Water Recycling Project

Our team were tasked with designing a water recycling scheme for a confidential data centre client in the UK. The aim was simple but ambitious: to recover the wastewater produced by the adiabatic cooling units used to maintain the temperature in the data halls. These cooling units typically discharge excess water to drain, which, while necessary for the unit’s operation, results in significant water waste. Our brief was to create a system that would collect and clean the wastewater for 10 data halls, making it safe to reuse, and prevent it from going to waste.

The solution we proposed was a detailed and carefully planned system designed to recover wastewater and introduce it back into the facility’s water storage tanks for reuse. The process involved modifying the existing pipework to divert wastewater from the cooling units into small collection tanks. The flow would be controlled by 3-port valves, which ensure that, under normal circumstances, the water is directed into the recycling system. However, in cases of maintenance, power loss, or overflow, the water is diverted to the original below ground drainage system to prevent any issues and fail safe. We incorporated a number of safety measures to ensure smooth operation, including water meters to track the flow rates and tundishes with odour traps to prevent any contaminants from entering the recycled water stream.

The small collection tanks pump the wastewater to a central collection tank in a purpose built external plant room. Once the wastewater enters the main collection tank, it is processed by a series of filtration systems designed to ensure that only clean, safe water is reintroduced into the storage tanks. This includes UV, charcoal and turbidity filters to remove any unwanted particles or compounds. The water is then pumped through the system with the help of a booster set, which ensures a steady flow and pressure. For added security, we included sensors to monitor water levels and ensure that the system operates as expected. The system also allows for backwashing of filters with pure water when necessary, keeping everything running smoothly without compromising the quality of the recycled water.

The entire scheme was designed with long-term maintenance and efficiency in mind. We ensured that all components were designed with accessibility in mind for easy installation in a live data centre environment and future maintenance, and that the entire system was integrated with the building’s existing infrastructure, making use of existing supports and pathways where possible. The project also includes a comprehensive control panel system that allows the operations team to monitor and manage the process from a central location, ensuring that the system remains efficient and responsive to changing demands.

Ultimately, this water recycling scheme not only helps the client reduce water consumption but also aligns with their sustainability goals. It’s a great example of how thoughtful engineering can turn waste into a valuable resource, contributing to both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.