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X-POT Side Stream Filtration For Data Centres: A Comprehensive Guide
The ever-growing demand for efficient and sustainable cooling solutions in various industries has necessitated the adoption of highly effective methods, such as side stream filtration. This cutting-edge technique has proven instrumental in enhancing the performance and longevity of cooling systems, particularly in data centres. This article delves into the intricacies of side stream filtration, shedding light on its operation, benefits, and the pivotal role of the innovative VEXO X-POT system.
Understanding Side Stream Filtration
Side stream filtration is a sophisticated technique employed in closed-loop water systems to mitigate corrosion, fouling, scale formation, and microbial growth. It operates by diverting a small percentage of the full flow (typically between 5% and 15%) through a filtration system. This continual diversion and filtration ensure the entire system volume is filtered multiple times within a 24-hour period.
This method is highly recommended by professional bodies like the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) for systems exceeding 2.5m3 litres. The filtration process effectively eliminates contamination down to 1µm in size, contributing significantly to the system’s performance and longevity.
Understanding Side Stream Filtration
Side stream filtration is a sophisticated technique employed in closed-loop water systems to mitigate corrosion, fouling, scale formation, and microbial growth. It operates by diverting a small percentage of the full flow (typically between 5% and 15%) through a filtration system. This continual diversion and filtration ensure the entire system volume is filtered multiple times within a 24-hour period.
This method is highly recommended by professional bodies like the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) for systems exceeding 2.5m3 litres. The filtration process effectively eliminates contamination down to 1µm in size, contributing significantly to the system’s performance and longevity.
The Shift Towards Water Cooling
With technological advancements pushing the boundaries of traditional air-cooling systems, water-cooling solutions are emerging as a more efficient and reliable alternative. Industry experts predict a gradual phasing out of air-cooling systems, with water-cooling systems gaining prominence due to their superior capabilities in handling modern data centres’ rising power requirements.
Water, possessing a higher specific heat capacity than air, is an ideal medium for absorbing excessive heat generated by data centre equipment. However, the water used in these systems needs to be of exceptional quality to prevent operational downtime and maintain optimum performance.
The Role of Water Quality
Water quality is a critical determinant of the efficiency of water-cooled server applications. Leaks and contaminants in the water stream can result in system failures and a reduced lifespan of the equipment. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and maintain the water quality in both the Facility Water System (FWS) and the Technology Cooling System (TCS).
Facility Water System (FWS) Water Quality
The FWS transports water to all areas of the data centre site, including non-computer-related cooling functions like air conditioning. Filtration is vital in the FWS to trap particulates that could potentially foul downstream equipment, such as heat exchangers. A 35 to 40-mesh strainer is typically recommended as an initial measure for FWS filtration, although specific needs may vary. Guidelines from ASHRAE technical committee 3.6 or BSRIA’s BG29/2021 and BG50/2021 offer further insights into water quality management.
Technology Cooling System (TCS) Water Quality
The TCS is responsible for directly cooling the computer equipment. The water used in the TCS must be strictly monitored and treated to ensure the equipment’s proper operation and longevity. ASHRAE recommends maintaining a pH between 7 and 9, using a corrosion inhibitor like VEXO X-PO10, regular deionisation filtration, and solid particle filtration.
Side Stream Filtration in Water-Cooled Data Centres
Side Stream Filtration systems play an integral role in managing water quality in water-cooled data centres. These systems help maintain the water composition consistency, prevent particulate build-up, and ensure the efficiency and reliability of the cooling system.
Sources of Particulates and Contamination
Data centre fluid streams can contain particulates and contaminants from various sources. During the construction and expansion of data centres, oxide scale, corrosion, and other manufacturing by-products can develop in the piping and system components. Centralised filtration equipment may not capture these localised particulates, necessitating localised filtration on the supply side.
To address contamination from metal particles, dust, and oxides, a series of increasingly fine filters can be employed to protect against varying particle sizes. This can be easily achieved by starting with an X-POT filter of 50 Micron and progressively changing it to 25, 5, and 1 micron, depending on the water quality conditions. Starting with a clean system is crucial to prevent water quality issues, and new systems should consider the factors mentioned above to ensure optimal water quality.
Implementing X-POT Side Stream Filtration
To optimise water quality in data centres, side stream filtration systems should be implemented at various points in the cooling system. One innovative solution is the X-POT Side Stream Filtration system from VEXO. The X-POT offers full side stream filtration with powerful magnetic filtration, fine cartridge or bag filtration, air and dirt separator, and a dosing unit. This all-in-one system ensures that the water used in the cooling system is clean and free from debris and contaminants, optimising the efficiency and reliability of the data centre cooling system.
Water Conservation in Data Centres
As global water demand increases, water conservation in data centres has become a pressing concern, particularly in water-stressed regions. Data centres can contribute to water conservation efforts by implementing water management and reuse practices such as non-flush additives to prevent excessive flushing of the system. VEXO’s X-PO35 Non-Flush Cleanser strips biofilms and gently cleanses system materials for up to 48 hours. The liberated deposits are then captured within the X-POT before dosing X-PO10 Inhibitor.
The X-POT System: A Revolutionary Solution
The X-POT system is a patented side stream filter that adheres to BSRIA BG 29/2021 and BG50/2021 guidelines. It is an all-in-one solution that replaces the need for separate equipment such as magnetic filters, bag filters, dosing pots, and dirt & air separators, thereby saving plant room space. The X-POT system has been highly specified since 2013 due to its multifaceted benefits.
X-POT System Models
The X-POT system range includes the X-POT Compact, X-POT 6, X-POT XP, X-POT XXP, X-POT HFHP, and skid units X-POT 6+ and X-POT XP+. These models cater to different system volumes and flow rates, offering tailored solutions to various commercial systems. For instance, the X-POT XP+ model is ideal for large to very large commercial systems, providing side stream filtration that includes a magnetic filter, cartridge filter, air and dirt separator, and a dosing unit. It also features an integrated pump, alarm, and BMS Compatibility.
Advantages of Using Side Stream Filters
Side stream filters are cost-effective compared to installing a large filtration system to handle the full flow rate. They also offer minimum disruption during filter change-outs and maintenance. Furthermore, side stream filtration technology has been successfully used to maintain healthy HVAC water systems.
Conclusion
Side stream filtration is a ground-breaking technique that not only enhances the performance of cooling systems but also prolongs their lifespan. The innovative X-POT system brings a multitude of benefits, including space-saving, improved system life expectancy, and enhanced water quality. By reducing energy usage and maintenance costs, side stream filtration is an invaluable tool for modern data centres and other industries requiring efficient cooling solutions.
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