Precision Flow Testing at a Major Data Centre

Overview

A prominent data centre experienced inconsistent readings from their Building Management System (BMS) due to spurious data from installed Siemens flow meters. Global Pump & Seal Ltd was called upon to resolve this issue by conducting thorough flow testing to ensure accurate measurements and system reliability.

Challenge

The data centre relied heavily on precise flow measurements to maintain optimal operational conditions for critical computing equipment. The Siemens flow meters integrated throughout their pipework began to report inaccurate flow data, which could potentially lead to overheating and hardware failure. Accurate flow data was crucial for the data centre to manage cooling systems effectively and ensure the safety and reliability of the equipment.

Solution

Global Pump & Seal Ltd deployed a team of specialists equipped with advanced, calibrated flow testing equipment to conduct comprehensive diagnostics of the existing flow meters. The team methodically tested all relevant pipework sections, comparing these readings against the calibration of the Siemens flow meters to identify discrepancies.

Diagnostic Assessment: Initial diagnostics confirmed that several flow meters were providing inconsistent outputs that did not reflect actual flow conditions.
Precision Flow Testing: Using high-precision, calibrated flow testers, our technicians conducted a series of flow measurements. Each section of the pipework was tested to gather accurate flow data, which was then meticulously documented for further analysis.
Calibration and Adjustment: The data collected helped identify the specific flow meters that were misreporting. These meters were recalibrated in line with the accurate readings obtained during testing, ensuring they aligned correctly with the BMS.
Final Verification: Post-calibration, another round of tests was conducted to confirm that all flow meters were now reporting accurately, ensuring consistency across the system.

Results

The intervention by Global Pump & Seal Ltd restored accuracy to the data centre’s cooling management system. The recalibrated flow meters ensured precise monitoring and control of cooling flows, critical to maintaining the optimal environment for the data centre’s operations.

Enhanced System Reliability: With accurate flow data, the data centre could efficiently manage and adjust its cooling systems, significantly reducing the risk of overheating.
Prevention of Equipment Failure: Correct flow data ensured that cooling resources were appropriately allocated, preventing hardware malfunctions and potential downtime.
Operational Efficiency: The data centre experienced improved efficiency in energy use and system operations, leading to reduced operational costs.

Conclusion

This case study underscores the importance of accurate flow measurement within data center operations. Global Pump & Seal Ltd’s expertise in conducting precise flow testing and calibration provided the client with a reliable solution to a potentially disruptive issue, highlighting our commitment to delivering technical excellence and supporting critical infrastructure reliability.