Liquid Cooling Hose Assemblies for Data Centers
Liquid cooling hose assemblies connect components within a data center cooling loop — from server cold plates to rack manifolds, and from rack manifolds to CDUs. Pre-fabricated assemblies with compatible end fittings reduce installation time and ensure leak-free connections in high-density cooling infrastructure.
How It Works
A hose assembly consists of a flexible or semi-rigid hose body with end fittings crimped, swaged, or mechanically attached at each end. The hose material determines fluid compatibility, temperature range, and flexibility. End fittings are selected to match the connection type at each end of the assembly — barb, compression, push-fit, threaded, or QDC. Pre-fabricated assemblies are pressure-tested before shipment to verify leak integrity.
Applications
- Server cold plate to rack manifold connections
- CDU supply and return line connections
- Rack-to-row cooling loop connections
- Flexible loop segments in tight rack spaces
- OEM liquid-cooled server and storage equipment
- CDU internal piping assemblies
- Cooling loop commissioning and test connections
- Replacement assemblies for existing cooling infrastructure
Key Technical Specifications
| Hose Types | EPDM rubber, PTFE-lined, silicone, PVC reinforced, stainless braided |
| Inner Diameter | 6 mm to 50 mm; custom sizes available |
| Working Pressure | Up to 10 bar — hose type and size dependent |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +150°C — hose material dependent |
| End Fittings | Barb, compression, push-fit, threaded (G/NPT), QDC |
| Lengths | Custom cut-to-length; standard coil lengths available |
| Fluid Compatibility | Water, glycol/water, dielectric fluids — confirm by hose type |
| Bend Radius | Application dependent; specify routing constraints |
| Pressure Testing | Hydrostatic test to 1.5× working pressure standard |
| Certifications | Options available depending on configuration and manufacturing partner. Please specify project requirements. |
Specifications are indicative. Final parameters depend on manufacturing partner and project configuration. Contact us with your specific requirements.
Available Configurations
- EPDM rubber hose — general purpose glycol/water cooling loops
- PTFE-lined hose — high chemical resistance, dielectric fluid compatibility
- Silicone hose — high temperature applications, flexible routing
- PVC reinforced hose — cost-effective for lower pressure applications
- Stainless steel braided hose — high pressure, vibration-resistant
- Straight assemblies with identical end fittings
- Elbow or angled assemblies for space-constrained routing
- Custom lengths with mixed end fitting types
Materials
Operating Conditions
- Working pressure: up to 10 bar — confirm by hose type and size
- Temperature: -40°C to +150°C — silicone and PTFE-lined types for higher temperatures
- Fluid compatibility: confirm glycol concentration and inhibitor chemistry
- Bend radius: minimum bend radius must be respected to avoid kinking
- UV exposure: specify if hose will be exposed to UV in outdoor or skylight environments
- Vibration: stainless braided hose recommended for vibration-prone installations
Selection Guide
Key selection parameters: (1) Fluid compatibility — confirm hose material is compatible with the specific coolant chemistry including glycol type, concentration, and inhibitor package; (2) Temperature range — silicone and PTFE-lined hoses are required for higher temperature applications; (3) Pressure rating — confirm working pressure including pump head and transient pressures; (4) Flexibility — tighter routing requires smaller bend radius; semi-rigid or braided hoses have larger minimum bend radii; (5) End fittings — match to the connection type at each end; (6) Length — measure the routing path including service loops for maintenance access.
OEM & Custom Manufacturing
Custom hose assemblies are available for OEM equipment manufacturers. Custom options include non-standard lengths, mixed end fitting types, proprietary connection interfaces, specific hose materials for unusual coolant chemistries, and bundled multi-hose assemblies. Provide your routing drawing and connection specifications for a design review.
Submit Custom RequirementQuality & Testing
Pre-fabricated hose assemblies are pressure-tested to 1.5× working pressure before shipment. End fitting attachment method — crimp, swage, or mechanical — should be specified based on pressure requirements and field serviceability. Cleanliness specifications for cold plate and CDU protection should be stated in the purchase specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hose material is recommended for glycol/water cooling loops?
EPDM rubber hose is the most common choice for glycol/water cooling loops in data centers. It offers good flexibility, a wide temperature range, and compatibility with standard glycol/water mixtures. PTFE-lined hose is used where higher chemical resistance is required or for dielectric fluid compatibility.
Can hose assemblies be used with dielectric cooling fluids?
Yes, but material selection is critical. Many standard rubber hoses are not compatible with dielectric fluids. PTFE-lined hose with stainless steel or PVDF fittings is typically required. Specify the fluid type and chemistry when requesting a quotation.
What end fittings are available for rack manifold connections?
Common end fitting types include barb (for push-on connections), compression fittings, push-fit fittings, threaded fittings (G or NPT), and QDC (quick disconnect coupling) ends. The fitting type is selected to match the manifold port and the required serviceability of the connection.
Are custom lengths available?
Yes. Hose assemblies are available in custom cut-to-length configurations. Provide the required length, end fitting types, and hose specification. A service loop allowance of 10–15% is recommended to allow for maintenance access and thermal expansion.
Need Hose Assemblies for Your Project?
Send your connection size, coolant type, flow requirements and estimated quantity. Our team will review the application and identify suitable manufacturing options.