AI Data Center Liquid Cooling Pipe Selection Guide
AI data center cooling represents the newest and fastest-growing application for precision stainless steel tube. With NVIDIA NVL72 racks generating 100-120 kW of heat, direct-to-chip liquid cooling requires ultra-high-purity tube with demanding surface finish and helium leak specifications.
Cooling System Service Zones
| Service | Material | Specification | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDU-to-Rack Supply/Return | 316L Electropolished | Ra ≤ 0.4 μm ID, He leak ≤ 10⁻⁹ | NVIDIA NVL72 Core Requirement |
| Rack Manifold Headers | 316L Bright Annealed | Ra ≤ 0.8 μm ID | Distribution piping |
| Facility Water Loop | 304L Welded | ASTM A312, SCH 10S | Cost-effective for large diameters |
| Heat Rejection (Cooling Tower) | 316L Welded | ASTM A358 | Chloride resistance for treated water |
| Instrument & Sensing Lines | 316L Seamless | OD 6-12mm, bright annealed | Precision small-diameter |
Ra ≤ 0.4 μm
CDU Core Surface Finish
10⁻⁹ Pa·m³/s
Helium Leak Rate
100-120 kW
Per Rack Heat Load
20-35 Tons
Per 100 MW DC