UQD and UQDB Couplings (OCP)
Couplings and Disconnects
UQD and UQDB couplings are the disconnects defined in the OCP specification for liquid-cooled IT racks. The UQD joins a cold plate or server manifold to the rack distribution by hand and is designed so that virtually no fluid escapes on disconnect. The UQDB is the blind-mate version: it couples on its own as the server slides into its bay and takes up misalignment through a floating mount. Both designs fix envelope, actuation force and sealing principle across manufacturers, so that servers and racks from different suppliers fit together.
The range in this category is still being built, and this is the largest gap in the whole branch. At present we list two Cejn items from the ultraFLOW series: a quick-release coupling and a nipple, both with G 1/2 inch female thread, DN 8, in AISI 316 stainless steel. They are not UQD-profile couplings, but they serve a comparable purpose at the manifold and supply line. Couplings to the UQD or UQDB profile are not yet in our range.
Hand-mated and blind-mate disconnects to the OCP specification
| Criterion | UQD | UQDB |
|---|---|---|
| Mating | pushed together and locked by hand | mates on its own as the server slides in |
| Misalignment | taken up by the operator, the hose stays flexible | taken up by a floating mount in the frame |
| Installed at | hose end at the cold plate or server manifold | fixed interface between server and rack manifold |
| Fluid loss | designed for minimal residual volume | designed for minimal residual volume |
| Servicing | the server is uncoupled, then withdrawn | coupling and separation happen with the server swap |
| In our range | not yet | not yet |
- Direct liquid cooling of CPU and GPU nodes through cold plates
- Interface between server manifold and rack manifold in OCP racks
- Server replacement during operation without draining the rack circuit
- Same-material connection to stainless steel distribution in a water-glycol circuit
- Existing manifold and supply line ports served by ultraFLOW DN 8 in stainless steel
