Data-Center-Cleaning >>Zinc Whisker Testing / Zinc Whisker Remediation Cleaning |
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WHAT ARE ZINC WHISKERS?Zinc Whiskers or Zinc Needles are very small hair-like structures of zinc that has been known to grow/appear on bare metal surfaces of electroplated raised floor computer room flooring panels and the panel support under structure. Over time the whiskers can grow to two millimeters in length and can become airborne through your facility’s pressurized air flow. Zinc whiskers conduct electricity and when airborne they can enter through the air intake vents of computer components landing on circuitry, power supplies and other sensitive areas producing catastrophic hardware failures.
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SEM Micrograph+ EDS SpectrumMagnification: 300 xTypical Zinc Whisker within debris |
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WHERE ARE ZINC WHISKERS GROWNING AND HOW DO I FIND THEM?The main cause of zinc whiskers are known to be electroplated floor panels that have a flat steel surface on the underside of the flooring panels. The panels that are producing zinc whiskers will typically have a dull gray finish or a light gray surface appearing to have a satin like finish. Without magnification whiskers can be very difficult to see with the naked eye making it difficult to determine if you are at risk. If you suspect that you are at risk, carefully remove the panel and perform a visual inspection by shinning a bright flashlight beam at an angle and look for a sparkling or shinny coating on the surface. If you see a reflection there is a very strong possibility that you have zinc whiskers. It’s important to remember that not all zinc whiskers can be seen by this procedure. For a definitive determination you should call in an expert to take samples that can be sent to a lab for analysis.
CCS CAN HELP |  
I THINK I HAVE ZINC WHISKERS...WHAT NOW?If you suspect that you have zinc whiskers, it is essential that you keep the handling and lifting of flooring panels to a minimum. If you need to access the underfloor be very careful not to scrape or touch the bottom of the floor panel as this can cause whiskers to break off and become airborne. Your next step should be to call in a professional services company such as CCS that specializes in zinc whisker source identification, testing/lab analysis and remediation. It’s important to have numerous samples taken and tested in order to confirm that you are positive for zinc whisker contamination.
HOW DO I REMOVE ZINC WHISKERS FROM MY DATA CENTER?Removing or abating zinc whiskers requires removal and disposal of floor panels or under structures that are producing the whiskers. The reality is that the majority of the time this is not a viable option for most data centers and computer rooms. The good news is that zinc whiskers contamination can be contained and remediated. This will require that you contract with a professional services company that specializes in zinc whisker containment. Your facility will require an initial cleaning/abatement service followed by semi-annual or annual abatement services.
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Our services include:
Controlled Contamination Services micro cleaner technicians are experienced experts in zinc whisker cleaning and containment. Please contact a CCS Business Development Manager to schedule an onsite survey of your facility. |
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Controlled Contamination Services Cleanroom & Data Center Cleaning Services (888) 263-9886 Controlled Contamination Services is able to provide service across the country utilizing our region locations: West Region: Los Angeles, CA, Anaheim, CA, Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada (714) 239-1350 South West Region: San Diego, CA (858) 457-3157 North West Region (Bay Area and Sacramento): Hayward, CA and San Francisco, CA (510) 728-1106 East Coast Region: New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland (888) 263-9886 |