Article | Solving Water Treatment Challenges in Data Centers with NCH

In today’s digital-first world, data centers are the backbone of nearly every industry. From cloud services and financial transactions to social media and e-commerce, the need for secure, high-performance data centers is greater than ever. But as demand grows, so does the pressure on infrastructure—especially when it comes to cooling systems.

Data centers generate enormous amounts of heat due to the constant operation of servers and networking equipment. To ensure consistent uptime and optimal performance, effective cooling is not just a preference—it’s a necessity. Many facilities rely on water-cooled chillers to manage heat, but without proper water treatment, these systems can face serious challenges that lead to reduced efficiency, equipment failure, and unexpected downtime.

This is where NCH’s Chem-Aqua water treatment solutions play a vital role. With a proven track record in industrial and commercial water treatment, NCH helps data centers overcome their most pressing water-related issues while maximizing energy efficiency and system reliability.

Understanding the Cooling Challenge in Data Centers

Cooling is the largest operational expense in data centers after electricity. As processors and servers work 24/7, they produce an immense amount of heat. If not dissipated properly, this heat can degrade performance, increase the risk of hardware failure, and shorten the lifespan of critical equipment.

Water-cooled chillers are commonly used in medium to large-scale data centers because they offer higher efficiency compared to air-cooled systems. However, the performance of these systems depends heavily on the quality of water circulating through them. Poorly treated water leads to three primary issues:

• Scale Buildup
• Corrosion
• Microbial Growth

Each of these problems can have significant consequences on cooling performance and system reliability.

Scale Buildup: A Silent Performance Killer

Scale forms when dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, precipitate out of untreated water and accumulate on heat exchange surfaces. Even a thin layer of scale acts as an insulator, drastically reducing heat transfer efficiency.

This results in:

• Increased energy consumption
• Higher cooling costs
• Reduced cooling capacity
• Additional stress on mechanical systems

Over time, scale buildup can block water flow, damage heat exchangers, and force chillers to work harder than necessary, accelerating wear and leading to system failure.

Corrosion: A Threat to System Integrity

Corrosion is another major issue in untreated or improperly treated cooling water systems. It occurs when metal surfaces react with oxygen, moisture, or aggressive chemicals in the water.

Consequences of corrosion include:

• Pinhole leaks in pipes and tanks
• Structural failure of cooling towers and chillers
• Contaminated water systems
• Increased maintenance costs

Corrosion not only weakens the physical structure of the system but also introduces metal ions into the water, which can create additional chemical imbalances and accelerate further degradation.

Microbial Growth: Clogging and Health Risks

Cooling water systems provide a perfect environment for bacteria, algae, and fungi to thrive, especially in warm, stagnant conditions. Without proper biocide treatment, microbial growth can quickly spiral out of control.

Biofilm—a slimy layer formed by bacteria—can cling to internal surfaces, causing:

• Clogged pipes and valves
• Decreased water flow and cooling efficiency
• Bad odors and potential health hazards (e.g., Legionella)

Microbial fouling also creates an uneven surface that traps scale and accelerates corrosion, leading to a vicious cycle of system decline.

NCH’s Chem-Aqua: Proactive Solutions for Peak Cooling Performance

To combat these critical challenges, NCH offers Chem-Aqua, a comprehensive water treatment program tailored for high-performance environments like data centers. Backed by decades of expertise and global experience, NCH delivers not just chemicals—but complete solutions designed to optimize cooling operations and protect valuable infrastructure.

Here’s how NCH makes a difference:

1. Customized Treatment Plans

Every data center has unique operating conditions, water quality, and system design. NCH starts with a detailed system assessment and water analysis to create a treatment plan that fits your specific needs.

This approach ensures that the right combination of scale inhibitors, corrosion preventatives, and biocides is applied to maintain system balance and efficiency.

2. Advanced Scale and Corrosion Inhibitors

NCH formulates specialty chemical blends that target scale-forming minerals and provide long-lasting protection against corrosion. These inhibitors form a protective film on metal surfaces, preventing both mineral deposition and chemical attacks.

This helps:

• Maintain heat transfer efficiency
• Extend equipment lifespan
• Reduce operating costs

3. Biocides for Microbial Control

To manage microbial growth, NCH offers a broad spectrum of biocides and bio-dispersants that eliminate bacteria, algae, and fungi. The treatment is tailored to be effective without being overly aggressive, ensuring safe operation and compliance with environmental standards.

4. Real-Time Monitoring and Automation

What sets NCH apart is its use of smart monitoring technology. With real-time sensors and automated controllers, operators can detect water quality changes instantly and make informed decisions before small issues become major failures.

Features include:

• 24/7 system tracking
• Automatic dosing adjustments
• Early warning alerts
• Detailed performance reports

This proactive approach not only improves operational control but also reduces the need for manual intervention and emergency repairs.

The Benefits of Partnering with NCH

When data centers choose NCH for water treatment, the advantages are clear and measurable:

✅ Improved Cooling Efficiency

By preventing scale and biofouling, systems can operate at peak efficiency, lowering energy usage and reducing carbon emissions.

✅ Extended Equipment Life

Minimizing corrosion and deposits extends the life of expensive components like chillers, pumps, and heat exchangers.

✅ Reduced Downtime and Maintenance Costs

Proactive water treatment reduces the frequency of breakdowns and costly shutdowns, ensuring higher uptime and reliability.

✅ Lower Operating Costs

Energy-efficient systems and reduced maintenance translate directly to cost savings over the long term.

✅ Environmental Compliance

NCH’s water treatment solutions help businesses meet environmental regulations and sustainability goals by reducing water and chemical usage.

Protecting Critical Infrastructure with Confidence

Data centers are mission-critical facilities that can’t afford to take risks with cooling systems. Just a few hours of downtime can result in massive financial losses and damage to brand reputation. By investing in professional water treatment from NCH, data centers gain peace of mind knowing their infrastructure is protected by industry-leading solutions and expertise.

With Chem-Aqua, NCH combines cutting-edge science, custom engineering, and smart automation to provide a holistic approach to water treatment. This ensures that your cooling systems are not just maintained—but optimized for performance, sustainability, and longevity.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Cooling Systems?

Whether you’re managing a hyperscale data center or a co-location facility, efficient and reliable cooling is essential for success. Don’t let untreated water jeopardize your operations. Let NCH help you build a smarter, more resilient infrastructure through advanced water treatment strategies.

Keep your data center cool, efficient, and protected with NCH’s trusted Chem-Aqua solutions.

Learn more: https://www.nchasia.com/en-sg/solution/water-treatment/