Direct-to-chip Liquid Cooling

Delivering mission-critical reliability and performance for Technology Cooling Systems (TCS) in white spaces.

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Application

Direct Liquid Cooling in Data Centers

Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC), including direct-to-chip cooling or cold plate cooling, is becoming essential in high-density data centers, where traditional air cooling can no longer keep pace with rising power densities from AI-driven CPUs and GPUs. By transferring heat directly from processors to a circulating coolant such as propylene glycol 25% (PG25) or other engineered fluids, DLC enables superior thermal performance, supports rack loads of 100 kW and above, and significantly improves energy efficiency.

In a typical setup, coolant flows through a Technology Cooling System (TCS) to cold plates mounted on heat-generating components. Heat is absorbed and routed via a Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) to the Facility Water System (FWS), where it is rejected. Maintaining fluid purity, pressure stability, and leak-tight integrity is critical, especially given the small microchannels in cold plates and the proximity of fluid to sensitive electronics.

This is where polymer piping systems provide a distinct advantage over metal piping systems. High-performance materials such as polypropylene (PP) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are corrosion-resistant, chemically compatible, and help maintain coolant quality. They operate reliably in a wide temperature range from -20°C to +140°C (PVDF) and 0°C to 80°C (PP-H), with pressure resistance up to 10 bar. Available in sizes from d16 to d500 mm, these materials are joined using advanced infrared welding (IR fusion) for fully traceable, pressure-tested performance.

Lighter and easier to install than metal alternatives, polymer solutions also enable prefabrication and modular deployment, helping reduce installation time, cost, and on-site complexity. This makes them ideal for both new builds and retrofits, supporting future-ready, sustainable cooling infrastructure.

Engineered for Leak-Tight Reliability

Polymer piping systems are built for absolute tightness through infrared fusion welding. Every component for DLC undergoes 100% pressure testing and is fully traceable, ensuring maximum reliability in high-pressure, mission-critical environments.

Optimized for Performance and Longevity

Constructed from high-performance polymers such as Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), and advanced thermoplastics, our systems deliver superior flow, chemical compatibility, and thermal insulation. Designed for a 25+ year lifespan with minimal maintenance, even under constant load.

Rapid and Efficient Deployment

Lightweight, modular solutions enable fast installation on-site or via prefabricated modules. Combined with our global footprint and engineering support, you can streamline DLC system deployment from concept to commissioning.

Supporting Sustainable Data Center Cooling

Polymer piping systems are 100% corrosion-free and have a lower thermal conductivity than metal pipes. GF's systems are compatible with low-emission glycol-based fluids and are made from recyclable materials, supporting your ESG goals.

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Mission-critical connections with the Quick Connect Valve 700

Revolutionizing direct-to-chip liquid cooling connections with the world's first full polymer quick connect valve.

The Quick Connect Valve 700 is a patented, dual-ball valve purpose-built for Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) in data centers. Engineered from corrosion-free PVDF polymer, this valve is over 50% lighter and delivers a 25% better flow performance than metal alternatives. Designed for use between the Cooling Distribution Unit (CDU) and server racks, it ensures fast, spill-free maintenance with a unique two-handed safety interlock. With a 25-year lifespan, UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), it’s the smart, sustainable choice for mission-critical cooling infrastructure.

Success Stories

Tropical DC Cooling

NUS, Singapore

NUS's Sustainable Tropical Data Center Testbed pioneers energy-efficient cooling in hot, humid climates. It achieves up to 40% energy savings using corrosion-free, high-performance thermoplastic piping. The setup sets new standards for tropical data centers.

D2C with PVDF manifold

LG U+, South Korea

At its AI Data Center Testbed in Pyeongchon 2, LG U+ partnered with GF to validate a polymer manifold system for direct-to-chip cooling of 100kW racks using a propylene glycol mix (PG25). The lightweight, corrosion-free design ensures long-term reliability, easy installation, and reduced pumping energy, supporting LG U+’s green IT strategy with a clean, efficient solution.

Offsite Prefab

Rhodium ENT, USA

Rhodium Enterprises, a bitcoin mining data center company, uses immersion cooling to maximize efficiency by fully submerging servers. For their new Temple, TX data center, Rhodium designed an extensive piping network to support this advanced cooling method.

Co-engineering the future of Data Center cooling

As a Silver Member of the Open Compute Project (OCP), GF drives innovation in Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) through open standards. Our engineered flow solutions are co-developed with data center engineers, OEMs, and operators, tailored to your project’s cooling and infrastructure needs.

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Shaping the Future of DC Cooling

With 30+ years in high-purity polymer piping for semiconductors, we bring proven expertise in mission-critical processes. From chip production to cooling, our scalable solutions support the full value chain of modern compute environments.

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Products

FAQs

What are the fluid quality requirements in direct-to-chip liquid cooling, and how are they monitored?

In DLC systems, fluid quality is essential to protect sensitive equipment and ensure reliable thermal performance. The Technology Cooling System (TCS) typically uses high-purity water or propylene glycol-based fluids (e.g., PG25), while the Facility Water System (FWS) may have different chemical tolerances.

While older ASHRAE guidelines still circulate, most operators now apply stricter, project-specific fluid specs, often developed in collaboration with OEMs. Coolant quality is maintained through:

  • Initial Fluid Analysis: Performed during system commissioning.

  • Online Monitoring: CDUs often include real-time sensors for temperature, pressure, conductivity, and pH.

  • Scheduled Lab Testing: Every 2–6 months for water/glycol coolants; up to 12 months for stable dielectric fluids.

  • Event-Based Analysis: Triggered by alarms, visual contamination, or system changes.

  • Filter Maintenance: Regular replacement of filters within CDUs to prevent fouling or biofilm growth.

     

    Sensor Portfolio | Contact our experts to learn more

How does piping material affect the cooling fluid quality and system performance?

The piping material can play a critical role in maintaining coolant purity and long-term flow efficiency. Metal piping, through corrosion and leaching, inevitably releases contaminants into the coolant, the amount of which depending on the chemistry of the fluid and the steel used. Unlike metal piping, polymers like PP-H and PVDF do not corrode. Instead, they resist chemical degradation and maintain smooth internal surfaces, reducing:

  • Biofilm and scale formation

  • Particulate contamination

  • Hydraulic resistance over time

A comparison with stainless steel shows that corrosion products can reduce volume flow by up to 8% over 10 years, leading to a measurable drop in flow rate. Polymers prevent such buildup and preserve consistent fluid dynamics in the cooling loop.

Corrosion of Borated Stainless Steel in Water and Humid Air | Low-Friction Pipes | Contact our experts to learn more

dlc corrossion

Are polymer piping systems compatible with coolants used in DLC?

Yes, polymers are compatible with a wide range of engineered fluids, including:

  • Deionized water (DI water)

  • Glycol mixtures like ethylene-glycol (EG or MEG) and propylene-glycol (PG or MPG) based coolants

  • Select dielectric fluids (upon compatibility statement)

GF's piping systems maintain chemical stability and pressure integrity across a wide operating range. We recommend consulting our Chemical Resistance Tool or our experts for specific use cases.

Chemical Resistance Tool | Contact our experts to learn more

Why do you recommend PP-H over PP-R or other polypropylene types?

PP-H (homopolymer polypropylene) is the preferred choice for DLC applications due to its higher crystallinity, resulting in:

  • Greater mechanical strength and impact resistance

  • Superior chemical resistance against oxidizing agents

  • Reliable infrared welding with full traceability and automation

  • A higher design factor (2.0 vs. 1.25) for mission-critical applications

Unlike PP-R, which is designed for plumbing, PP-H is developed for industrial fluid handling under thermal and chemical stress. GF’s PROGEF system also offers a complete portfolio of fittings, valves, and tools tailored for high-performance cooling loops.

 

Chemical Resistance Tool | Contact our experts to learn more

How do polymer piping systems contribute to sustainability in Direct Liquid Cooling?

Polymer piping systems offer several environmental advantages across the entire lifecycle of a Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) infrastructure from production to operation:

  • Lower Embodied Carbon: Thermoplastics such as PP-H and PVDF have significantly lower melting points than metals like steel or copper. This means less energy is required during manufacturing, reducing embodied carbon.

  • Lightweight Materials: Compared to metal piping, polymers are much lighter, resulting in lower transport emissions during global shipping and installation logistics.

  • Long Service Life: Polymer systems are engineered for durability — resistant to corrosion, fouling, and scaling, which extends system lifespan and reduces the frequency of replacements or repairs.

  • Environmental Transparency: GF Piping Systems offers Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its piping solutions, providing detailed, third-party verified data on material impact, energy usage, and carbon footprint.

Choosing engineered plastic piping supports high performance, reliability, and measurable carbon reductions in DLC operations.

Carbon Calculator

Are plastic piping systems environmentally friendly and sustainable?

Plastic piping systems are designed with environmental sustainability in mind. Many types, such as HDPE, PE100, PVC-U, and PVC-C, are made from recyclable materials, with some, like PVC-U, incorporating renewable materials. These systems are engineered to reduce energy consumption and lower carbon footprint. Thermoplastic pipes and fittings require significantly less energy during production and transport than metal piping systems, resulting in a reduced overall CO2 footprint. GF Industry and Infrastructure Flow Solutions provides Environmental Product Declarations for its products, detailing their environmental impact and sustainability benefits.

How does GF support customers in designing and installing polymer-based DLC infrastructure?

Transitioning from traditional metal piping to polymer systems for Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) can be a significant change — especially for engineering teams unfamiliar with thermoplastics. That’s why GF offers comprehensive support, from concept to commissioning:

  • Design Support: Our experts work closely with your team to co-engineer customized layouts based on your cooling loads, building constraints, and preferred fluid types. We provide 2D/3D piping designs, stress analysis, and detailed material specifications.

  • Prefabrication Services: To reduce onsite complexity and ensure installation quality, we offer modular prefabrication of pipe spools, assemblies, and valve groups, all fabricated in controlled environments with certified welding and pressure testing.

  • Installation Guidance: Through our certified training programs, your installers learn best practices for welding, handling, and quality assurance, ensuring safe and leak-free performance from day one.

  • Global Logistics: Our prefabricated assemblies are shipped worldwide, reducing coordination effort and enabling faster project timelines.

This integrated support reduces installation risk, shortens deployment time, and ensures that even teams new to polymers can adopt DLC-ready flow systems with confidence.

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dlc corrossion

Would you like to know more?

Click here to schedule a consultation with one of our experts and discuss your project requirements or any further questions you may have.

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Georg Fischer Piping Systems Ltd

Ebnatstrasse 111

8201 Schaffhausen

Switzerland