Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) VARUNA
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
For RackBank DataCenters Pvt. Ltd (VARUNA)
1. Purpose
The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish a comprehensive framework for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and management of single-phase immersion cooling systems. These systems are integral to the thermal management of IT hardware, including servers, GPUs, and other critical data center equipment.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of immersion cooling systems at RackBank DataCenters Pvt. Ltd.
3. Definitions
Single-Phase Immersion Cooling: A method where IT equipment is fully submerged in a thermally conductive but electrically insulating liquid. The liquid remains in a single phase (liquid state) during the entire process, absorbing heat from the components.
Dielectric Fluid: A non-conductive liquid used in the cooling process, often based on hydrocarbons, fluorocarbons, or synthetic esters.
4. Responsibilities
4.1 Operator Responsibilities
Task
Description
Daily Operation
Responsible for the daily operation of the single-phase immersion cooling system, ensuring all procedures are followed.
System Monitoring
Continuously monitor system performance, including temperature, fluid levels, and operational status to ensure optimal performance.
Routine Maintenance
Perform routine maintenance tasks such as checking fluid quality, inspecting for leaks, and ensuring all components function correctly.
Data Recording
Accurately record operational data, including temperature logs, fluid levels, and any anomalies or deviations from standard operating conditions.
Anomaly Reporting
Report any anomalies or issues encountered during operation to Maintenance Personnel or Supervisors promptly.
Safety Compliance
Strictly adhere to all safety protocols, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and following emergency procedures.
4.2 Maintenance Personnel Responsibilities
Task
Description
Scheduled Maintenance
Conduct regular maintenance and inspections as per the established maintenance schedule to ensure system integrity and optimal performance.
Technical Issue Resolution
Promptly address any technical issues, including repairing or replacing faulty components, and ensure the system is restored to full functionality.
System Diagnostics
Perform detailed diagnostics to identify potential issues before they cause operational disruptions, ensuring proactive maintenance.
Maintenance Record-Keeping
Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of all maintenance activities, including dates, tasks performed, and corrective actions taken.
Tool and Material Management
Ensure the availability and proper storage of necessary tools, replacement parts, and dielectric fluids required for maintenance activities.
4.3 Supervisors/Managers Responsibilities
Task
Description
SOP Compliance
Ensure all operations are in strict compliance with the SOP and relevant safety regulations.
Staff Training and Certification
Oversee the training and certification of all personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of the immersion cooling system.
Review and Approval
Review and approve maintenance schedules, operational logs, and any deviations from standard procedures.
Auditing and Record-Keeping
Conduct regular audits of the system’s performance and ensure accurate and thorough record-keeping of all operations and maintenance activities.
Communication and SOP Updates
Facilitate communication between Operators, Maintenance Personnel, and upper management; update the SOP as needed based on feedback and industry standards.
5. Equipment and Materials
Equipment/Material
Description
YES
NO
Immersion Cooling Tank
Tank designed for fully submerging IT equipment.
Dielectric Fluid
Non-conductive fluid used for immersion cooling.
Heat Exchangers
Devices used to transfer heat from the fluid.
Pumps and Piping
For fluid circulation within the system.
Monitoring and Control System
System for monitoring temperature, fluid levels, etc.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Safety gear like gloves and safety glasses.
Lifting Tools
Tools for safely lowering and removing equipment.
Fluid Filtration System
For filtering impurities from the dielectric fluid.
Spill Containment Kit
Equipment for managing and cleaning up spills.
Power Supply
Reliable power source for the cooling system.
Data Cabling
Cables for connecting submerged equipment to networks.
Temperature Sensors
Sensors to monitor fluid and equipment temperatures.
Equipment/Material
Description
YES
NO
Fluid Level Indicators
Devices to monitor the level of dielectric fluid.
Maintenance Tools
Tools required for routine maintenance.
6. Safety Precautions
Precaution
Description
Wear Appropriate PPE
Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and other necessary PPE when handling dielectric fluids or operating equipment.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Maintain adequate ventilation in the work area to prevent inhalation of fumes from the dielectric fluid.
Follow MSDS Guidelines
Adhere to all Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) guidelines for the dielectric fluid used in the system.
Disconnect Power Before Maintenance
Ensure that power to the equipment is disconnected before performing any maintenance to avoid electrical hazards.
7. Procedure
7.1 Initial Setup
Site Preparation
Ensure installation area is clean, dry, and ventilated.
Verify infrastructure (power, data cabling, cooling distribution) is in place.
Tank Preparation
Inspect immersion tank for damage or contaminants.
Tank Preparation
Fill tank with appropriate dielectric fluid to recommended level.
Equipment Installation
Lower IT equipment into the tank using appropriate lifting tools.
Ensure all components are fully submerged.
7.2. Operation
Power On
Power on equipment and monitoring systems.
Verify dielectric fluid circulation.
Monitoring
Monitoring
Continuously monitor temperature, fluid levels, and system performance.
Monitoring
Monitoring
Adjust parameters as necessary to maintain optimal cooling.
Routine Checks
Conduct daily visual inspections for leaks or abnormalities.
Routine Checks
Record operating conditions in a logbook or digital system.
7.3. Maintenance
Scheduled Maintenance
Perform routine maintenance as per manufacturer’s guidelines (fluid replacement, filter changes).
Inspect and clean heat exchangers, pumps, and piping.
Fluid Replacement
Drain used dielectric fluid safely, following regulations.
Fluid Replacement
Refill tank with fresh dielectric fluid.
System Updates
Apply software/firmware updates to monitoring systems.
System Updates
Document any system changes.
7.4. Shutdown
Power Down
Shut down IT equipment and cooling system.
Disconnect power and data cables from submerged equipment.
Equipment Removal
Equipment Removal
Gradually remove IT equipment from the immersion tank.
Equipment Removal
Equipment Removal
Allow excess fluid to drain back into the tank.
Storage and Disposal
Store unused dielectric fluid in a cool, dry place.
Storage and Disposal
Dispose of used fluids and waste materials per regulations.
8. Emergency Procedures
Leak Response
Immediately contain and clean up any fluid spills.
Notify the supervisor and follow the incident reporting procedure.
System Failure
Follow the manufacturer's troubleshooting guide if a system failure occurs.
Shut down the system if necessary to prevent damage to the equipment.
9. Troubleshooting
Temperature exceeds safe limits
1. Increase fluid circulation.
2. Check for blockages in the cooling loop.
3. Ensure all temperature sensors are functioning correctly.
Leaks in the system
1. Immediately shut down the system.
2. Identify the source of the leak.
3. Repair or replace the affected component.
10. Documentation and Record Keeping
Maintain logs of all operations, including start and stop times, temperatures, and any anomalies observed.
Record any incidents, including leaks or system failures, and the actions taken.
Keep maintenance and inspection records for at least [Insert Time Period].
11. References
Manufacturer's manuals for IT equipment and cooling systems.
MSDS for the dielectric fluid used.
Relevant local and national regulations.