Sealant solutions for the AI data centre heat problem

With the continually increasing demand for energy in AI data centres and the subsequent heat generated, a new solution to cooling is needed - liquid cooling. The pipes that transfer cooling fluids into the tanks where the servers are submerged are vital components, and require sealants that will keep these pipes watertight and in prime condition.

An adhesive must also be able to withstand thermal cycling, since the pipes are subjected to both heat from the computer equipment and cold from the coolant. Other key factors in terms of durability are pressure and vibration resistance, as well as chemical resistance. Many coolant fluids contain glycols and corrosion inhibitors - a good pipe sealant for data centre cooling should be able to handle these with its performance unaffected.

Among the solutions from Permabond, MH052 stands out as a high-performance anaerobic sealant for sealing liquid coolant pipe connections. It creates a fast, low-pressure seal and cures into a chemical-resistant polymer that prevents leaks even under vibration, pressure, shock, and contamination. The adhesive is PFAS-free and BAM-approved for use with gaseous oxygen. Unlike pipe dope or PTFE tape, MH052 will not dry out or shred over time, instead providing a long-lasting, durable seal.

Although sealing coolant lines in data centres is a relatively new undertaking, MH052 has a long history. It is trusted by manufacturers in the commercial refrigeration industry (just as with coolants, MH052 works very effectively with refrigerants). Its BAM approval makes it trusted for use in the medical field, and its WRAS approval makes it safe for applications involving contact with drinking water.