Keep It Cool & Under Control

Water Treatment in Data Centers

Data centers are among the largest consumers of water globally, with hyperscale facilities using millions of gallons daily to cool high-performance servers and critical IT infrastructure. In fact, the industry’s annual water consumption exceeds 200 billion liters—comparable to the needs of entire cities. Effective water treatment has become a vital component for maintaining operational efficiency and achieving sustainability in the data center industry.

Untreated water can lead to scaling, corrosion, and microbial growth, causing equipment failures, increased energy consumption, and costly downtime. As the demand for data centers continues to grow, so does the need for advanced water treatment systems that safeguard cooling infrastructure, reduce environmental impact, and conserve valuable resources.

Importance of Water Treatment in Data Centers

Cooling
Efficiency

Efficient cooling systems rely on high-quality treated water to manage the heat generated by critical equipment and ensure smooth operations.

Environmental Protection

Treated water reduces the discharge of harmful pollutants, protecting natural resources and minimizing environmental impact.

Operational Efficiency

Clean water prevents scaling, corrosion, and biofouling, ensuring reliable cooling system performance and reducing maintenance costs.

Resource Conservation

Water treatment promotes recycling and reuse, minimizing waste and conserving resources in water-scarce areas.

Cooling Efficiency

Efficient cooling systems rely on high-quality treated water to manage the heat generated by critical equipment and ensure smooth operations.

Environmental Protection

Treated water reduces the discharge of harmful pollutants, protecting natural resources and minimizing environmental impact.

Operational Efficiency

Clean water prevents scaling, corrosion, and biofouling, ensuring reliable cooling system performance and reducing maintenance costs.

Resource Conservation

Water treatment promotes recycling and reuse, minimizing waste and conserving resources in water-scarce areas.

Challenges in Data Center Water Treatment

Water treatment for data centers is essential for ensuring the efficiency and reliability of cooling systems. However, it comes with several challenges that can significantly impact operations if not addressed effectively:

Scaling & Corrosion

Impurities in untreated water can lead to scale deposits and corrosion in pipelines and cooling equipment. This reduces the heat exchange efficiency and increases energy consumption, leading to higher operational costs.

Microbial Growth & Biofouling

Warm water in cooling systems creates an ideal environment for microbial growth, which can clog pipelines, degrade equipment, and compromise cooling system performance.

Chemical Imbalance

Maintaining the proper chemical composition in water is a delicate balance. Over-dosing or under-dosing of treatment chemicals can lead to inefficiencies, increased maintenance, and potential damage to the system.

High Energy Consumption

Ineffective water treatment can lead to inefficient cooling systems, which in turn increase the energy consumption of data centers. This not only raises operational costs but also the carbon footprint of the facility.

Environmental Impact

Inefficient water treatment can lead to excessive chemical use and water wastage, contributing to environmental concerns and hindering sustainability efforts.

Challenges in Data Center Water Treatment

Water treatment for data centers is essential for ensuring the efficiency and reliability of cooling systems. However, it comes with several challenges that can significantly impact operations if not addressed effectively:

Scaling & Corrosion

Impurities in untreated water can lead to scale deposits and corrosion in pipelines and cooling equipment. This reduces the heat exchange efficiency and increases energy consumption, leading to higher operational costs.

Microbial Growth & Biofouling

Warm water in cooling systems creates an ideal environment for microbial growth, which can clog pipelines, degrade equipment, and compromise cooling system performance.

Chemical Imbalance

Maintaining the proper chemical composition in water is a delicate balance. Over-dosing or under-dosing of treatment chemicals can lead to inefficiencies, increased maintenance, and potential damage to the system.

High Energy Consumption

Ineffective water treatment can lead to inefficient cooling systems, which in turn increase the energy consumption of data centers. This not only raises operational costs but also the carbon footprint of the facility.

Environmental Impact

Inefficient water treatment can lead to excessive chemical use and water wastage, contributing to environmental concerns and hindering sustainability efforts.

Types of Data Center Water Treatment Solutions

Data centers employ a variety of water treatment solutions to ensure reliable cooling system performance while addressing operational challenges. Each solution plays a specific role in maintaining water quality and efficiency:

Filtration Systems

These systems remove physical impurities such as dirt, debris, and suspended particles from the water. Filtration is the first line of defense in preventing blockages and maintaining the flow efficiency of cooling systems.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved salts, minerals, and other contaminants, providing high-purity water ideal for cooling processes.

Chemical Dosing Systems

These systems precisely inject treatment chemicals such as biocides, scale inhibitors, and pH stabilizers into the water. Chemical dosing prevents scaling, corrosion, and microbial growth, safeguarding the cooling infrastructure.

Filtration Systems

These systems remove physical impurities such as dirt, debris, and suspended particles from the water. Filtration is the first line of defense in preventing blockages and maintaining the flow efficiency of cooling systems.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved salts, minerals, and other contaminants, providing high-purity water ideal for cooling processes.

Chemical Dosing Systems

These systems precisely inject treatment chemicals such as biocides, scale inhibitors, and pH stabilizers into the water. Chemical dosing prevents scaling, corrosion, and microbial growth, safeguarding the cooling infrastructure.

Softening Systems

Water softeners reduce hardness by removing calcium and magnesium ions, preventing scale formation in pipes and equipment.

Electrodeionization (EDI)

EDI is an advanced water purification method that uses ion exchange membranes and electricity to produce ultra-pure water, minimizing the need for chemicals.

UV Sterilization Systems

Ultraviolet (UV) light is used to disinfect water by destroying bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, ensuring microbial control without the use of chemicals.

Softening Systems

Water softeners reduce hardness by removing calcium and magnesium ions, preventing scale formation in pipes and equipment.

Electrodeionization (EDI)

EDI is an advanced water purification method that uses ion exchange membranes and electricity to produce ultra-pure water, minimizing the need for chemicals.

UV Sterilization Systems

Ultraviolet (UV) light is used to disinfect water by destroying bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, ensuring microbial control without the use of chemicals.

Success Stories

Automated Chemical Dosing System for Data Center Pipeline Water Treatment

Project Overview

Water treatment plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation for large-scale industrial facilities. In this project, untreated pipeline water posed a significant challenge, threatening the efficiency of critical systems. To address this, we developed an advanced water treatment system that seamlessly integrates chemical dosing, precision flow measurement, and automated control technology. This cutting-edge approach not only resolved the immediate challenges but also established a robust foundation for reliable and long-term operations.

Project Overview

Water treatment plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation for large-scale industrial facilities. In this project, untreated pipeline water posed a significant challenge, threatening the efficiency of critical systems. To address this, we developed an advanced water treatment system that seamlessly integrates chemical dosing, precision flow measurement, and automated control technology. This cutting-edge approach not only resolved the immediate challenges but also established a robust foundation for reliable and long-term operations.

Client Background

Our client operates a hyperscale data center campus in Johor, Malaysia, recognized for its role in supporting global digital infrastructure. Reliable water supply systems are critical to the facility’s cooling operations, directly influencing performance and efficiency. To address untreated water in the pipeline supply, our client required a comprehensive solution to ensure consistent water quality, operational stability, and alignment with their sustainability goals.

Challenges in Data Center Pipeline Water Treatment

The facility faced significant challenges with untreated water in its pipeline supply, which impacted the efficiency and reliability of its cooling systems. Key issues included:

Inconsistent Water Quality

Untreated water posed risks to the cooling systems, potentially leading to scaling, corrosion, and reduced performance.

Manual Intervention

The lack of automation in the water treatment process required frequent manual oversight, increasing operational costs and the potential for errors.

Operational Risks

The untreated water supply threatened the stability of critical cooling operations, risking disruptions to the facility’s performance.

Scalability Limitations

The existing system was unable to handle the facility’s increasing demand for treated water.

Inconsistent Water Quality

Untreated water posed risks to the cooling systems, potentially leading to scaling, corrosion, and reduced performance.

Manual Intervention

The lack of automation in the water treatment process required frequent manual oversight, increasing operational costs and the potential for errors.

Operational Risks

The untreated water supply threatened the stability of critical cooling operations, risking disruptions to the facility’s performance.

Scalability Limitations

The existing system was unable to handle the facility’s increasing demand for treated water.

Project Objective

Achieving consistent water quality was a critical requirement for the facility to maintain its cooling operations and overall performance. The project aimed to implement a reliable, automated solution that addressed untreated water in the pipeline supply, ensuring operational stability, supporting scalability, and aligning with the client’s long-term operational goals.

1

Water Quality Consistency

Ensure consistent water quality to maintain cooling system efficiency.
2

Automated Treatment Processes

Automate water treatment processes to reduce manual intervention.
3

Enhanced System Scalability

Improve operational efficiency and scalability to meet growing demands.
4

Precision in Water Flow Monitoring

Enhance water flow monitoring for precise chemical dosing.
5

Optimized Water Usage

Minimize water wastage through optimized treatment processes.
6

Improved System Reliability

Strengthen system reliability to avoid potential operational disruptions.

Dpstar Solution

Dpstar successfully delivered a comprehensive and automated water treatment system, addressing the facility’s challenges with untreated pipeline water. Our engineering team designed and implemented an advanced solution tailored to meet the operational and scalability needs of the hyperscale facility. This solution incorporated several high-tech components tailored to enhance efficiency, reliability, and scalability:

Vetrix Ultrasonic Flowmeter
(US-2000S-TM)

Mounted on the wall and connected to the main water pipeline, this device is critical for monitoring water flow rates with high precision. It enables the accurate dosing of chemicals, ensuring the water treatment process is consistent and efficient.

Siemens PLC and HMI

Integrated into the system to automate the water treatment process. The PLC was programmed with advanced control logic, while the HMI was configured to offer a user-friendly interface for operators, enabling real-time monitoring, adjustments, and diagnostics.

Remote Control Panel & Accessories

Designed and installed to centralize control, this panel allowed seamless monitoring and adjustments of the entire system. The setup ensured quick diagnostics and uninterrupted functionality under varying operational conditions.

Vetrix Ultrasonic Flowmeter (US-2000S-TM)

Mounted on the wall and connected to the main water pipeline, this device is critical for monitoring water flow rates with high precision. It enables the accurate dosing of chemicals, ensuring the water treatment process is consistent and efficient.

Siemens PLC and HMI

Integrated into the system to automate the water treatment process. The PLC was programmed with advanced control logic, while the HMI was configured to offer a user-friendly interface for operators, enabling real-time monitoring, adjustments, and diagnostics.

Remote Control Panel & Accessories

Designed and installed to centralize control, this panel allowed seamless monitoring and adjustments of the entire system. The setup ensured quick diagnostics and uninterrupted functionality under varying operational conditions.

How Chemical Dosing Systems Work

Chemical dosing systems operate through a combination of precision instrumentation and automation to deliver treatment chemicals into the water. The process typically involves the following steps:

1

Water Flow Measurement

The Vetrix Ultrasonic Flowmeter measures the water flow rate in real-time and transmits the data as a 4-20 mA passive analog signal to the Siemens S7-1200 PLC. This measurement ensures an accurate calculation of the required chemical dosage based on the flow conditions.
2

Chemical Injection

The PLC processes the flow rate and converts it into a 4-20 mA active analog output signal, which is sent to the chemical dosing pumps. These pumps inject the correct amount of scale inhibitors, biocides, and pH adjusters into the water pipeline, maintaining water quality.
3

Automation and Control

The Siemens S7-1200 PLC automates the dosing process for precision and consistency. A human-machine interface (HMI) allows real-time monitoring and adjustments, minimizing manual intervention.
4

Centralized Management

A remote control panel enables operators to monitor and control the system. Automated alarms and SCADA integration support remote monitoring, quick issue detection, and process optimization.

Key Benefits of Chemical Dosing Systems

Chemical dosing systems provide numerous advantages that make them indispensable for data center water treatment:

Precision & Consistency

Automated systems ensure accurate dosing of chemicals, preventing issues caused by over-dosing or under-dosing.

Enhanced Protection

By preventing scaling, corrosion, and microbial growth, these systems protect the cooling infrastructure and extend the lifespan of equipment.

Operational Efficiency

Automation reduces the need for manual intervention, lowering operational costs and minimizing the risk of human error.

Resource Optimization

Advanced dosing systems minimize chemical usage and water waste, supporting sustainability goals and reducing environmental impact.

Real-Time Monitoring

Integrated monitoring systems provide continuous feedback on water quality and system performance, allowing operators to make informed decisions and adjustments.

Regulatory Compliance

Automated dosing systems help maintain compliance with industry regulations and water quality standards, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Key Benefits of Chemical Dosing Systems

Chemical dosing systems provide numerous advantages that make them indispensable for data center water treatment:

Precision & Consistency

Automated systems ensure accurate dosing of chemicals, preventing issues caused by over-dosing or under-dosing.

Enhanced Protection

By preventing scaling, corrosion, and microbial growth, these systems protect the cooling infrastructure and extend the lifespan of equipment.

Operational Efficiency

Automation reduces the need for manual intervention, lowering operational costs and minimizing the risk of human error.

Resource Optimization

Advanced dosing systems minimize chemical usage and water waste, supporting sustainability goals and reducing environmental impact.

Real-Time Monitoring

Integrated monitoring systems provide continuous feedback on water quality and system performance, allowing operators to make informed decisions and adjustments.

Regulatory Compliance

Automated dosing systems help maintain compliance with industry regulations and water quality standards, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Boost Your Data Center’s Performance

Ensure 24/7 Operational Efficiency with Advanced Water Treatment

Ensuring consistent water quality is essential for safeguarding the performance and reliability of critical infrastructure in industrial facilities. Advanced water treatment systems, such as chemical dosing solutions, provide the precision, efficiency, and sustainability required to overcome modern operational challenges.

By integrating cutting-edge technologies and engineering expertise, businesses can optimize their water treatment processes, enhance system reliability, and reduce environmental impact. Whether addressing scaling, corrosion, or microbial growth, investing in innovative solutions is key to maintaining operational excellence.

Stay ahead with innovative solutions tailored to meet your facility’s unique demands. Contact Dpstar today to discover how our expertise can help you achieve smarter, more sustainable operations.

Get In Touch With Our Experts Today!

Dpstar Group
No 35, Jalan OP ½, Pusat Perdagangan One Puchong,
Off Jalan Puchong, 47160 Puchong,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Email: [email protected]

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