Method for sampling and testing data centers for metallic particulates

A method for discovering the presence of an undesired whisker-like metallic particulate in a data center comprising:

• (a) locating a surface of the data center where the presence of a whisker-like metallic particulate is suspected;
• (b) extracting any whisker-like metallic particulate that may be present on the surface onto an adhesive intermediate substrate;
• and
• (c) confirming whether or not any whisker-like metallic particulates are present on the intermediate substrate.

A method for discovering the presence of an undesired whisker-like metallic particulate in a data center comprising:

• (a) providing a tool having a conductive adhesive portion, said conductive adhesive portion being capable of capturing and retaining the whisker-like metallic particulates in their fragile condition;
• (b) locating a surface of the data center where metallic particulates may be present;
• (c) extracting from the surface any whisker-like metallic particulates present in substantially their fragile condition using the tool;
• and
• (d) confirming with an electron microscope whether or not any whisker-like metallic particulates are present on the conductive adhesive portion of the tool.