Latest Business Opportunities in Data Centres and Cloud ComputingH

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by FSICAFire Protection on Data Centres

Data Centres in Hong Kong become a very intensive facility for data storage and digital properties protection. Typically, a data centre is an enclosed volume featuring a subfloor area and a specialized HVAC system. The modern data centre contains more equipment and processes more critical information than ever before, making the loss of data or fire-related downtime even greater risks. These vital installations are susceptible to fires caused by overheated electronic components, faulty wiring, power surges, lightning strikes, arsonists and in today’s world and variable intelligent properties.

Nowadays, most of the global manufacturers, retailers and technology companies rely on their global network of data processing centres for information that is the backbone of the branding solutions they offer to clients. Any interruption in the operation of their data centres could cripple the company’s ability to perform. In the specific fire services community, generally, system tailored-made for the protection for data centres can be divided into Detection, Control, Suppression systems.

Why need fire specialized protection?Businesses rely heavily on global communication and

information infrastructure in order to survive. Today, data centres are the core of a company and contain more equipment and process more critical information than ever before, making even the temporary loss of data or interference with data availability devastating.

Fire is one of the most serious risks facing data centres. These mission critical facilities are highly susceptible to fires caused by overheated electronic components, faulty wiring, power surges, lightning strikes, arsonists and even terrorists.

As a critical part of the global economy’s infrastructure, data centres need to have the highest level of fire safety. Ideally, fire protection is incorporated into the overall security solution of the data centre, providing both investment and performance benefits.

Data centre is an enclosed volume featuring a subfloor area and a specialized HVAC system

Intelligent Fire DetectionModern laser-based high-sensitivity-smoke detection system

designed to detect fire in the incipient stage. Thousands of times more sensitive than conventional detectors, which can employ particle size discrimination technology to reduce the occurrence of nuisance alarms. System consists of a detector head, piping network and other additional components like LCD display module. Intelligent detector monitors its performance, makes critical decisions and reports only when required to the fire suppression system’s control units.

Data centres are areas where extensive and ultra sensitive electrical equipment are being installed and operated round the clock. In addition, valuable data are being stored in the centres.

In the light of the nature of the data centres, it is important that water borne installations be carefully planned to avoid causing damages in case water leakage occurs accidently.

In the first place, water borne installations & facilities shall be sited away from the data centres as far as practicable. Hence, E&M designers are suggested to co-ordinate with the planners on the positioning of lavatories, pantries, plant rooms, roof rain water outlet etc. above of the data centres especially those of top priority

by PSWTAPlumbing and Drainage Installations in Data Centres

centres and connected to the foul water system to discharge water due to leakage of water borne pipes. However, the water seal of drain traps shall be carefully monitored and fresh water shall be added to the traps in a regular interval to prevent escape of foul air from the foul water system into the indoor areas.

For environmental control aspect, make up supply of humidifiers to maintain the humidity of the data centres shall be provided and break tank is required (for details, refer to Fig 3). Water supply may be branched off from the chilled water make up system and approval from the Water Supplies Department must be sought for the make up supply.

importance.Secondly, if it is impracticable to change the locations of the

water borne installations, adequate measures shall be provided to receive and safe guard leakage of water borne pipes. Corrosive resistant drip trays and enclosure with drain outlets outside the data centres is recommended for drainage pipes and water supply pipes for the entire pipe run. (For details, refer to Fig.1 & 2)

Furthermore, leakage detection systems such as leakage detection cables connected to the building management system are suggested to be incorporated.

Drain outlets are recommended to be provided in the data

Gas Suppression and Selection CriteriaAs a famous Gas Suppression system type, FM200 Fire

Suppression System combines rapid detection with integrated control and clean fire suppression to provide automatic 24/7 protection particular suitable for data centres or related applications. In terms of international experiences, FM200 is the predominant choice of most data centre professionals. Firstly, these systems put out fires well before the smoke, fire or ensuing water based system (i.e. sprinklers) would cause any damage to the facility. Also, they are completely safe for the occupants of the room. In some cases and countries, local authorities or insurance companies will require gas suppression system to be installed.

FM200 is the predominant choice of most data centre professionals

When considering the use of FM200 in the sub-floor vs. the above floor, we would consider the value of the contents, i.e. operational value will be most prevalent in the underfloor, as loss of cabling can lead to loss of power, leading to significant downtime. Also, you may want to consider the hazard level within these spaces. In some cases, the sub-floor area is not heavily occupied by cabling or other potential combustibles. In such cases, we would not include an extra level of protection for the sub-floor. In other cases, the data centre managers may think the cables and the power/information bring through at the underfloor are the most critical hazard areas, the sub-floor is the only space protected. Most commonly, both subfloor and above floor are protected by FM200. In this case, the same cylinder (or multiple cylinders manifolded together) can protect both spaces, by engineering the system piping network.

Linkage to other building systemsWith the main bridge between hardware and fire interface with

other building service systems, full-featured intelligent unit controls the complete spectrum of fire response events from detection and alarm to suppression system release. It provides pre-planned, sequential system response or immediate system actuation depending on the requirements of the application. Besides, high sensitivity smoke detection provides an extra margin of time to data centre managers to investigate the fire event in its earliest stages and often prevent the need for the suppression system activation. It’s backed by a network of intelligent detectors and a multiprocessor-based control unit to sound alarms and trigger the release of FM200, a clean, non-toxic, environmentally-friendly gaseous agent into the protected enclosure.

4 Steps for ProtectionsThe priority should be to install a reliable fire detection system

that will:1）Detect Fire: Should a fire unintentionally break out, early

automatic fire detection will assist your in suppressing the fire. 2）Contain Fire: The most common waterless suppression agent

used is a gas called FM200. People can be in the room for the short period of time, when used to suppress fires and it is totally benign to electronic equipment.

3）Prevent Fire: Obviously you need a fire protection system! Other measures you can put in place include carrying out a thorough risk assessment and regular fire evacuations.

4）Escape from Fire: It is critical to regularly prepare and communicate emergency action and fire prevention plans.

Case Study: Beijing Olympics - Digital Beijing Building

The Digital Beijing Building, a comprehensive information facility for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. Occupying 98,000 square meters, with a height of 57 meters, the 11-storey building comprises of a communication data centre, equipment room, office and business rooms, and auxiliary facilities. As a government data and Olympic technical support centre, the building will provide communication and information services and guarantee information security during the Olympic Games. It will become an information service centre for the municipal government's data storage, information security, emergency-response command and information service.

Digital Beijing Building, a comprehensive information facility for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008

In protecting this important facility and to make sure Beijing Olympic Games go on without interruption, the user representative - Beijing Acorp M&E Engineering Co., Ltd has selected FM200 advanced fire protection delivery systems for two key buildings at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the new Digital Beijing Building and the Beijing TV Centre.

As expressed by Managing Director of Beijing Acorp M&E - Steven Huang, FM200 was selected because it enables increased installation limits and flow performance. Clean agent, gaseous fire suppression systems such as the FM200 are people-safe and designed to protect critical high-value assets from the effects of fire and collateral damage from extinguishing agents like water or powder. The full scale FM200 System provides fire protection for critical power supplies, emergency control, computer and broadcasting centres.

Company Name Telephone Fax

Gether-Force Air-Conditioning Engineering Company Ltd. 2890 2622 2890 2653Goodwell Electrical Contractor & Supplier Ltd. 2796 3992 2796 4083Grandeur Electrical Co., Ltd. 2556 7882 2556 1140GTECH Services (Hong Kong) Ltd. 2123 0888 2123 0889Guardian Fire Engineers & Consultants Ltd. 2889 7995 2889 7175Hitachi Elevator Engineering Co., (HK) Ltd. 2311 7611 2311 6714Honeywell Ltd. 2331 9133 2953 6778Hotpool Industries Ltd. 3622 3800 3622 3820Hsin Chong Aster Building Services Ltd. 2579 8238 2564 0793HUD General Engineering Services Ltd. 2431 2828 2433 6955Huns Engineering Co., Ltd. 2334 7788 2363 9813Iu Cheong Electric Co., Ltd. 2757 7382 2750 6304Johnson Controls Hong Kong Ltd. 2590 0012 2516 5648Joint Effort Eng. (Asia) Ltd. 2803 0808 2803 0262Junefair Engineering Co., Ltd. 2359 8000 2359 8099Kembla (HK) Ltd. 2528 0999 2528 3113Kervin Engineering Co., Ltd. 2422 3110 2489 2116Keystone Electric Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. 2691 7183 2695 9738KML Engineering Ltd. 2929 5678 2636 5652KONE Elevator (HK) Ltd. 2786 6500 2786 6739Krueger Engineering (Asia) Ltd. 2860 7333 2866 7132Kum Shing Engineering Co Ltd. 2363 8688 2363 7425Lee Tack Engineering Co., Ltd. 2305 3111 2796 6573Lee Yu Kee Ltd. 2772 5038 2772 3761Leighton Contractors (Asia) Ltd. 2823 1111 2529 8284Leyland Engineering Ltd. 2460 7538 2455 6763Lik Kai Engineering Co., Ltd. 2611 4522 2371 0379Linkforce Ltd. 2116 5561 2873 2118Lucky Engineering Co., Ltd. 2780 5285 2780 2887Majestic Engineering Co., Ltd. 2235 1881 2391 9787Majestic Plumbing Engineers Ltd. 2235 1881 2391 9787Mansion Fire Services Co., Ltd. 2907 9393 2907 9911Masterway-Bolton Ltd. 2892 1871 2838 7597Maxgrand Ltd. 3927 6363 3927 6371McQuay Air-conditioning Ltd. 2893 6261 2574 8599Meco Electrical Industries Ltd. 2891 8722 2572 5183Meco Engineering Ltd. 2891 8722 2572 5183Meiden Pacific (China) Ltd. 2481 2881 2487 5039Mitsubishi Elevator Hong Kong Co., Ltd. 2510 1030 2806 3364MK Electric (China) Ltd. 2331 9133 2151 9465Newland Engineering Ltd. 2967 8620 2967 8630Newton Engineering Co., Ltd. 2571 7261 2887 8628Otis Elevator Company (H.K.) Ltd. 2567 4411 2907 0815Paul Y. (E&M) Contractors Ltd. 2831 4038 2834 1731Peterson Engineering Ltd. 2365 0372 2764 9651Powerkontrol Australia Ltd. 2661 4433 2664 2000Pyrofoe Engineering Ltd. 2388 8038 2385 2150Quad-Tech Engineering (H.K.) Co., Ltd. 2573 1832 2572 3599

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