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4 Corrosive Air Contaminants Threatening Data Center Operations
Data centers have become essential components to modern infrastructure, housing critical IT equipment that powers businesses, governments, and individuals worldwide. The performance and reliability of these facilities depends heavily on a stable and controlled environment, that includes indoor air quality (IAQ). What corrosive air contaminants should one look out for when managing data centers? Let’s find out.
Keywords: Data Center, Corrosive Air Contaminant, Hydrogen Sulfide, Sulfur Oxide, Nitrogen Oxide, Chlorine, Ozone, Indoor Air Quality.
Why Is IAQ So Important for Data Centers?
Data centers, as critical infrastructures, demand a meticulously controlled environment to safeguard the reliability and longevity of their operations. Data centers house delicate electronic equipment that necessitates continuous, uninterrupted operation.
However, various corrosive air contaminants can infiltrate these environments, leading to equipment degradation, failures, and increased maintenance costs. Comprehending these contaminants and their adverse impacts is essential for maintaining optimal data center performance.
4 Common Corrosive Air Contaminants and Their Impact
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Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)
Sources: Industrial processes, sewage systems, and natural gas.
Effects: Hydrogen sulfide is highly corrosive, particularly in the presence of moisture. It can severely corrode metals such as iron, steel, copper, and brass, which are commonly found in IT components.
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Sulfur Oxides (SOₓ) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ)
Sources: Combustion of fossil fuels, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust.
Effects: Sulfur Oxide and Nitrogen Oxide can form acids when combined with water, accelerating the corrosion of metals such as copper, silver, gold and platinum.
Also Read: Are Pet Allergies Affecting Your Home?
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Chlorine (Cl₂)
Sources: Industrial processes, water treatment facilities, and cleaning agents.
Effects: Chlorine is highly reactive and can cause extensive damage to electronic components, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, austenitic nickel cast iron, aluminum alloys, austenitic stainless steel. It can corrode metals and degrade plastic materials, leading to equipment failures.
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Ozone (O₃)
Sources: Outdoor air, electrical equipment, and photocopiers.
Effects: Ozone is a potent oxidizing agent that can degrade stainless steel materials and cause corrosion. It can damage rubber seals, plastic components, and metal surfaces, compromising the integrity of data center equipment.
Final Thoughts
The presence of these 4 corrosive air contaminants in data centers poses a serious threat to equipment reliability and performance. By understanding the corrosive contaminants and their impacts, data center managers can take proactive steps to mitigate their effects.
Worried about your data center and precious IT equipments? Stay tuned for the following article as we will explore effective strategies for preventing and managing air contaminants in data center environments.
If you are in need to improve your work environment while managing data centers, do check out AAF’s Official Malaysia Shopee Page so you can bring clean air to your workplace.
