Providing a robust leak detection solution to a global infrastructure provider

10/05/23

Case Study

A major global company selected Andel to install leak detection systems in multiple data centres, based on our approach, experience, quality and price.

The end-user customer is one of the world’s leading digital infrastructure companies, providing a secure, sustainable, global collaboration platform to numerous industry-leading organisations in finance, manufacturing, retail, transportation, government, healthcare and education.

The challenge

The data centres were built to the latest design specifications employing cutting-edge features and technologies. Mile upon mile of data network and power cable is installed under raised access floors where it can be organised and routed safely out of sight.

The problem is that the same void, hidden from view, also contains water service pipes feeding air conditioning units, toilets and kitchens.

A tailored, robust, hybrid solution needed to be installed meeting multiple requirements, primarily at low level, within the floor voids around the perimeter of the data halls with distance measuring systems monitoring CRAC units, plumbing and other plant. Additionally, a range of zonal systems provided early warning alarms and automatic isolation for water, refrigerant gas and oil leak detection.

The solution

Floodline® HLD, Ranger® distance measuring system and a range of zonal senors

Andel’s Floodline® is a flexible, future-proof, zonal and distance measuring leak detection system.

State-of-the-art, hybrid, Floodline® HLD multifunction control panels were installed in conjunction with Floodline Ranger® distance measuring systems and a range of zonal leak detection sensors including water, refrigerant gas and oil.

Floodline® HLD control panel can monitor up to 224 zones using a combination of resistance-based and Modbus-enabled sensors.

High-visibility Floodline Ranger® cable provides up to 1500 metres of continuous leak detection, detecting the presence of water and conductive liquid at any point along its entire length. Conductive-polymer technology construction makes the the sensor highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion.

Sensor cable was strategically installed in floor voids to continually monitor the server halls, ensuring early leak detection through alarms and automatic valve shut-off systems.

The system triggers audio-visual alarms as well as sending onward communication to BMS.

Resilient, sustainable, cost-effective, easy to install and maintain, Andel’s Floodline® is a flexible, future-proof, zonal and distance measuring leak detection system.

Proactive approach

Prior to installation, great care was given to ensure the customer was happy with all Andel’s Floodline® equipment and to demonstrate the superior build-quality and functionality and to allow the customer to see and handle the equipment first-hand.
The customer was provided with all relevant technical specifications and user information.
The project involved detailed assessment and planning for the five sites.
Bespoke installation kits were manufactured in advance for each installation team.
Andel put together mobile crews to visit each of the sites. The installation took 20 days from start to finish, meeting the deadline.

The result

A successful leak detection installation that fulfills the customer’s brief, protecting priority servers and IT infrastructure in new major data centres.

Installing Andel’s Floodline® leak detection systems now means the customer has:

A cost-effective, reliable and low-maintenance leak detection system across five mission-critical sites.
A bespoke, tailored solution for each site.
Peace of mind with a leak detection system that will give early warning alarms and onward communication, allowing for evasive action to be taken to avoid any damage.
A future-proof solution with a leak detection system where additional zones, sensors and upgrades can be added easily and cost effectively.

Testimonial

We are delighted with the installation of the Ranger leak detection system across our sites. We feel at peace knowing our servers are protected with high quality systems providing realtime leak detection monitoring.

Robert Gilbert, Project Manager

Adrian Kedzior, Floodline Installation Supervisor at Andel commented: “This was an exciting project to work on. Working for such a large digital infrastructure company over five separate sites had its challenges. As a collective team, we had to plan carefully ahead of time so that we were able to deliver the installations over the multiple sites in the most efficient manner, with minimum waste of time and resources.

Despite the challenges of the project, our team worked together well and kept the client up to date on progress. It filled me with pride to know that Andel was selected from a pool of competitors for our quality, service and price.”

Keeping good company

Data centre customers using Andel equipment include:

Global Switch, Global Crossing, Virtus, Equinix, Pure,
Ark, QAF, Telefonica, BT, O2, Digital Realty, Vantage, Virgin, Infinity, Asanti, Century Link, 4D, Beagle.

Andel systems are chosen as the most reliable and cost-effective option by many of the world’s leading blue-chip organisations.