areas consigned to such installations becomes more difficult or impossible once they are in place. And, clearly the sensitive ICT equipment once installed will benefit from starting life in a suitably clean environment.

For example a  “Post Construction Clinical Clean” will include cleaning of the subfloor void, floor surface, equipment surfaces and the pedestal and stringer substructure to ensure that the data centre is ready following completion of any building work, and contractors leaving the site.

After the data centre’s operational life starts, any cleaning schedule should make allowance for maintenance activities, which increase contamination levels. In any case planning an effective cleaning program, in which both the schedule and nature of the cleaning activities are optimised, requires specialist knowledge of how locally prevailing conditions can lead to contamination problems, and how to prevent this. Therefore, consultation with a specialist data centre cleaning company is essential.

Using a general cleaning contractor or DIY may seem cheaper in the short term, but a critical lack of knowledge could lead to serious problems at a later time.

A vital point about 8 Solutions’ cleaning strategy is that they work to ISO 14644, the globally accepted standard for contamination management in clean rooms including data centres. This Standard defines Cleanliness Classes from Class 9 to Class 1, which specify maximum allowable concentrations of particles sized from 0.1 to 5 Ìm.

The lower the Class number, the more stringent are the concentration limits. 8 Solutions recommends that a data centre should achieve Class 9 to Class 6 cleanliness.

After cleaning

8 Solutions uses a particle counting meter to measure and prove the level of cleanliness achieved. This not only assures the data room operator that his equipment is secure from contamination, but also provides

hard proof and certification for the operator and any third parties such as equipment suppliers that the room is clean according to a universally accepted standard.

Another key part of 8 Solutions’ strategy is their policy of using their own permanently employed technicians rather than subcontractors. So, they can be sure that anyone they put onto site has been security cleared - a major issue given the sensitivity of many data centres.

With training and experience in deep cleaning, their technicians understand specific issues such as avoiding the risk of accidently activating controls on live ICT equipment. They also know the importance of using the right tools and materials for the environment.

For example, the wrong cleaner on an antistatic surface can strip away its antistatic properties, doing more harm than good. They also use filtered vacuum cleaners, as general purpose types tend to blow out dust, making contaminant levels worse rather than better. General cleaners also use water on an everyday basis, including sometimes within data centre environments – a dangerous activity that specialist cleaning technicians avoid. Particle sampling provides valid proof of room cleanliness at the time of measurement, but it doesn’t allow for any settled PM, or of contaminant later introduced into the area.

8 Solutions’ expertise in this area is essential, because they understand the factors that dictate the nature and frequency of cleaning required.

They can perform an onsite risk assessment, advise on potential contamination sources and offer an appropriate cleaning schedule. They can also advise on related issues including commissioning and HEPA filtering for air conditioning and handling units, UPS and power system changes, and strategies for managing traffic through the room and use of access equipment.

By tuning the type and frequency of cleaning, security from contamination can be continuously maintained as cost-effectively as possible. Consulting a specialist data centre cleaner such as 8 Solutions will pay dividends for data centre operations of all sizes.  They have the skills and staff to produce a certified clean environment, and to maintain it throughout the operating life of the centre and its equipment.

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Tags: Design & Facilities Management

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