Newsletter-July August September 2022

Ever since COVID, the demand for data centers has only been rising. As per estimates by CRISIL, India’s data centers are projected to double by 2025, reaching 1,700–1,800 MW. But while focusing on the robust expansion, it is very important to be attentive to the unknown threats looming around data centers.

Data Centers run the risk of a downtime due to Airborne Molecular Contamination (AMC) and atmospheric particulates like smoke and dust. Vapors of gases like compounds of sulphur, oxides of nitrogen, chlorine, ammonia, etc. cause chemical contamination responsible for AMC.

This is an alarming situation for the data centres and server rooms wherein miniaturisation of electronics is the new day norm due to space constraints right from PCB/ Circuit Board/ Server Rack designs, eCorrosion is all the more prevalent thereby leading to increased downtime. Further more, high relative humidity in combination with the gases forms corrosive elements on the electronic circuits that adversely affect the operation, reliability, and longevity of sensitive electronic process control equipment in industrial control rooms, as well as data centers.

Consequently, there are frequent cases of breakdown in data centers and server rooms. The downtime cost of corrosion attack levies an enormous amount on the mission-critical facility. Compounding the problem, the corrosive effect is directly responsible for the loss of information and revenue. It also leads to less efficient processes, additional maintenance, costly repairs, and unplanned downtime.

Moreover, if the environmental conditions are not as per the prescribed limits then even OEMs do not offer an annual maintenance contract for expensive cards. Therefore, preventive measures must be taken by companies to protect the data equipment and servers from any potential contamination threat.

Installing DataCenter Air Purifier (DAP), an advanced Gas Phase Filtration systems is a vital step in ensuring the protection of Datacom equipment and servers. It enables passing the contaminant-laden air stream through a gas adsorbent impregnated with neutralizing chemicals placed in a properly designed casing. By filtering out corrosive gases, the systems inhibit the damage to the micro circuitry of PCBs.

Along with this equipping the data centers with dehumidifiers further helps in solving the problem. It maintains the humidity at optimum levels to control the amount of moisture in the air and prevents the condensation of equipment.

Dehumidification and relevance for Pharma Industry

The pharmaceutical industry is well aware of the importance of moisture control systems. If not implemented, it impacts the shelf life of medicines thereby impacting the brand reputation and profitability of pharma companies. The FDA, GMP and other global policies and regulations further ensure the pharma industry to be the front runner in implementing of Dehumidification system.

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the key consumers of Dehumidification technology. From the raw material of medicine to its delivery to the end consumer through a hospital pharmacy, humidity control is an integral requirement. A basic operation of the chemicals and pharma industry is bringing together constituents, under precise conditions to form compounds. Unwanted moisture may impede desired reactions and cause the formation of undesirable end products. Moisture is natural enemy of many grinding machines and pulverization issues are faced during the powder milling process. The contact of water vapor with the product makes the material resilient and difficult to grind. The material sticks to the grinding machines and it makes it difficult to convey the material from one process to another. Dehumidification is not only relevant at the manufacturing plant, but its relevance expands to the storage, and cleanliness of the air in a hospital and even at the research and test labs.

Most pharmaceutical powders are highly hygroscopic and moisture reactive. Maintaining low humidity in the packaging areas is critical. Similarly, finished capsules effervescent tablets etc. need to be stored in a dry environment to prevent moisture regain and spoilage of products. With the uptake of nutraceuticals, soft gelatin capsules are very much in demand and if ideal temperature and humidity levels are not maintained, the gelatin softening and solidification takes place leading to rejections.

• Is your lab equipment providing inaccurate results?
• Is the shelf life of your COVID-19 test kits and reagents reduced?
• Are your Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems achieving the new air emission compliance?
• Are you facing problems while processing powder food?
• Do not let moisture create HAVOC at your Cold Stores.
• Is corrosion extending your shutdown period?