Bruce,
The problem in general is "real" and can be high impact.
http://www.dataclean.com/pdf/ZincWhiskerWhitePaper.pdf
http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;464368043;relcomp;1
Whether you're data center could be impacted might take an expert. I would make them prove that your raised floor tiles were at least susceptible before deciding. The dangerous thing is that doing general cleaning is exactly the kind of thing that would stir the stuff up.
Jim
-----Original Message-----
From: HP-3000 Systems Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Bruce Collins
Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 12:54 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [HP3000-L] OT:Zinc Whiskers
Hi Ernie,
I came across zinc whiskers back in my Chemical Engineering days (with a
zinc electroplating experiment) and then later at a Copper/Zinc Smelter
(which was also a zinc electroplating operation).
In the context of electroplating, whiskers can form under the right
conditions. Once a little bump forms on the zinc surface, that bump can
concentrate the electric field at that point causing additional zinc to
plate out there, causing the bump to grow, making the problem worse. In the
worst case, the zinc grows whiskers which can grow until they short out the
anode and cathode.
I'm not sure how they would grow in an non-electroplating environment (maybe
the air in your computer room is pretty zincy :-). I suppose something
similar could happen with zinc dust being attracted to a charged spot on a
zinc surface. When you are dealing with the small dimensions in computers
these days, even tiny whiskers could cause a problem.
That's all I know and it ain't much.
Bruce
----- Original Message -----
From: "Newton, Ernie" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 2:31 PM
Subject: [HP3000-L] OT:Zinc Whiskers
Greetings,
We're getting our data center cleaned and the company doing the cleaning
has been sending "scary" emails to our secretary about zinc whiskers and
how our data center might be contaminated.
I've got nearly 30 years in technology and until now have never heard
of these creatures.
Do any of you have experience with these? Is something to be concerned
about?
Are they easily detected?
I've Googled this and found information, but I'm still skeptical.
Thanks,
Ernie
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