As liquid cooling becomes more and more prevalent, new technology and types of connectors are becoming water cooler topics for those in the data and computing industries. According to a new report from CPC, long-term, leak-free performance in fluid management systems requires robust connectors.
Download the full report.
And as liquid cooling is deployed more and more in HPC and data center applications, these industries demand quick disconnects (QDs) “purpose-built for their needs,” says CPC. And advanced materials are growing the range of available QD options.
Think back. Historically, metal may have been the material of choice for strength and durability.
According to the new report from CPC, QDs built from high-performance thermoplastics “now offer performance that rivals, and in some cases, surpasses their metal counterparts.”
For the first time the highly impact — and heat-resistant —material polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) has been utilized in a QD.” — CPC
So, what are the most important factors in selecting the right QD? Pressure, temperature, flow rate, environmental exposure and chemical compatibility, according to the new CPC report.
Additional real-world considerations include ease of use, weight, cost, the ability to hot swap without risking leaks, and robustness for long periods of connection,” the white paper reads.
High value points of the new material for connectors, and the CPC PLQ Series (PPSU), includes no corrosion risk for all-plastic components; they experience lower friction than all-metal values; and they are compatible with many different chemicals.
Further, they are lightweight and compact, according to the report, and withstand heat and humidity without losing structural integrity — and disconnect under pressure, with no spills.
The report explores the performance factor differences between CPC PLQ Series (PPSU) and traditional all-metal QDS in the following categories:
- Fluid loss
- Spillage
- Corrosion Risk
- Ease of use
- Durability
- Heat transfer
- Thermal Conductivity
- Thermal Expansion
- Operating Temperature
- Valve Cycling
- Operating Pressure
- Reliability
- Value
Download the new guide from CPC, “Metal or Plastic Quick Disconnects? Key Considerations,” which outlines key performance factors of new PPSU QDs compared to traditional all-metal QDs for liquid cooling.
