Most high-performance server OEMs, including Lenovo , recommend continuous oversight of system coolant properties such as conductivity, pH, corrosion rate, and turbidity to ensure optimal performance and longevity of HPC systems.
Turbidity testing for cold plate cooling systems, in particular, is crucial. Elevated turbidity levels can signal the presence of particulates or contaminants that may impair heat transfer, promote corrosion and shorten the life of some components.
WHY TURBIDITY TESTING MATTERS FOR SERVER COOLANTS
- It Detects Contaminants: Particles from corrosion, biofouling , or degradation of coolant additives can reduce cooling efficiency.
- It Prevents Clogging: High turbidity can lead to clogging of microchannels in cold plates, pumps, and heat exchangers.
- It Ensures Heat Transfer Efficiency: Clean coolants allow for optimal thermal conductivity and prevent overheating.
- It Extends Equipment Lifespan: Maintaining clarity reduces wear on pumps and prevents buildup in cooling loops.
For HPC liquid cooling, turbidity should be kept as low as possible (typically <1 NTU) to prevent clogging and scaling.
COLD-PLATE TECHNOLOGY AND TURBIDITY TESTING
Cold plate cooling is more efficient than air cooling and is often used when reliability and performance are critical. It relies on direct liquid contact to dissipate heat from high-performance components. Here’s why testing is critical:
- Prevents Corrosion and Contamination
• Cold plates have intricate internal channels that can accumulate corrosion or scaling if the coolant contains impurities or becomes acidic.
• Regular testing ensures the coolant maintains the correct pH balance and corrosion inhibitors remain effective.
• Contaminants or degraded coolant can lead to biofouling, scale formation, or particulate buildup, reducing heat transfer efficiency. - Avoids Clogging and Flow Restrictions
• Cold plates depend on unobstructed coolant flow for effective heat dissipation.
• Coolant degradation can lead to gel formation, precipitation, or particulate deposits that clog microchannels. - Detects Coolant Breakdown and Additive Depletion: Over time, coolant additives degrade, leading to changes in viscosity, oxidation, and loss of anti-corrosive properties.
- Ensures Material Compatibility
• Different coolants interact differently with metals used in cold plates, such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel.
• Testing helps confirm that the coolant remains chemically stable and compatible with system materials. - Extends Equipment Life:
• Corrosion or contamination can lead to premature wear of pumps, cold plates, and piping.
• Proper coolant monitoring reduces maintenance costs and extends the lifespan of the cooling system.
Regular coolant testing that includes a turbidity assessment prevents failures, reduces downtime, and optimizes the performance of cold plate cooling systems in data centers and high-performance computing applications.
SERVER COOLANT TESTING BEST PRACTICES
• Start with High-Quality Coolants: Opt for coolants recommended by your OEM that are appropriate for your server's materials and operating conditions.
• Work with Experts: Engage with service providers, like Eurofins TestOil, that are experienced with coolant testing for high-performance computing environments.
• Routine Monitoring: Implement a regular schedule for coolant analysis to promptly identify changes in turbidity and other critical parameters.
For more information on working with Eurofins TestOil for server coolant analysis or training opportunities, fill out the form below; visit https://testoil.com/company/contact-us/; call 216-251-2510; or email sales@testoil.com.
About Eurofins TestOil
With more than 30 years of experience in the oil analysis industry, Eurofins TestOil focuses exclusively on assisting industrial facilities with reducing maintenance costs and avoiding unexpected downtime through oil and fuel analysis program implementation. As industry experts in diagnosing oil-related issues in equipment such as turbines, hydraulics, gearboxes, pumps, compressors and diesel generators, Eurofins TestOil provides customers with same-day turnaround on routine oil analysis testing. For more information on partnering with Eurofins TestOil on oil analysis programs or training opportunities visit https://testoil.com. Contact: Al Yates 216-251-2510; sales@testoil.com.
About Eurofins – the global leader in bio-analysis
Eurofins is Testing for Life. Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing, and in discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and agroscience Contract Research services. Eurofins is also a market leader in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, and in the support of clinical studies, as well as in BioPharma Contract Development and Manufacturing. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.
With over 61,000 staff across a network of 940 laboratories in 59 countries, Eurofins’ companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods. Eurofins Shares are listed on Euronext Paris Stock Exchange.
