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Business and training
ENSURING CLEAN AIR IN DATA CENTRES
Written by Eamonn Ryan
Camfil was one of several HVAC & R companies to participate in the Pan- African DataCentres Exhibition and Conference in Johannesburg in June . RACA Journal interviewed Camfil ’ s managing director for Middle East and Africa Stéphane Ruiz at the event .
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Camfil , a world leading filtration company headquartered in
Stockholm , has been providing air filtration solutions for 60 years now . With a network of factories and sister companies worldwide , the company plays a crucial role in maintaining clean and contaminant-free air in the data centre market .
Stéphane Ruiz , managing director for Middle East and Africa , says large volumes of air circulate continuously in data centres , mainly for cooling purpose , but explaining their need for clean air filtration . As an air filtration solution provider , Camfil ’ s products significantly reduce contaminants and ensure the
Camfil ’ s managing director for Middle East and Africa Stéphane Ruiz at the event .
The Camfil stand at the Pan-African DataCentres Exhibition and Conference in Johannesburg .
RACA Journal I October 2023
All images by © Eamonn Ryan | RACA Journal highest air quality possible . “ While the presence of pollutants might seem less consequential in data centres compared to hospitals for example , the consequences can nonetheless be severe . Pollutants , including particulate matter , but also corrosive contaminants , can have detrimental effects on their equipment and overall operations .”
For example , Ruiz explains , dust creates clogging of the filters but will also have an impact on the other HVAC components , decreasing their efficiency and increasing their energy consumption . High pressure in filters will lead to quick filter changeout , resulting in high operational downtime . Salt particle and corrosive gases will cause failures of switches , PCBs and corrosion of exposed metallic surfaces .
“ Moreover , the HVAC system of a data centre has huge power requirements . Good air filters can help to improve the PUE ( Power Usage Effectiveness ), saving a lot of energy . Keeping in mind also that spent air filters create waste , it is important to ensure their minimum impact on the environment and highquality filters with long life will help in reducing the carbon footprint . This last part is becoming more and more important as data centre operators undertake projects with targets to be carbon neutral or even carbon negative in the near future .”
Camfil addresses these challenges by offering comprehensive filtration solutions . Its filters are designed to capture dust particles , bacteria , viruses , and even molecules , ensuring the highest level of air purity .
While today , the efficiency standards for data centres might not require HEPA systems , we may see this coming in the future as some pollutants may already require EPA grade . Camfil ' s filters provide an effective barrier against pollutants , striking a balance between filtration efficiency , energy savings and practicality , he explains .
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FILTRATION SYSTEM Ruiz notes one thing to keep in mind : “ Data centre location and environmental conditions should be taken into consideration when defining the right air filtration system . Data centres located
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