HOW TO OPTIMISE DATA CENTRE PIPING SYSTEMS FOR SUSTAINABLE AND FUTURE- READY CONSTRUCTION
Grooved mechanical pipe joining , combined with virtual design , prefabrication and BIM , holds exciting potential to overcome the challenges of data centre construction and sustainability in the Middle East , says Zeyd Ammoura , Division
Manager for Middle East , Africa and Turkey at Victaulic . he Middle East data centre market is
T expanding at an unprecedented pace , projected to grow from US $ 12.3 billion in 2024 to US $ 28.2 billion by 2029 . But this growth doesn ’ t come without its challenges , for instance , construction . While the piping systems for cooling and fire protection may not be the first consideration , they play a significant role in overall project success .
Given that large-scale data centres often require kilometres of piping , the choice of pipe joining method , along with the use of virtual design , prefabrication and BIM , can significantly impact project schedules , quality , carbon footprint and the facility ' s adaptability to future needs .
Simple , mechanical pipe joining
The grooved mechanical pipe joining method has existed for over a century but is becoming increasingly popular as an easier and emission-free alternative to welding that can help overcome many of the challenges faced on large-scale data centre construction projects in the Middle East .
In this method , pipes are cut to length , grooved and then connected using a mechanical coupling , secured by two bolts . These joints are as reliable as traditional welds , and the couplings can be easily removed for maintenance , system expansion , or reconfiguration without causing any damage . At the end of the system ’ s life , the couplings can be repurposed or recycled , supporting a circular economy . These couplings are already made from 98 % recycled content and are produced using methods that reduce emissions by 80 % compared to traditional furnaces .
Furthermore , the installation is straightforward so anyone can be quickly trained to install the couplings – which can speed up the process by up to 5x compared to welding and help overcome the challenge of skilled labour shortages . Throughout a large-scale data centre project , which may require thousands of joints , these time savings can translate into significant gains .
Another benefit is that , unlike welding , this method generates no heat , emissions , or waste during installation , making it a more comfortable option for workers in hot climates while also reducing health , safety and fire risks , as well as the overall environmental impact .
Early supplier engagement
The grooved mechanical pipe joining method offers a range of benefits , but these advantages can be amplified by engaging suppliers early in the project . Early collaboration enables project teams to tap into specialised expertise that allows for the integration of advanced techniques , including virtual design , prefabrication and Building Information Modelling ( BIM ) to streamline the entire construction process of cooling and fire protection systems .
Accurate virtual 3D models
Virtual design is a powerful strategy that allows all stakeholders to visualise the piping system layout , optimise space usage and ensure long-term effectiveness and efficiency . When it comes to installation , in particular , the process is much smoother as precise modelling mitigates the risk of waste and costly , on-site
78 www . intelligentdatacentres . com