As liquid cooling becomes more and more pervasive in HPC datacenters, the mitigation of leaks and spills is a growing concern. Enter CPC, a maker of quick disconnects (QDs) designed specifically for liquid cooling use.
Today CPC announced its LQ Series of connectors with more robust non-spill connectors for high-performance computing and data center applications.
As HPC manufacturers and data center operators continue to migrate to liquid cooling for their equipment, we hear concerns about quick disconnects as a potential point of vulnerability in liquid cooling systems,” says Dennis Downs, business manager, liquid cooling. “In working with tech customers, CPC has developed quick disconnects specifically for liquid cooling applications. Our LQ Series couplings are leak free, durable enough to withstand both years of use and corrosive fluids, and easy to use in tight spaces.”
CPC’s well-known LQ2, LQ4 and LQ6 Series quick disconnects now all feature unique swivel configurations and an integrated thumb latch for easy, one-handed operation in confined spaces like the server racks of large data centers.
In addition to the swivel joints, CPC reduced the force-to-connect by more than 20 percent. The robust LQ4 and LQ6 QDs also can handle twice the original side load force and feature a 38% higher burst pressure rating than before, offering additional protection from rough handling or use.
All LQ Series quick disconnects also feature a multilobed seal for redundant protection against leakage and lasting shape retention during extended periods of connection. Multilobe seals provide greater sealing efficiency than standard O-rings while requiring less force to connect. The non-spill design allows disconnection under pressure without leaks—a critically important factor in protecting electronics from exposure to fluid and enabling hot swapping of equipment.
The upgraded LQ4 and LQ6 Series quick disconnects join the LQ2 Series, the highest-flow capacity 1/8-inch connector in the liquid cooling industry. LQ2 Series connectors offer a 22 percent better flow coefficient than other 1/8-inch connectors. Higher flow capacities reduce pressure drops by an average of 34 percent, optimizing liquid cooling system performance.
Couplings and QDs borrowed from other industries can result in suboptimal performance,” said Downs. “Because the CPC LQ Series QDs were designed for liquid cooling specifically, they are compatible with liquid cooling solutions and resistant to valve corrosion. They’re also tested to 10,000 cycles—double that of some other connectors—so manufacturers and operators can use the LQ Series with confidence.”