GF and Parker Hannifin Combine Valve and Hose in a Plug-and-Play Coupling for Direct Liquid Cooling

AI is accelerating demand for high-density, high-performance computing, and direct liquid cooling (DLC) is increasingly used for thermal management in data centres. The use of liquid coolants in critical environments places higher demands on piping systems, particularly valves and connections.

The plug-and-play offering combines the GF Quick Connect Valve 700 and quick-connect coupling with the pre-assembled Parker E-Z Form hose. The Quick Connect Valve 700 uses a dual-ball-valve design and a patented locking mechanism that allows disconnection only when the valve is fully closed. This is intended to prevent accidental fluid release during operation and maintenance.

According to GF, the valve is up to 50% lighter than comparable metal alternatives. Its full-bore design reduces pressure drop by up to 25%.

Attached to one half of the Quick Connect Valve 700 through a crimp-fitting connection, the Parker E-Z Form hose is designed to accommodate tight bends while maintaining full flow without kinking. Its flexibility allows it to replace preformed hoses and bent metal tube assemblies, which can avoid additional design, tooling and fabrication costs, as well as long lead times.

As a pre-assembled unit, the combined valve and hose assembly has the following characteristics:

Compatibility: Hose, fitting and valve are specified and validated as one coordinated assembly, intended to eliminate tolerance stacking and reduce cross-vendor interface risk.

Factory-controlled assembly: Crimp parameters, dimensional targets (OD/ID) and tooling are controlled and documented.

Pressure and service life: Qualified hose–fitting–coupling combinations are designed for continuous thermal and mechanical loads.

Cleanliness: The Quick Connect Valve 700's smooth PVDF body is intended to minimise particle retention and reduce flushing time, while the pre-cleaned, sealed and factory-tested hose assemblies are intended to reduce contamination risk during installation.

“By combining the strengths of GF and Parker, we are enabling a lightweight, fast, clean and efficient connection from the distribution header to the rack,” said Charles Freda, Global Head of Data Centers at GF. “Together, we are helping create a more reliable and efficient cooling infrastructure from distribution to the IT rack.”

Mathias Veeser, marketing & business development manager, Parker Hannifin added: “By integrating hose and valve technologies into a single solution, we help reduce complexity and improve reliability for our customers.”