CONTAINMENT DROP CEILING PANELS PUT FIRE FIGHTERS AT RISK.
Local AHJ’s Rejecting Ceiling Panel Use in Data Centers, costing Owners Millions of Dollars ($M) a Year in HVAC expenses.
Over the past decade an increasing number of local AHJ’s (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) are denying the use of heat-shrink, drop-out ceiling tiles as a means of creating cold aisle containment in data centers due to the danger these panels pose to fire fighting personnel. The panels, after dropping out of the overhead rails, litter the floor, and create a tripping hazard for the fire fighters or can fallout on their head as they try to contain the fire.
Without the ability to provide separation between hot and cold aisle air flow, data center owners are seeing their HVAC cost jump 10-20% while simultaneously decreasing in computing efficiency.
The solution? Make the panels disappear.
BOTTOMLINE IMPACT
Using DAB Panels for Cold or Hot aisle containment can have a drastic impact on efficiency.
- Provides perfect separation of hot and cold airflow, increasing overall HVAC efficiency by 10-20%
- Formulation uses low-cost cellulose material, which are not affected by petroleum market prices.
- Extremely lightweight material reduces the cost of overhead track systems.
2-5% Efficiency Gain
Capping the Cold aisle allows for adjustments in the Set Point by several degrees Farenheit.
Increased PUE
Power Usage Efficiency (PUE) air handling systems will see increases in PUE. .
Lower Construction Costs
Reduced cost associated with sprinkler design since sprinklers are not required above and below the ceiling.
Dissolvable Air Barrier (DAB) Panels.
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Zero Hazard
Sprinkler activation causes complete dissolution, allowing the panels to be used for Cold or Hot aisle containment.
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Highly Rated
Class A fire rated and EPA certified Safe. Cellulose-based material making it safe for waste treatment. No Petroleum used.
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Lightweight and Inexpensive
Weighing in at 1.5lbs (0.68Kg) per panel, DAB panels are cost efficient and easy to install. No complex mounting system or electronics needed.
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Fast Return on Investment
DAB Panels pay for themselves in months by allowing data center operators to lower set points immediately.
DAB Panel Specifications
- Panels can be used for Cold or Hot aisle containment
- Constructed of Aluminum angle iron and DAB paper
- Panels are typically 23.75in wide to support 2ft wide grids
- Panels are typically 47.75 in long to support 4ft long grids
- Can be up to 56in long. Longer spans require 2+ panels
- Small incremental charge for panels between 48 and 56in
- Angle iron, equal legs, 0.75x0.75 outside dimensions
- DAB Paper, 0.0068in thick, flashpoint 400F
- Firewire tears panel open at 165F to accelerate heat flow
- Customized panels can be quoted and constructed
Options
- Ability to add path lighting to a panel.
- 8+ lighted panels can be chained off one power supply.
- Power supply can connect to outlet or rack C14 plug
CERTIFICATIONS
DAB panels support customer initiatives to both reduce their power footprint but also their ecological footprint, protecting their local communities.
EPA
CE
ASTM E84
.
Class A Fire and Smoke Performance
The video below shows DAB panel subjected to a fire test. When lit the flame quickly self-extinguishes, generating minimal amounts smoke. Being a non-petroleum based product, even when fire perpetuates the burn, the flame is low heat, low smoke and rapidly burns out.
Water Solubility Test
DAB panel quickly dissolves when in contact with water, allowing sprinkler systems to work at maximum efficiency without creating the trip-hazards associated with fall-out panels.
Durability Test
CRD DAB panel is surprisingly durable, providing air separation and durability, as shown in this video.
FAQs
Have questions? Want a quote or more information? Please use the following form to reach out to us and someone will respond within 48 business hours.
We are happy to provide free quotes and discuss pricing with you. Please send an email to [email protected], include your name, email, phone number and company URL.
Yes, we have letters of approval from FPE and AHJ.
Our lead times are 4-6 weeks, depending on previous orders. We manufacture using JIT (Just in Time) processes as we sometimes have to customize panels for orders.
Each panel weighs under 2lbs (0.9Kg).
We mount LED lights to a metal strip that is welded to the top-side of the panel. These LED strips can be chained together in strips of 8-10.
Yes, we can provide the power supplies, cables, plugs, switches and sensors as part of your quote and order.
We use a specialized, environment-friendly box from Kubox that holds 22 panels. Each box weighs about 50 lbs can are normally shipped via private carrier to help keep the cost down. We can deliver anywhere in the US. Orders are fulfilled in NH, at our factory.
For CAC (Cold Aisle Containment), we find our customers either install a drop ceiling grid or lay the panels on top of the cabinets, using Velcro strips to keep them in place.
Yes, our panels have been tested up to 6x atmospheric pressure without issue. We just couldn’t go higher in our test environment! 🙂
Documents
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