Computer Room Evaluation
Survey of Computer Rooms
Background
An efficient Computer Room operation requires a balanced environment and initially this is achieved by the investment of substantial capital expenditure. Specialised air conditioning equipment and flooring systems are installed which are designed to produce the desired conditions of temperature, air cleanliness, static and safety requirements. While certain commissioning tests will usually be done at the time of installation, seldom is a planned programme of regular monitoring instituted which will ensure the long term satisfactory operation of the room and its systems.
Our survey is designed to assess the efficiency of the air handling equipment both from the standpoint of the equipment itself and in the way that it is operated. The survey also appraises the performance of the flooring systems, ensuring that risk of static discharge or electric shock is minimised.
We prefer to be involved at the design stages of Computer Rooms so that obvious flaws and design mistakes can be corrected, or at the commissioning stages so that meaningful tests can be made of the air and flooring system's performance which will have some bearing on the real-life operation of the Computer Room. Failing either of these desired assessments, however, the HBI Survey can be done at any time in the life of the Computer Room and will provide relevant and vital information on the performance and management of the air handling systems, the quality of the air being supplied and on several other factors pertinent to the satisfactory operation of the Computer Room.
Surveys carried out at regular intervals will reflect possible changes in readings or operation of the computer room systems due to seasonal variations and will allow preventive action to be taken before minor imbalances in system performance become major problems.
The Survey
A team of specialised HBI personnel undertake a detailed scientific and practical investigation of the total Computer Room environment. There is no interruption to daily computer operations - indeed it is important that a regular day's work is in progress so that the measurements and observations will reflect normal working conditions.
Visual observations are made of the air handling equipment to assess its suitability for the job of providing air of appropriate quality and to ascertain its general condition, which will reflect the quality of the maintenance it, receives.
Readings and measurements are made in the Computer Room of a variety of parameters pertaining to the air with regard to its particulate, gaseous and microbial content.
Measurements are also made of static levels, the resistance to earth from the finished floor surfaces and of surface resistance.
Samples are taken both from surfaces within the air handling systems and within the Computer Room itself to assess the volumes and types of surface and airborne contamination. The samples are then forwarded to the laboratory for analysis and identification of the different types of contaminants.
The Report
The on-site observations, readings and measurements and the results of the laboratory analyses are then correlated and compared with HBI's unique database of information gained from indoor air quality work in similar environments throughout the world. A report is then prepared which gives the detailed results of the observations, measurements and laboratory findings along with our conclusions and recommendations as appropriate.
The Areas Covered
Temperature and Relative Humidity
Ambient conditions throughAmbient conditions throughout the computer complex
Calibration of in-room recorders
Air entering and leaving hardware
Outdoor air supply
Humidification system
Chillers and heaters
Clean Air
Airborne particles (by size and number)
Airborne or Surface particles (by content)
Air filtration
Air Handling Plant and Plant Room
Ducting
Ceiling void
Internal surfaces
Floor void
Contamination within Tape Library or Disc Store
Safety and Security
Static electricity
Floor resistance to earth
Horizontal floor resistance
Gas analysis
Fire bag inspection
Noise levels
Light level