The Canadian business landscape has changed drastically in the 21st Century, with technology becoming a big part of economic growth. Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal have all become tech hubs. At the same time, smaller cities like Ottawa, Kitchener-Waterloo, Edmonton, and Halifax have seen their local economies rebound from stagnation with the help of tech. Information and communication technology was responsible for 18.7% of national GDP growth between 2018 and 2023. With the tech boom comes the need for advanced computing facilities such as data centres. Data centres need robust air filtration to protect equipment from particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They can also benefit from energy savings as the facilities are very energy-hungry and have a large carbon footprint. This article will explain the crucial role of air filtration for data centres.
Canada’s tech sector and data centres
Ottawa is a centre for cybersecurity and government technology. The Kitchener-Waterloo Region is a data centre hotspot that has a new focus on artificial intelligence and quantum computing, for which clean indoor air is vital. Calgary and Edmonton are gaining strength in digital transformation technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence and machine learning. According to CBRE, Toronto had the highest tech sector job growth in North America, even outpacing Silicon Valley’s San Francisco. Data centres are proliferating to support the technology.
The dual challenge of particulate matter and VOCs- from external pollution and internally-generated sources
As data centres, blockchain-related facilities, and AI facilities grow in Canada’s tech sector, efforts to improve energy efficiency have become a dominant goal. Although tech contributes much to Canadian GDP and is typically perceived as a green industry, tech facilities are increasingly being cast in a negative light for their environmental impact and strain on local power grids.
Canada uses a lot of renewable energy for electricity to power data facilities from sources like hydroelectric power, wind power, nuclear power, and solar power, but still uses fossil fuels for energy in data centres. Tech facilities are very energy-hungry, requiring powerful servers and GPUs that require robust cooling systems that use a great deal of electricity. High energy consumption has made tech centres a target of regulators and environmental groups, leading facilities to focus more on sustainability.
HVAC systems use a lot of energy in buildings, and using high-quality air filters designed to reduce energy consumption and have the lowest average pressure drop can save companies a significant amount of money while at the same time providing the high level of air quality required.
Air quality challenges for data centres and tech facilities
The dangers of particulate matter and VOCs for data centres
Data centres and facilities such as blockchain centres share a common enemy, dust. It’s not the type of visible, large particle dust that accumulates on office equipment like computers and can be seen on personal computer components such as fans, hard drives, and CPUs; it’s much smaller than that. Data centres and specialized electronics production centres are much more vulnerable to microscopic dust particles than most other workplaces, and capturing these particles requires the best air filtration technology available.
Particulate matter poses a significant threat to the reliability and longevity of equipment in data centres, blockchain processing operations, and AI machine learning centres. These facilities play a big role in modern Canadian digital infrastructure, requiring highly controlled environments to ensure the optimal performance of sensitive components. Poor air quality can lead to many problems, including: equipment overheating, corrosion, and electrical malfunctions, leading to downtime and financial losses.
Particulate matter originates from internal sources like equipment wear, human foot traffic inside a building, and maintenance, as well as external sources such as outdoor air pollution coming into facilities through HVAC systems and doors and windows.
Industry standards like ASHRAE and ISO provide guidelines for maintaining clean air in data centres. When ultrafine particles escape from facilities and enter communities, or are inhaled by employees inside facilities, they can penetrate deep into the lungs, creating serious health problems. Conversely, larger particles settle in the upper respiratory tract and can be more easily expelled.
In tech facilities, fine dust can accumulate on sensitive components and cause short circuiting and corrosion, while larger dust particles can obstruct airflow and lead to equipment overheating.
Controlling particulate matter in high-tech facilities requires incorporating superior air filtration systems, following industry standards, and establishing strict cleaning protocols. It’s also important to take into account the environmental impact of energy consumption and pollution on the planet and human health, in the workplace and surrounding communities.
The impact of VOCs and the risk of condensation, corrosion, and electrics in high-heat environments
VOCs can harm equipment by causing metal components to corrode, especially in Canadian climates where humidity and temperature greatly fluctuate.
VOCs can also deposit contaminants on sensitive parts within electronics, sensors, and electrical connectors. If not inhibited, VOCs can manifest inside data servers, storage equipment, and networking equipment in data centres, creating many problems. Also, VOCs released from overheated servers can contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, which can cause health issues, damage computer and HVAC components, and lead to significant expenses in equipment replacement and costly downtime.
Another thing to keep in mind is that dust can trap moisture and circulate substances that cause corrosion.
Cooling systems damage
Cooling systems are crucial in data centres to protect data and equipment but VOCs can impede their proper function, leading to malfunctions and prolonged service disruptions.
Efficiency and Energy Use
Poor air quality can also lead to less efficient cooling and, consequently, higher energy consumption in these facilities. Dust and other particles can also circulate VOCs, clogging cooling systems and restricting airflow in facilities.
Camfil Solutions for Enhanced Air Quality, Sustainability, and Energy Efficiency in Advanced Computing Facilities
Data centres, crucial in the digital revolution, require an immense amount of servers and networking equipment used for cloud computing, online services, internal networks, and other applications.
AI processing, in conjunction with data centres or operating in a silo, needs immense computing power for training models and the use of sophisticated algorithms. Application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and graphics processing units (GPUs) used in these systems consume a significant amount of energy. Optimizing energy usage is therefore crucial.
Poor air quality can harm servers, ASICs, GPUs, and other vital components and systems. Contaminants can cause impedance changes as well as equipment burnout and failure.
Air filtration solutions for critical computing environments
Maintaining optimal air quality within data centres and AI processing centres presents many challenges. Particulates can clog inferior air filters quickly, cripple HVAC systems, interfere with temperature control, and lead to server overheating.
Air quality can be a bigger or lesser threat depending on a company’s geographic location in Canada and its operational practices. Heavily industrialized or densely populated urban areas, such as the Greater Toronto and Vancouver areas, have higher concentrations of outdoor particulate pollution that enters facilities and presents challenges for advanced computing.
VOCs
Advanced computing centres also deal with various gaseous contaminants emitted from processes and overheated servers, furniture, building materials, and ozone from internal and external sources.
Due to the immense computing power required in data centres, servers and other equipment are typically positioned closely together. Internally generated VOCs are a problem in data centres because they can be concentrated in close quarters, especially at higher temperatures.
Camfil offers an array of cutting-edge products and services specifically designed to address the unique air quality and energy efficiency challenges of advanced computing facilities.
Air filtration systems that produce optimal air quality with lower energy use are essential
To address these air quality challenges, Camfil offers a comprehensive range of high-efficiency filters. Prefilters like the Camfil 30/30® (MERV 8/8A), filters such as the Durafil® ES designed for sub-micron particle removal, and the 30/30® Dual 9, which features dual MERV ratings (9/9A), can all be used for enhanced continuous particle removal.
Camfil provides the Hi-Flo® ES (MERV 11-15/11A-15A) for capturing finer sub-micron particles.
For environments demanding the highest levels of air purity, such as advanced computation areas within data processing centres, Camfil offers Absolute VG HEPA filters, certified at a minimum efficiency of 99.99% at 0.3 microns. MERV and ISO ratings provide standardized efficiency ratings.
Camfil also provides advanced molecular filtration solutions to protect against gaseous contaminants such as VOCs. Activated carbon contained in molecular filters can be used to remove corrosive gases. The CityCarb I filter offers dual functionality by combining particulate filtration (ePM1 70% efficiency) with molecular filtration in a single unit, protecting sensitive electronics from corrosion and potential failure. The CityCarb I is classified according to ISO 10121-3, the global standard for molecular filters.
Camfil also offers corrosion monitoring systems like the AirImage COR. This real-time corrosion detection device integrates with building management systems (BMS) to provide continuous monitoring of corrosive gas levels, allowing facilities to take swift action before any damage happens.
Camfil Sustainability Initiatives for Energy-Intensive Facilities
Camfil’s Energy Cost Index (ECI) ratings
Camfil provides an Energy Cost Index (ECI) rating program. This star rating categorizes air filters based on their performance in terms of air quality and significant energy savings. 5-star-rated filters help energy-intensive facilities achieve substantial reductions in energy consumption, leading to considerable cost savings and a smaller overall carbon footprint.
The ECI program evaluates filters based on their efficiency in capturing particulate matter and their resistance to airflow, recognizing those that maintain great air quality while minimizing energy usage.
Camfil offers its LCC program, Life Cycle Cost Analysis, to promote better decision-making in air filtration. The LCC software provides a comprehensive assessment of crucial factors such as energy consumption and efficiency to give an accurate estimate of cost savings. It helps facilities select solutions that offer the optimal balance between cost-effectiveness and energy savings over the long term.
A significant area of focus is the reduction of airflow resistance in Camfil’s air filters, as this directly translates to lower energy consumption by the HVAC systems that power the cooling in energy-intensive facilities like data centres and machine learning facilities.
Camfil is focused on creating the longest-lasting air filters. In fact, some of Camfil’s advanced commercial air filters are engineered to have a service life of up to five years, resulting in a substantial decrease in maintenance and waste output.
Case Studies and Real-world Applications
● The Music City centre in Nashville, TN, achieved a remarkable 34% reduction in filter-related costs and an 80% reduction in labour hours after installing Camfil 30/30® and Hi-Flo® ES filters.
● A data centre in Europe experienced substantial savings by using 30/30 prefilters and Hi-Flo XLT filters instead of filters from another brand. This resulted in annual savings of €20,000 (CAD 31,000) due to the extended lifespan of the filters and an additional €10,000 in energy costs savings due to the reduced pressure drop across the filtration system.
● Hospital trials have shown significant drops in HVAC energy costs, ranging from 15% to 30%, through the adoption of Camfil’s low-pressure drop filters. In a specific trial, the use of Camfil’s Absolute VG HEPA filters resulted in approximately half the initial pressure drop compared to a competitor’s filters.
Camfil’s energy-saving products for data centres
● The Hi-Flo® ES filter features high-loft microfine fibre media and provides excellent filtration efficiency for sub-micron particles while maintaining low resistance to airflow.
● The Durafil® ES filter also features fine fibre media and an increased media area to achieve high efficiency with minimal pressure drop.
● The 30/30® Dual 9 filter utilizes dual-layered gradient density media to provide continuous particle removal with low energy consumption.
● The Absolute VG HEPA filters are engineered with a low initial pressure drop to reduce energy usage.
● The Opti-Pac Durable filter features uniform pleat separation, ensuring high dust loading capacity with the lowest resistance among high-efficiency mini-pleated filter designs.
All of Camfil’s low-pressure drop filter offerings reduce the workload on HVAC system fans, leading to lower energy consumption and more stable, efficient cooling system operation for IT facilities.
In advanced computing facilities, power usage effectiveness (PUE) is a crucial metric. Camfil’s low-pressure drop filters can contribute to a lower PUE score by decreasing the energy used for cooling relative to the hardware.
Camfil’s 5-star rated air filters have the potential to reduce data centre energy costs by 40% or more.
| Product Line | Description | Application in Data centres/AI Processing centres | Application in Cryptocurrency Mining | Key Benefit |
| 30/30® | Prefilter with MERV 8/8A rating | Yes (Prefilter) | Yes (Prefilter) | Dust Control |
| Durafil® ES | High-efficiency filter for sub-micron particles | Yes | Yes | Sub-micron Particle Removal |
| 30/30® Dual 9 | Dual MERV-rated filter (9/9A) for continuous particle removal | Yes | Yes | High Efficiency, Low Energy Use |
| Hi-Flo® ES | High-efficiency bag filter for sub-micron particles (MERV 11-15/11A-15A) | Yes | Yes | High Efficiency, Low Energy Use |
| Absolute VG | HEPA filter with 99.99% efficiency at 0.3 microns | Yes | Yes (For specialized clean areas) | Ultra-High Purity |
| CityCarb I | Dual-function filter for particulate (ePM1 70%) and molecular contaminants | Yes | No | Molecular Filtration |
| Activated Carbon Filters | Filters utilizing activated carbon for the removal of corrosive gases | Yes | No | Molecular Filtration |
| AirImage COR | Real-time corrosion monitoring system | Yes | No | Corrosion Prevention |
Conclusion: Camfil’s Comprehensive Approach to Air Filtration, Sustainability, and Energy Efficiency in Advanced Computing Facilities
Camfil is a leading provider of air filtration solutions for data centres, AI processing centres, blockchain operations, and other advanced computing facilities. Camfil’s high-efficiency filters and corrosion monitoring systems protect sensitive electronic equipment, extending its lifespan while protecting data. These filters also reduce energy consumption and lower operational costs and reduce your company’s environmental footprint through innovative low-pressure drop filter technologies. Case studies are available, showcasing quantifiable data on energy savings, reduced downtime, and improved air quality in various demanding environments.
For more information and to explore customized air filtration solutions for your company, please contact us to schedule a consultation or a site survey.
About Camfil Canada Clean Air Solutions
For more than 60 years, Camfil has been helping people breathe cleaner air. As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions, we provide commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that improve worker and equipment productivity, minimize energy use, and benefit human health and the environment. Read more about Camfil Canada.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Why is high-quality air filtration critical for data centres?
The highest-quality air filters protect sensitive electronic components from particulate matter and VOCs. They also prevent overheating and condensation on servers and other essential equipment, ensuring a stable operating environment.
2. How do air filters from Camfil improve data centre performance?
Camfil’s filters remove harmful particles and corrosive gases from data centres. This helps to reduce or eliminate downtime caused by equipment problems related to contamination. It also extends equipment lifespan, and lowers energy consumption by minimizing pressure drop.
3. What makes molecular filtration solutions unique?
Molecular filters use adsorption techniques to capture harmful contaminants, providing the best protection for critical electronic environments.
4. How can I determine if my data centre needs a filtration upgrade?
If you have equipment failures, rising maintenance costs, or reduced system efficiency, it is likely due to inadequate filtration. Use AirImage COR to determine the level of corrosive gases. Camfil offers site surveys and consultations to assess your needs and help you find solutions.
5. What support does Camfil offer for data centre air filtration?
Camfil provides tailored solutions, comprehensive site assessments, and ongoing support to ensure optimal air quality and system performance.
Additional information from Camfil:
An explanation of molecular filtration
How adsorption in Camfil’s molecular filters works
Sources:
Sources: OSHA, Time magazine https://time.com/6982015/bitcoin-mining-texas-health/, EPA
ASHRAE
ISO
Newsweek https://time.com/6982015/bitcoin-mining-texas-health/
Media Contact:
Phillip Ilijevski
Camfil Canada Inc.
T: 437-929-1161