CONTAINERISED PLANTS

Microsoft Data Centre: Cooling Water Treatment Plants

Containerised water treatment plant for Microsoft data centre cooling systems

CLIENT OVERVIEW

Infinity Water Treatment was subcontracted by PureBase, who were delivering work on behalf of Culligan, the main contractor responsible for producing containerised water treatment plants for a Microsoft data centre in Madrid.

The project involved building multiple fully equipped containerised cooling‑water treatment systems inside a large fabrication facility in High Wycombe. These containers would later be shipped internationally and installed as plug‑and‑play modules for the data centre.

THE CHALLENGE

This project was technically demanding due to its scale, specification requirements, and logistical constraints:

  • 3–4 large containerised plants to be fully built, fitted, and tested in the UK before being transported to Spain.

     

  • All process pipework needed to be Polypropylene (PP) butt‑fusion welded, requiring skilled work using infrared butt‑fusion bench welders.

     

  • The treatment systems had to withstand long‑distance transportation, meaning all pipework, supports, and equipment required enhanced bracketing and vibration resistance.

     

  • A wide range of equipment had to be integrated into a compact container footprint, including pumps, filters, dosing systems, instrumentation, and softeners.

     

  • The installation had to meet high‑purity and high‑reliability standards expected for Microsoft’s cooling‑water systems.

     

  • Work took place during winter 2021 in a large, unheated warehouse — a challenging environment for the team.

OUR SOLUTION

Infinity Water delivered the full installation and pipework build for each container, including:

  • Full PolyPro infrared butt‑fusion welding, with socket fusion used only where necessary.

  • Installation of all equipment supplied by Culligan/PureBase, including:

    • Pumps and duty/standby arrangements
    • Multimedia and cartridge filtration
    • Water softeners and brine tanks
    • Chemical dosing equipment
    • Conductivity and other instrumentation sensors
    • Water meters and sampling points
    • Valves, bypass arrangements, and isolation systems
    • Control panels and internal containment

  • Complete Unistrut framework installation for mechanical supports.

  • Over‑bracketing and vibration‑proofing all lines and components to survive transport from the UK to Madrid.

  • Coordinating closely with PureBase and Culligan to ensure every detail met Microsoft’s specifications and the expected operational demands of a hyperscale data centre.

Polypropylene was chosen due to its:

  • High durability and impact resistance (ideal for transportation)
  • Excellent chemical compatibility
  • Smooth internal bore for improved water quality
  • Welded, joint‑free integrity for long‑term reliability

THE PROCESS

1. Off‑Site Build Setup

  • Containers delivered into the High Wycombe fabrication hall.
  • Layout planning and equipment positioning completed with PureBase and Culligan.

2. PolyPro Butt‑Fusion Pipework Installation

  • All main process pipework fabricated using infrared butt‑fusion technology.
  • Socket fusion used only in restricted or small‑bore areas.
  • Every weld inspected for alignment, bead quality, and integrity.

     

3. Equipment Installation & Integration

  • Pumps, filters, softeners, brine tanks, dosing equipment, sensors, and sample points installed.
  • Control panels mounted and cable routes prepared.
  • All valves, bypasses, isolators, and meters installed.

     

4. Structural Fixing & Vibration Protection

  • Pipework and equipment over‑bracketed beyond standard specification.
  • Additional supports added to protect against transport movement and vibration.

     

5. Final Checks & Dispatch Preparation

  • Systems pressure‑tested and verified.
  • Internal layout checked for transport compliance.
  • Containers prepared and shipped to Madrid for installation on the Microsoft site.

THE RESULTS

  • Four fully built, high‑purity process containers delivered on time.

  • Reliable, durable PolyPro welded systems ideal for long‑distance shipment.

  • High‑quality finish meeting Microsoft’s data‑centre standards.

  • Seamless collaboration with PureBase and Culligan throughout.

  • Successful installation in Spain, with positive feedback from all parties.

Culligan and PureBase were extremely pleased with the standard of workmanship and the robustness of the installation.

CLIENT FEEDBACK

“Infinity’s installation work was excellent. The butt‑fusion pipework, equipment layout, and bracketing were all completed to the highest standard, ensuring the containers were ready for transport and long‑term operation.”

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