Are Hydrocarbon-based coolants the same as mineral oil?
Hydrocarbon fluids used for single-phase Immersion Cooling are typically synthetic fluids, which should not be confused with mineral oil. Mineral oils can often have imperfections, impurities, and limit material compatibility. Synthetic fluids, on the other hand, are manufactured at a molecular level which results in an inherently stable product that offers superior performance and material compatibility.
They are clear, odorless, non-toxic fluids that are readily used in domestic products such as cosmetics and other household products, which have well-established material handling practices, minimal regulations, and no direct GWP (Global Warming Potential). The latter can be a challenge with Fluorocarbons.
Both GRC and Asperitas exclusively work with superior synthetic immersion fluids which are well developed by reputable partners and fully tested and optimized for Immersion Cooling.
What is the difference between single-phase and two-phase coolants?
There are primarily two kinds of coolants used for Immersion Cooling: Fluorocarbon-based coolants which are typically used for two-phase applications, and Hydrocarbon-based fluids which are solely used for single-phase Immersion Cooling.
Fluorocarbon-based coolants may be used in single-phase applications, but typically offer little benefit at a significantly higher cost and added complexity.
Is the fluid expensive?
One of the advantages of using single-phase Immersion Cooling technology is that the fluids being used are not influencing the business case strongly, while, at the same time, offering the most reliable environment for electronic components.
Do you need to replace the fluid?
Unlike fluorocarbon fluids, the hydrocarbon fluids used by GRC and Asperitas do not evaporate under normal operating conditions and do not need to be replaced through the life of the datacenter (15+ years). Regular lab tests are performed on the coolants to test for any variance in critical properties over time. Commercial deployments dating back to as early as 2010 have been running efficiently and reliably, with no degradation in the coolant’s performance.
Are there additional risks, like fire hazard?
The fluids used by Asperitas and GRC have a very low flammability rate and do not readily ignite. The US National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 704 diamond rates such coolants as 0-1-0 substances. This means that it poses no health hazard, has a high flash point, and is stable even under fire exposure conditions.