Drain Closure Devices Preventing Pollution Incidents At Data Centres

Context

Data centres require constant electricity to maintain 100% uptime, often using oil-cooled transformers. In the event of a leak or fire, oil or contaminated firewater could escape, causing significant environmental harm. Companies can face fines of up to 100% of their annual profits for pollution incidents, and failing to follow best practices can void insurance coverage.

What Was the Brief?

A multinational technology corporation with a large data centre in the Netherlands sought a solution to prevent pollution incidents and consulted Aquasentry, a division of the Darcy Group.

What Did Aquasentry Do?

Our team started with a site visit to develop a tailored solution. They installed Draintector drain shut-off valves, designed with materials resistant to site-specific chemicals. These valves close automatically during leaks or fires, eliminating reliance on manual intervention, which is impractical for remote transformers.

The project was completed in two phases: the first phase installed 45 Draintector systems, followed by 40 more. Additional equipment included a bund water control unit and interceptor alarms. One year later, the systems were serviced to ensure compliance with BS EN 858 standards, oil storage regulations, and best practices.

What’s the Outcome?

The installed devices ensure that any pollution from transformer failures or fires is contained on site, simplifying cleanup and avoiding fines. Regular servicing maintains compliance, ensures functionality, and protects the company’s reputation by mitigating environmental risks.

Read the Full Case Study on our Aquasentry Website