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Paper Logs for Temperature Monitoring: The Same Old Mistake

 

 

There are a number of ways to ensure proper storage temperatures in restaurants and food service establishments. With that said, one particular method is becoming obsolete altogether. In the past, paper logs were the primary method of temperature logging. Employees would check temperatures twice daily (generally), and could produce weekly collections of logs from food storage areas. But how efficient is this method, and how is it becoming obsolete? Check out this 4-point list of problems that can surface with manual paper logging, and consider upgrading to an automated system for consistency and compliance.

1. Time: Even if temperature readings are recorded by a busboy or intern, keep in mind that the constant recording (particularly with many spots to log) can take significant time away from the employee's primary duties. 

2. Massaged Data: This is a larger "trust" issue if data has been altered or misused, but overall, the possibility of altered data exists with a paper log. Employees can (knowingly or by mistake) record false temperature readings that may indicate a failure or possible temperature excursion. There is no excuse for an employee that fails to indicate potential changes. 

3. Lost reports: If the health department requires you to produce temperature readings that span back a few months (or to a randomized date), paper logs create a variety of issues if organization is poor. Daily logs (365 in a year) can be easily lost amidst a mountain of paperwork, and pinpointing exact dates can be extremely cumbersome. Owners may have to comb through a mountain of disorganized data, and the realization that the data may be "missing" can have serious consequences when the health department arrives.

4. Inadequate reporting: Especially with the example of twice-daily checks, temperatures may fluctuate significantly in the 12 hours between temperature recordings. Food safety dictates that if certain foods are left exposed to low/high temperatures for 2 hours or longer, disposal may be the only option. Temperature readings may seem normal during the first check, but a temporary failure (that lasts 2-3 hours) cannot be accounted for when the second recordings are taken. This "dead zone" of lost readings can hold important clues for possible variations or issues, whether they're specific to the HVAC system or the actual refrigeration/freezer unit.

 

 

 

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Temperature Sensor Vendors: Innovation or Stagnation?

 

 Temperature Sensor Vendors: Innovation or Stagnation?

The sensor market has been discussed in a variety of innovation circles, mostly focused around the future of measurement and big data. The global environmental sensor and monitoring market was valued at $11.1 billion in 2010. This market is expected to reach $11.3 billion in 2011 and $15.3 billion in 2016, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% between 2011 and 2016. 

Many people are asking the same question, "what can I measure (with new sensor technology), and how can I benefit from it?". Whether the benefit is financial (driving down energy costs to save money, for example), or simply informational (measurement of processes and efficiency), the sensor market now boasts a variety of sensor types and options for buyers.

And yet, the news of innovation often seems to come from the hardware side. Temperature sensor vendors, in particular, are highlighting their innovations from this angle. As an example, Monnit, a large player in the wireless sensor market, has unveiled two new hardware products to add alongside their comprehensive product lineup. And while these product innovations are significant, there's still something missing, something to be desired.

 What's missing? Let's back up a bit. In the environmental sensor market, cloud-based online dashboards are invaluable to remote viewers (or those offsite that wish to see the device status). These dashboards can consolidate the information from the sensor hardware into a digestible and user-friendly interface. The software can also spin graphs, charts, and reports for demonstrating compliance. Still, the software seems to dwell in stagnation behind the hardware announcements for many sensor vendors. In general, software upgrades seem to be low on the priority list, and product flexibility can run stale. After all, you can't have smart hardware coupled with dumb software, imagine an iPhone 5 running iPhone OS 1.0 as its base operating system. On the flip side, imagine if iOS 7 was not compatible with existing iPhone 4S models. Both sound silly, right? The question is, can hardware innovation be released without supplemental software upgrades or updates? 

The answer is, plainly, no.  New sensor and device hardware is a newsworthy announcement, but software upgrades can be equally as important. Apple seems to understand this; hardware updates (usually in the Fall) are often followed by software upgrades soon after. The understanding is that new hardware is best optimized for use by supplemental, upgraded software (that isn't years old). 

Temperature sensor vendors (as a whole) rely upon these software updates and upgrades to keep new devices up to speed with legacy systems and programs, but also for development of enhanced capabilities. A vendor cannot simply introduce a new product with the same smorgasbord of offerings and features in the software.  New software features, such as escalation alerts (establishing an alert hierarchy) and corrective action notation (for compliance purposes), are two particular software updates that can really expand the flexibility of new (and legacy) hardware. Current customers may feel alienated or "locked in" if the new software isn't compatible with an older device. New features are great, but if they're only for new purchasers, they're virtually meaningless (and perhaps insulting) to established customers.

Ultimately, an innovative sensor vendor will couple new hardware with a software package that integrates new features and capabilities for the new device, but also allows integration with existing products and services. Software changes should be focused on the entire product lineup and not solely for the product-of-the-week. It's easy to be distracted by the press releases and the general enthusiasm behind the product launches, but upgrades and expanded device capabilities (software based) are the real drivers of innovation in the sensor market. 

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The Do's and Don't of Particle Filters and the effect on the IT space

 

What dust? I don’t see no stinking dust!

DustyFilter resized 600

Dust Accumulation in a Dell Laptop (Source)


What particle filters do, what they don’t do, and how it affects filter selection for IT spaces.

Up to now, this series has discussed particle filtration in data centers. All IT spaces, including computer, telecom, server, and instrument rooms require particle filtration in their air handling systems for optimum performance.  But why is this so?

Earlier it was mentioned that when I personally replaced a standard hot air heating system filter with one rated to reduce allergens, the high efficiency filter removed a remarkable amount of dust in comparison to the standard one. Nothing in the house changed; the dust particles had been there all along.  They simply passed through the standard filter without slowing down.  Luckily, as my family doesn’t suffer from allergies, our health was not affected by the particles. Otherwise, for all intents and purposes, the furnace performed well with the standard filter.  However, this is not the case for CRAC units, where a little dust on the cooling coils can degrade efficiency.  Note to self: vacuum refrigerator coils, summer is arriving in two weeks.

DustyFilter2 resized 600Dust Accumulation in Laptop Fan (Source)

More importantly, dust on electrical components can insulate them and keep them from dissipating heat as designed.  This can overheat and stress components, leading to reduced or intermittent performance and in some cases, premature failure, especially toward the end of the device’s life.  That’s why all of the IT equipment manufacturers specify particle filtration as a condition in their warranty language.  Images on the web are more likely to show extreme examples in laptops and home computers, but the same can be seen in poorly maintained servers.

But what is this dust, and how does the filter keep it out?  Dust is a buildup of fibers (natural and synthetic textiles, hair, fur, microscopic plastic, wood and metal scrapings from flooring, shoes, desks, etc.; plant, animal, soil, sand, pavement, building materials from the ambient environment, and the residues from combustion such as soot and smoke particles. Keep in mind, bacteria, mold spores, and viruses are particles in the air that can also be trapped in the filter.  They can be visible or invisible, and are sometimes too small to see with even the most powerful of microscopes (viruses for example).  Here’s an example of the range of particles that may be found in the air at any given time.

Particle

Particle Size
(microns)

one inch (24.4 mm)

25400

dot (.)

615

Eye of a Needle

1230

Beach Sand

100 - 10000

Mist

70 - 350

Pollens

10 - 1000

Textile Fibers

10 - 1000

Human Hair

40 - 300

Dust Mites

100 - 300

Saw Dust

30 - 600

Mold Spores

10 - 30

Red Blood Cells

5 - 10

Spider web

2 - 3

Combustion-related - motor vehicles, wood burning, industrial processes

up to 2.5

Milled Flour, Milled Corn

1 - 100

Coal Dust

1 - 100

Talcum Dust

0.5 - 50

Copier Toner

0.5 - 15

Liquid Droplets

0.5 - 5

Anthrax

1 - 5

Smoldering or Flaming Cooking Oil

0.03 - 0.9

Bacteria

0.3 - 60

Combustion

0.01 - 0.1

Burning Wood

0.2 - 3

Tobacco Smoke

0.01 - 4

Viruses

0.005 - 0.3

Typical Atmospheric Dust

0.001 to 30

Carbon Dioxide

0.00065

Oxygen

0.0005

Table edited for length. (Source)

Different geographical locations have unique variables to consider, including the local environment (arid, tropical, arctic, etc.), local culture (cooking and heating methods, popular modes of transportation, hygiene practices, etc.), the site’s policies and practices in the selection of materials used and allowed in IT spaces, access practices (gowning, etc.), and HVAC system maintenance.  In clean rooms, such as those used for integrated circuit production at companies like Intel, Samsung and TSMC, the removal of particles is especially critical.  The cleanliness requirements for microprocessors and flash memory devices are significantly higher than a server closet, as the finished chips must operate under their defined specifications without obstruction or minuscule imperfections. After assessing the particle loading potential in any given site, the cost of filtration, cleaning, and other measures can be weighed against the OEM’s requirements.

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Typical Particles found in the Environment (Source)

Local HVAC service companies are very familiar with the particle filtration needs of their areas.  By matching this knowledge with the site’s policies and practices, one can easily determine the optimum particle filtration for any given location. From data closets, to server rooms, and even in microprocessor factories, staying informed on best practices in filtration is always a wise move. 

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IC Wafer Lab (Source

 

If you have other suggestions, tips, or insights on this issue, feel free to chime in on the comments section of this page!

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Low-Cost Monitoring Systems for SMBs and the Cold Chain

 

 Can Small Hospitals and Bio/Pharma Labs Implement Affordable, Fault-Tolerant Cold Chain Monitoring and Alarming During Shipment of Organs, Tissues, IVs and Vaccines?

Cellular technology combined with Cloud Computing may provide the answer.

Organs resized 600Above: Organ Shipment Container

A recent article in the latest edition of Pharmaceutical Commerce (Link to article) titled “The Convergence of Environmental Condition Monitoring and Supply Chain Visibility” describes a robust system designed to provide visibility to the location and environmental conditions of temperature sensitive products during shipment and transit.  The system uses a combination of GPS technology with a 24/7/365 asset tracking service for pharmaceutical and biological materials companies worldwide. 

 

Backed by a $60B technology conglomerate, this package certainly offers a high level of monitoring and security.  Still, what about the small and midsized Bio/Pharma labs, hospitals, and medical centers? What are their options for a robust environmental monitoring system for the cold chain, particularly if budgets cannot support the additional expenses from continuously staffed services?  In the end, cellular communication technology in combination with a cloud service may provide one answer. The cloud service will typically provide SMS text, email, and phone alert capabilities to complement the hardware.

 

The use of monitoring systems for sensitive products (within the cold chain) is an established practice. Regulations have either been previously established, or are under current review/consideration. These regulations are tailored to geographic locations (US or International), and differ by application type (e.g: vaccines vs. organs for donation) The Pharmaceutical Commerce article outlines several of these quite well.  Aside from regulatory requirements, many makers of such materials have implemented or are considering risk management strategies and policies to insure product safety and efficacy.  Still, the challenge lies in the cost of implementation, wherein these strategies and policies (between the time the product leaves their shipping dock and the time it arrives and is received) can be tricky to follow.

H1N1 vaccine pickup resized 600Above: H1N1 Vaccine Shipment

 

Of course, shippers do their best to insure product and environmental integrity of their cargo, however, many have horror stories of compromised shipments or damaged materials. To that extent, compromised or damaged shipments lead to a loss of materials and valuable time, neither of which are ideal.  These items may even be the result of extensive testing, and these setbacks can disrupt the entire project/development.

image003 resized 600

 

One solution would be to utilize the power of wireless cellular technology and a robust cloud computing data aggregation system. These cloud systems are most effective for collecting and analyzing sensor data.  The wireless cellular communication medium (along with long-lasting battery backups) can help insure that materials are monitored for the duration of the trip.  Such systems are highly sensitive in regard to environmental changes, and therefore insure that any deviations can be noted and flagged with an email, SMS text, or voice alert message. These messages are sent to one (or several) responsible individuals at any time.  Escalation plans can also be built into the system, such that the absence of any one “individual” is not a cause for failure. These plans ensure that if conditions continue to deviate from the norm, other individuals can be alerted through a priority-based alert system.

For information about Temperature@lert’s Cellular and Sensor Cloud offerings, visit our website at http://www.temperaturealert.com or call us at +1-866-524-3540.


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Where in the World has the Temperature@lert Team Been?

 

Here at Temperature@lert, we believe in averting disasters before having to mop them up. With that as our mantra, the team has been spreading this message at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago and at the Computerworld Honors Gala in Washington, D.C.

Did you miss out meeting the Temperature@lert team? No fear, here's a quick photo recap of our two most recent events!

 

NRA 2013 Show Banner Chicago

 

Temperature@lert's 2013 National Restaurant Association Show Booth

Temperature@lert

 

Temperature@lert's "Bullish Business Developer" Mark Langley Educating NRA Show Atendees on the Importance of Temperature Monitoring in Food Service

Temperature@lert

 

Temperature@lert's "B2B Bees" Benny Bridger & "Bullish Business Developer" Mark Langley, Showing NRA Attendees the Temperature@lert Monitoring Solutions

Temperature@lert

 

Temperature@lert's "Advertising Acrobat" Diane Deng & "B2B Bees" Benny Bridger Photobombing at NRA 2013, Thanks to Our Photo Booth Neighbor

Temperature@lert

 

 __________________________________________________________________________

Computerworld Honors Program Laureate 2013Temperature@lert's "Eternal Entrepeneur" (CEO) Harry Schechter's Official Name Badge @ the Computerworld Honors Program Gala for 2013's Laureate Class

Temperature@lert Computerworld Honors Laureate Gala

 

Temperature@lert's "Eternal Entrepreneur" (CEO) Harry Schechter @ the Gala with the 2013 Computerworld Honors Program Laureate class in Washington, D.C.

Temperature@lert Computerworld Honors Laureate Gala

 

Temperature@lert Bringing Home a Gold Medal as a 2013 Computerworld Honors Program Laureate for Our Solar Cellular Edition w/ Sensor Cloud!

Temperature@lert Computerworld Honors Laureate Gala

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Top 5 Consequences of Monitoring Failures

 

For a variety of industries and applications, failing to monitor temperature can set off a chain reaction of problems and frustration. From lost research, to tained vaccines, to spoiled food costing thousands of dollars, temperature monitoring is a concept that shouldn't be ignored, overlooked, or passively addressed. Check out these common disasters that can arise from the lack of a monitoring system, and prevent these from becoming your reality:

 

1. Melting Servers and IT Equipment: For the banking sector in particular, melted servers are the equivalent to a data meltdown. Employees will often arrive at the office on Monday, only to walk directly into a sauna-like server room.

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2. Melted Ice Cream: Many ice cream vendors live and die by their freezer systems. The delicacy must dwell within a certain range in the freezer, and without a monitoring system, countless dollars are lost when the ice cream melts. 

3. Food Safety Violations: When inspected by the health department, many restaurants and cafes face stiff penalties if refrigerated and/or frozen products aren't properly monitored. Beyond the health department, contaminated food leads to sickness, lawsuits, wasted food, and perhaps all three. 

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4. Tainted Vaccines: Many stories have come up recently about vaccine contamination and misuse, and the root cause is typically due to a temperature monitoring failure. The Harvard Brain Bank was an unfortunate example of this problem.

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5. Mold in the Home: Vacation homes are at risk for mold contamination, particularily if left unoccupied for long periods of tie. Owners will often arrive at the home to find an outbreak of mold because humidity levels had been elevated for several weeks unbeknownst to them. 

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What Air Filter(s) Do I Need?

 

What Air Filter(s) Do I Need?

How to choose the correct air filters for CRAC units within a Data Center

As previously discussed, air filters used in data center CRAC units are specialized for particle removal efficiency and resistance to air flow (pressure drop).  Similar to our comments about the filters in home heating and air conditioning systems, proper maintenance is required for problem free operation in both cases.  But when it’s time to change the filter, how do you know which to select from the myriad of choices?

To reiterate, removing particles is important to insure the heat exchanger is keep clean and working at optimal efficiency.  It's therefore important to choose filters that meet the manufacturer’s particle removal specifications.  These specifications are often in terms that are not commonly used or understood, so what do they mean in simple terms?  The specifications are typically describing the industry standard for testing of the "particle removal efficiency" of air filters. These are geographically based suggestions, and may vary based on location. The terms that are relevant for most applications are the following:

  • MERV: Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value from ASHRAE Std. 52.2 - 2007 Testing Method
    • Filters rated from MERV 1 to MERV 16, commonly used in USA
  • CEN: European Committee for Standardization from EN779:2012 Testing Method
    • Filters are rated G, M, F, and U (clean room applications), commonly used in EU
  • ISO: International Organization for Standardization from ISO 14644-1
    • Filters are rated ISO 1 to ISO 9, International Standard often used in clean rooms, frequently referenced by electronic equipment manufacturers

When selecting an air filter to replace the existing CRAC unit filters, use of the OEM filter will insure that the filter meets both particle removal and pressure drop specifications as required.  However, because the particle types and concentration in the air can vary from location to location, the life of the filter will need to be determined by monitoring the pressure instrumentation of the CRAC unit.  For example, arid climates may have a greater loading of sandy dust, whereas wetter environments may find many pollen and plant fibers.  The number of individuals that enter or leave the IT space, the leak integrity of the room, and the particle removal effectiveness of the makeup air handler can all play an important role in the actual life of the filters.  CRAC OEMs can provide guidance about when to change filters and options for extended filter life (if needed).  Third party suppliers can also offer a wealth of information. One can select the optimum filter for any particular location by using comparative filter testing data and gathering information on vendors and available filter types.

If an alternate filter is selected, it's important to monitor the operating parameters of the CRAC unit.  Filters with greater pressure drop will require more fan capacity (energy).  CRAC units with VFD fans will automatically accommodate the change within the control range. On the opposite end, Non-VFD units may require manual adjustment.  The ultimate goal is to ensure the fan is not operating at 100% capacity with a new filter, since there will be no additional capacity to overcome the increase in pressure drop as the filter accumulates dust. 

The following images are not necessarily from CRAC filter suppliers.  They are intended to assist the reader in discussions about replacement air filters.

 

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Different types of air filters that may be employed. 

Source: Link to Image 1

 

 

 filtration mechanism

 Various particle capture mechanisms that may be employed in air filters. Generally smaller particles are removed more efficiently by mechanisms at the bottom of the chart.

Source: Link to Image 2

 

 micron graph

Graphical visualization of the types of particles found in households compared to various filter types.  CRAC air filters are generally in the Standard Filter category.  The source of this image markets Electrostatic Air Purifiers to control allergens. 

Source: Link to Image 3

 

 

 

References: Generally from air filter, equipment or cleaning services suppliers (Standards can be ordered from the respective organizations.)

 

ASHRAE (https://www.ashrae.org/)

 

  1. Flanders Filters: ASHRAE Std. 52.1 Comparison to Std. 52.2 http://www.flanderscorp.com/files/Technical_Data/ASHRAE+MERV+CROSS+REFERENCE.pdf
  2. Camfil Farr Technical Services Bulletin ASHRAE Testing for HVAC Air Filtration A Review of Standards 52.1-1992 & 52.2-1999 http://www.camfil.no/FileArchive/Quality%20certificates%20and%20awards/ASHRAE52.pdf
  3. Camfil Farr presentation describing ASHRAE 52.2 with good technical  background information on particle sizes and particle removal mechanisms http://www.cshe.org/1-10-13%20OC%20ASHRAE%20Ind%20Stds%2052.2.pdf

 

CEN (http://www.cen.eu/cen/Sectors/Sectors/HVACetc/Pages/default.aspx)

  1. AAF International: EN779:2012 New European Standard for General Ventilation Filters http://www.aafeurope.com/en/148/en779-2012
  2. Filtrair B.V The Netherlands presentation European Air Filter Test Standard EN779:2012 describing the background for filter testing and rating with a good technical description of test methods for both CEN and ASHRAE tests. http://www.airah.org.au/imis15_prod/Content_Files/Divisionmeetingpresentations/QLD/PPQLD_13-06-2012-GW.pdf
  3. CEN and ASHRAE  cross reference charts from:
    1. Camfil Farr http://www.camfil.com/FileArchive/Brochures/Gas%20turbines%20and%20other%20power%20systems/Filter%20brochures/Filter_class_chart_ASHRAE_EN_Moved.pdf)
    2. Flanders Filters http://www.flanderscorp.com/files/FlandersFFI_literature/PB3001_FilterEff.pdf

 

ISO (http://www.iso.org/iso/home.html)

  1. Fujitsu FTS Specification “Gaseous and Particulate Contamination Guidelines for Data Centers” http://globalsp.ts.fujitsu.com/dmsp/Publications/public/FTS-04230-Specification-for-DataCenter.pdf
  2. IBM Systems Hardware information, Environmental design criteria http://pic.dhe.ibm.com/infocenter/powersys/v3r1m5/index.jsp?topic=/p7ebe/p7ebetempandhumiditydesign.htm
  3. Camfil Farr Clean Room Design Standards and Energy Optimization, describes ISO, ASHRAE and CEN particle specifications for pharmaceutical manufacturers, good technical particle source and control discussions for clean room environments with lessons for data center operators http://www.camfil.us/Global/Documents/US/Literature%20Library/CREO.pdf

 describe the image

 

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Safe Vaccine Storage: 5 Point Checklist and Infographic

 

 Safe Vaccine Storage: 5 Point Checklist and Infographic

There are many guidelines and suggestions based around vaccine storage, and while many are detailed and comprehensive, the value of a digestible explanation is wholly understated. Keeping it simple, or providing easy-to-read checklists, graphs, and guidelines instead of textbooked (and sometimes tired) prose, is quite effective for educating staff on proper guidelines and practices. The CDC typically does an excellent job of supplementing textbook-worthy explanations with "elementary" graphics and charts. Many of their own checklists (while also comprehensive) are easily digested and understood. To that end, Immunize.org also has an excellent .PDF checklist for safe vaccine storage and handling. These following 5 tips are extracted directly from their official checklist. To see the entire list, click here.

 

 

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1. Clean coils, bins, shelves, and other hard-to-reach spots in all refrigeration/freezer units every 3-6 months.

2. Use calibrated thermometers with verifiable Certificates of traceability and Calibration (such as NIST) to ensure compliance.

3. Ensure that all managerial personnel are well versed in CDC's storage and handling guidelines (wherever applicable)

4. Purchase backup storage units and refrigerators (tied to internal batteries or generators) to safeguard against power outages. Switch to these secondary units when needed, and routinely check generators to ensure fault tolerance.

5. Document the following details (manually or automatically via technology)

  • Vaccine type and quantity

  • Date received

  • Shipment condition (especially if damaged)

  • Manufacturer name

  • Expiration Date (keep an additional, separate log to compile expiration dates for extra precaution)

 

We've also uncovered a very useful and informative vaccine storage infographic, courtesy of the Minnesota Department of HealthVaccine Storage Guide.health.state.MN resized 600

Original Link: Minnesota Department of Health

 

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What do air filters in my data center HVAC and CRAC units do?

 

Air filters in my Data center HVAC and CRAC: Why are they needed?

 Looking under the covers

So far, we’ve discussed the two most important aspects of air filters: particle removal efficiency and resistance to air flow (pressure drop). These factors generally oppose each other. More efficient filters remove more particles but offer more resistance. Low pressure drop filters are generally less effective in removing particles, especially smaller particles. But why do the HVAC and CRAC units need air filters at all? If they slow down the air, they make the fan work harder which uses more energy (electricity) and costs more money. But there’s not a lot of dust in the data center air, right? Unlike our homes, data centers and IT server rooms do not have fabric covered furniture, pets, or children that generate a lot of dust. So what’s all the fuss? Why is this an important issue to discuss? After all, maintenance personnel or a service company can clean up dust bunnies when they clean the room, and isn’t that sufficient?

To be clear, HVAC and CRAC unit manufacturers don’t install particle filters in their units to help keep the data center "clean" in the traditional sense. If that were the case, they would save on the expense of the filter, the added cost of additional fan capacity, and the electrical usage needed to overcome the filter’s pressure drop. Specific to data centers, the filters are there to protect the cooling coils from accumulating microscopic dust particles. These particles can attach themselves to the heat exchanger and will form a thin blanket of insultation over the surface. This dust film will make it harder for the air molecules to come into contact with the heat exchanger, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the unit. If the issue is severe enough, the unit would not be able to supply the rated amount of cooled air, meaning that the electrical equipment served by the HVAC and CRAC units would be operating at higher temperatures than desired. Over time, this could lead to poor performance and even heat related failures.

 

image001 resized 600

Cooling Coils (Source 1)

More importantly, particles can affect the performance of electronics. Similar to heat exchangers, the particles can form thin films of dust on circuit components, negatively affecting their ability to dissipate heat. Some particles can have chemical or physical reactions with exposed electronics, causing problems which will be covered in a later piece.

image002 resized 600

Air Filter Array (Source 2)

Changing the CRAC air filters when they become dirty is important to their proper operation, and ultimately saves energy. Dirty filters have more pressure drop than clean filters, and thus require more fan energy to operate at the desired flow. Very dirty filters may overcome the fan’s capacity, resulting in less air than is typically required for proper cooling. In a raised floor design, this will likely result in less cooled air at the end of the aisle (most distant from the CRAC unit) and the electronics there will be exposed to higher operating temperatures as a result. (A side thought: Do you have any experience on the energy usage, operational issues, or failures at the end of a cooled aisle vs. the center and end near the CRAC unit that you would be willing to share?).

And by the way, banging the filters to remove the dust or even vacuuming them is not an effective way to keep them clean. Many particles are deeply lodged in the filter matrix and are difficult to remove. Even worse, if these particles are displaced, they can eventually work their way through the filter and cause a number of issues (as outlined above).

Air filters are needed for proper operation of HVAC and CRAC units, and beyond this implementation, these filters must be changed when recommended (by the manufacturer) to help to maintain efficient operation. Also, routine maintenance will insure valuable electronics and the mission critical data that may be contained within. The next piece in this series will discuss filter ratings and why they are important for your Data Center.

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Two Days Left @ NRA Show 2013!

 

Have you met the Temperature@lert team yet? Come down to the McCormick Center in Chicago from the 18th through the 21st (this weekend!) and meet with our CEO & President: Harry Schechter, our Brave Business Developer: Mark Langley, our Advertising Acrobat: Diane Deng, and our B2B Bees: Benny Bridger. Find us at Booth #6383!

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This is a not-to-miss event, the premier restaurant, food service and hospitality industry show. Come and learn about how Temperature@lert can avert disasters by overseeing, monitoring, and alerting from BOH, to FOH, to pantry, and through the rest of you culinary kitchenstand. Temperature@lert has you covered and would love to meet with you if you're in the Chicago area! If you can't make it, make sure you're following @TempAlertHarry for the latest news at the show!

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