
Zinc whisker contamination
Datacenter operators face continuing pressure to deliver faster processing power and more capacity in less space. And shrinking component technology and allows them to do so. But data centers also house a rule object that is galvanized to prevent corrosion, some produce zinc whiskers, which could jeopardize everything computer reliability.
Dual structure, which has been electroplated, a particularly important source of zinc whiskers, since they have a large area and often disturbed during maintenance. When released, can be transported sideburns forced air cooling at the center, then from fans of electronic devices on the computers. This may cause temporary or permanent short circuit to prevent movable parts or dark surfaces and optical sensors based on magnetic disks.
The sharp increase in these errors can be traced back several possible factors. With the continuous miniaturization of components, denser packed circuits, conductor distance and tighter, smaller particles can now leading cause shorts. In addition, reduced permanent shorts rather than voltage operation does not have enough energy to melt problematic sideburns. As soil structure, age 10 years or more, longer hair with more potential to bridge wider, while increasing maintenance and upgrade activities are still displaced whiskers.
Airborne whiskers are a potential health risk as well. The nature and extent of these is not well understood, but is hampered by the inhalation of Bart must see.
Sampling should be done by competent staff who understand the need to contain rather than spread, pollution will be made at sampling. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is the most common method for confirming zinc whisker contamination. With a laboratory for SEM analysis is not the cheapest way to identify dubious sources, but it is crucial.
Both short-and long-term positive alternatives available if the pollution is identified. In the short term may be protective coated electronics can replace affected components and clinker handling activities are minimized. Long-term solutions are carefully planned out contaminated or suspected, tiles and other objects, a thorough cleaning of the data center with H-type vacuum cleaners, and installation of structures, replacement flooring, not prone to whiskers. Just wash the contaminated materials is inefficient, such as beard is growing again and need professionally produced from the field. Conformal coating is a possible solution, but it requires long-term tests for validation of whiskers can potentially grow through several layers. The best method for each situation depends on the extent of pollution, the state of the tile and the structure, size and location of the affected area, cost, time and commitment from management to minimize the problem.
ISO 14,644 is a standard for air purity, with nine classifications defined by the number of microscopic particles per cubic meter of air. Most data centers must meet the Class 8 (3.52 million 0.5um particles/m3) or Class 9 (35.2 million 0.5um particles/m3) standards.