GF and Parker Hannifin have combined high-performance hose and fitting technology with advanced polymer valve design in a single pre-assembled coupling for direct liquid cooling. The GF Quick Connect Valve 700 Coupling with Parker hose connection ships as an integrated plug-and-play system, simplifying installation while supporting reliable direct liquid cooling operations.
AI is accelerating demand for high-density, high-performance computing, and direct liquid cooling (DLC) is becoming the preferred thermal management method in next-generation data centres for its greater efficiency. The use of liquid coolants in critical environments places higher demands on piping systems, particularly valves and connections. The GF and Parker solution addresses those demands.
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 supports safety during operation and maintenance, helping prevent accidental fluid release and enabling secure, repeatable connections in demanding cooling infrastructures.
The valve is up to 50% lighter than comparable metal alternatives. Its full-bore design optimises flow performance and 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 accommodates extreme bends while maintaining full-flow, kink-free performance. Its flexibility allows it to replace preformed hoses and bent metal tube assemblies, helping eliminate additional design, tooling and fabrication costs, as well as long lead times.
As a fully integrated plug-and-play solution, the combined valve and hose assembly offers several benefits:
Maximum compatibility: Hose, fitting and valve are specified and validated as one coordinated assembly, eliminating tolerance stacking and reducing cross-vendor interface risk.
Factory-controlled assembly: Crimp parameters, dimensional targets (OD/ID) and tooling are tightly controlled for repeatable, documented quality.
Pressure and lifecycle performance: Qualified hose–fitting–coupling combinations support higher operating pressures and extended service life under continuous thermal and mechanical loads.
Cleanliness and system protection: The Quick Connect Valve 700's smooth PVDF body minimises particle retention and reduces flushing time, while the pre-cleaned, sealed and factory-tested hose assemblies further 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."
