Keeping Data Centres Running Clean and Efficient
From cooling systems to humidification and facility water supplies, even the smallest contaminants can disrupt data centre operations, reduce efficiency, and drive up running costs. Fileder provides filtration and water treatment solutions to help data centres stay online, efficient, and protected, ensuring uninterrupted performance when it matters most.
The Challenges
- Scaling and fouling in cooling systems
- Particulate and microbiological contamination affecting chilled water loops and humidification systems
- Corrosion risks from poor water quality damaging infrastructure
- Sediment build-up that shortens equipment life and increases downtime
- Legionella and bacterial control in cooling towers, adiabatic chillers and water storage systems
- High energy consumption due to inefficient filtration and water treatment processes
Solutions per Industry
Data Centre
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Pre-Commissioning Brochure
Waterās Role in Data Centres
There is an increasing demand for data centres due to the rise of AI technology and cloud storage. Water plays a critical role in the operation of data centres, whether they rely on air cooling or liquid cooling. Water serves as the most efficient, cost-effective method to cool the servers, but it is also required during air cooling to reduce air temperature. Pure water is needed to prevent clogs, uneven humidification, and bacterial growth.
Therefore, as the demand for data centres grows, the need for pure water rises too. Clean, well-filtered water is therefore a vital part of data centre reliability.
Advantages of Data Centre Water Treatment
Data centres benefit from water treatment in a range of ways, including:
- Improved reliability and reduced risk of equipment failure ā clean, well-treated water prevents the buildup of scale and corrosion in equipment.
- Lower maintenance costs ā water treatment reduces the need for frequent manual cleaning, flushing, and reactive repairs as there are fewer clogs and reduced corrosion.
- Enhanced energy efficiency ā clean systems operate more efficiently, as scale, sediment, and biofilm reduce heat transfer energy in heat exchangers and cooling towers. This reduces pump energy and improves overall cooling efficiency for servers.
- Longer equipment life ā by minimising corrosion and scaling through water treatment, you can extend the usual life of chillers, pipes, heat exchangers, and pumps, which can lead to reduced costs over time.
- Better compliance with health and safety ā water treatment for data centres controls bacteria growth, such as Legionella, and biohazards in cooling towers. This can help maintain compliance with health and safety standards.
Data Centre Water Treatment Solutions
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
RO systems remove 95-99% of dissolved solids like chlorine, lead, and fluoride. This provides high-purity water that prevents scale build-up in cooling systems.
Water Softening
By removing calcium and magnesium ions in the water, water softening treatments can prevent scale formation on heat transfer surfaces for data centres. This is usually used after reverse osmosis to reach low conductivity.
Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon removes chlorine, chloramines, organic contaminants, and odours, and is a great first step in the filtration process, protecting membranes like RO and other downstream equipment.
UV Sterilisation
UV lights control biological growth in water systems without using heavy chemicals. Itās great for cooling towers, process water loops, and storage tanks.
Hybrid Systems
For ultimate water treatment solutions, itās recommended to combine multiple treatments, such as reverse osmosis, water softening, and UV sterilisation, to meet water quality standards and protect equipment. Contact Fileder today for tailored solutions for your data centre.
Data Centre Water Treatment Applications
Water treatment plays a crucial role in various aspects of a data centreās cooling system:
- Cooling towers ā water treatment systems help prevent scaling, corrosion and microbial growth that can compromise cooling efficiency.
- Chillers and heat exchangers ā water treatment maintains clean surfaces for optimal performance and reduced energy consumption.
- Closed loop systems ā water treatments protect components from corrosion and extend equipment life.
- Boilers and humidification systems ā control mineral deposits and biofilm for smooth operation.
By implementing robust water treatment across these applications, data centres can achieve higher reliability, lower operating costs, and improved energy efficiency.
Why Choose Fileder for Your Data Centre Water Treatment
Fileder is the UKās number one water filtration distributor for data centres. We understand the unique challenges that data centres face, and weāre here to provide the solutions to extend equipment life, improve efficiency, and save money long-term. Our team are fully trained in water filtration, and is here to offer any advice, recommendations, or training. Contact us today for more information or to receive a quote.
FAQs
Why do I need water treatment for my data centre?
Proper water treatment prevents scaling, corrosion, and microbial growth in cooling systems, ensuring reliable performance, energy efficiency, and longer equipment life.
Will treatment disrupt our cooling operations?
Most treatments are designed for continuous operation. Temporary adjustments may be needed during installation, but downtime is minimised.
How will I know if the treatment is effective?
Indicators include stable pH and conductivity, low corrosion rates, minimal scale build-up, and consistent energy efficiency. Regular water testing confirms compliance.
Can treatment extend equipment life?
Yes. Properly treated water prevents corrosion and scale, protecting chillers, heat exchangers, and pumps, which reduces repair and replacement costs.
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