When it comes to specifying materials for data center environments, security, uptime, and thermal management are all high on the checklist. While security and cooling systems are often in the spotlight, supporting materials can play big roles in operational performance. Pipe insulation is a good example. The material used in insulation can have a significant influence on operational performance parameters in data centers, particularly in three critical areas: heat, humidity, and dust.
The network of mechanical pipes that circulate water used to cool systems requires an insulating material capable of managing heat, humidity, and dust. A large Midwest data center constructed in 2019 provides five considerations that illustrate how the choice of pipe insulation contributes to an efficient installation.