Will GF's Polymer Valve Redefine Data Centre DLC Systems?
GF Piping Systems (GF) has introduced the Quick Connect Valve 700, the first all-polymer quick connect valve designed specifically for direct liquid cooling (DLC) systems in high-performance and high-density data centres.
The patented dual ball valve promises to improve safety, efficiency and sustainability while offering easier handling for operators.
As demand for high-performance computing drives higher rack densities, DLC is becoming a preferred cooling method over traditional air systems. By transporting coolant directly to the chip, DLC offers far greater thermal efficiency, which is increasingly critical for hyperscale and AI workloads.
Engineered for direct-to-chip cooling
The Quick Connect Valve 700 is built to operate at the interface between a data centre’s main cooling distribution system and the server racks.
It enables rapid, secure and durable coolant connections in mission-critical environments. GF says this development supports the growing adoption of Technology Cooling Systems (TCS) – infrastructure that routes coolant from a Cooling Distribution Unit (CDU) directly to server hardware.
Constructed entirely from polymer, the valve is over 50% lighter than conventional metal versions while still delivering enhanced flow performance.
GF states the design achieves a 25% reduction in pressure drop compared to similar metal alternatives, improving overall system efficiency.
Safety and usability built in
Built on GF’s Ball Valve 546 Pro platform, the Quick Connect Valve 700 features two identical PVDF valve halves and a patented dual-interlock lever.
This mechanism requires both sides of the valve to be securely closed before it can be decoupled, helping to prevent fluid loss during maintenance. The two-handed operation also reduces the risk of accidental disconnection, a factor that is vital when servicing live cooling systems.
Charles Freda, Global Head of Data Centers at GF, says the focus was on delivering both performance and operational reliability.
“With the Quick Connect Valve 700, we’ve created a critical link in the DLC cooling loop that’s not only lighter and safer, but more efficient.
"This innovation builds on our long-standing thermoplastic expertise to help operators achieve the performance and uptime their mission-critical environments demand,” says Charles.
The corrosion-free polymer construction offers the same advantages as GF’s wider thermoplastic valve range, including a UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.
The ergonomic design of the interlocking mechanism makes it easier to handle during installation or operation, while the full-bore valve design ensures optimal flow. GF states the valve has a minimum expected service life of 25 years, following full quality inspection.
Sustainability and lifecycle transparency
Sustainability was also a focus during the development process. The Quick Connect Valve 700 has been issued with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804 standards.
An EPD is a third-party verified document that uses life cycle assessment data to quantify the environmental impacts of a product, enabling customers to make informed comparisons.
GF says this transparency supports project planning for data centre operators seeking to improve environmental performance without compromising on operational reliability.
With DLC adoption accelerating – particularly for AI-ready deployments and high-density cloud infrastructure – GF’s introduction of a lighter, safer and more efficient quick connect valve offers a new option for operators focused on both performance and sustainability.