CPC Introduces QD Solution to Optimize HPC Liquid Cooling

CPC (Colder Products Company), maker of quick disconnects (QDs) designed specifically for liquid cooling use, introduced its PLQ2 high-performance thermoplastic connector. These QDs deliver new capabilities in tensile strength, creep resistance, and temperature handling for high-performance computing (HPC) and data center liquid cooling applications. Made of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), the connectors offer a heat deflection temperature of more than 200 degrees Celsius and are chemically compatible with all of today’s most widely used coolants and engineered fluids.

“PLQ Series QDs are among the highest-performing engineered polymer connectors for liquid cooling applications available. They vastly reduce concerns around plastic QD durability and performance,” said Elizabeth Langer, senior design engineer, thermal management. “HPC and data center specifiers and operators can use these plastic QDs with confidence.”

Until now, users seeking the lightweight and corrosion-resistant benefits of plastic QDs typically sacrificed some level of robustness. With the PLQ Series, that tradeoff is no longer necessary. The PLQ Series’ advanced polymer construction maintains excellent thermo-oxidative stability and long-term material performance over time. PLQ QDs operate in temperatures from 17 degrees below zero to 115 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit to 240 degrees Fahrenheit). Dimensionally stable PPSU has low water absorption making PLQ QDs ideal for water-cooled systems and humid environments. As a thermal insulator, PPSU reduces potential condensation on the connector and eases handling—the QD will not be hot to the touch when warm fluid is present. The PPSU connector is inherently flame-retardant with a UL94 V-0 rating.

PLQ Series QDs feature a multilobed seal for redundant protection against leakage 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—essential in protecting electronics from exposure to fluid and enabling hot swapping of equipment.

CPC also has enhanced its LQ Series with easier to connect, more robust non-spill connectors for high-performance computing and data center applications. The company’s 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 LQ4 and LQ6 QDs also can handle twice the original side load force and feature a 38 percent 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.

CPC is known for its easy-to-connect, robust non-spill connectors for HPC, data centers, and other critical thermal management applications. The PLQ2 connector has undergone more than 10,000 cycles of leak testing as well as fluid burst pressure, creep resistance testing, and more. CPC’s manufacturing validation process also includes both 100 percent function and leak testing during production.

CPC (Colder Products Company) provides quick disconnect couplings, fittings, and connectors for the life sciences, bioprocessing, industrial, and chemical handling markets. CPC is an operating company within Dover Corporation.