Piping and Connection Technology
Data Center
This section covers every component that physically holds the water-glycol loop of a data centre together: threaded fittings and unions, push-in connectors, rigid pipe, hose, flanges and adapters, manifolds and connection blocks, blanking elements and expansion joints. With 16,599 references it is the largest section of the branch. Metric and imperial connections run side by side, from M10x1 and G 1/8 through NPT 1/4" up to DN 200, in stainless grades 1.4301, 1.4404, 1.4408, 1.4541 and 1.4571, in brass and nickel-plated brass, and in POM, PVDF, PVC-U, PE and PTFE.
In an IT cooling loop the choice of material decides the service life of the whole installation. Stainless steel, PVDF, PP, PE, PTFE, POM and PVC can be used without restriction. Brass, gunmetal, bronze and copper only where the loop stays single-metal and no mixed installation is created. Galvanised steel and aluminium do not belong in this loop: they corrode in the glycol mixture and carry particles into cold plates and filters. Brands stocked include Riegler, Sang-A, Rehau, Norma, Cejn, Kongsberg Raufoss and Hydac.
Categories
Material approval by subgroup
| Material | Present in | Use in the IT loop | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless 1.4301, 1.4404, 1.4408, 1.4541, 1.4571 | fittings, pipe, flanges, manifolds, plugs, expansion joints | unrestricted | the standard material of the loop |
| PVDF, PP, PE, PTFE | fittings, pipe, hose | unrestricted | for sections without metallic contact |
| POM | push-in connectors, hose connectors | unrestricted | connectors for 8 to 22 mm hose outside diameter |
| PVC and PVC-U | reducing nipples, hose | unrestricted | observe the temperature limit of the material |
| Brass, nickel-plated brass, gunmetal | fittings, push-in connectors, manifolds | single-metal loops only | never mix with aluminium or galvanised steel |
| Copper | copper pipe, slip couplings | single-metal loops only | run the entire copper loop in copper and gunmetal |
| Galvanised steel, aluminium | not stocked in this section | not permitted | corrosion in glycol, particle carry-over into cold plates |
- Secondary-side pipework between the coolant distribution unit and the rack
- Connection of pump sets, filters and expansion vessels in the plant room
- Measuring and tapping lines for pressure and temperature instrumentation
- Fill, flush and drain lines during commissioning and maintenance
- Temporary routing and rebuilds during operation, isolated and blanked off
- Vibration isolation of pumps and chillers against the building pipework
