Direct liquid cooling is where most new stainless hose demand is coming from. The reason is simple: a coolant leak over energised hardware is not a maintenance event, it is a write-off, and polymer permeates and creeps where steel does not.
Applications and the products that suit them
| Application | Product |
|---|---|
| Coolant distribution unit connections | Braided corrugated hose in 316L, single braid |
| Rack manifold drops | Braided corrugated hose small bore, flexible routing |
| Chiller and pump connections | Braided corrugated hose or Lateral / universal joint |
| Riser and header expansion | Axial expansion joint or Lateral / universal joint |
| Heat rejection loop connections | Braided corrugated hose in 316L |
| Cooling tower connections | Braided corrugated hose in 316L — treated water carries chlorides |
| Facility water interconnections | Braided corrugated hose in 316L |
Specification notes for this sector
- 316L throughout — glycol inhibitor packages vary and chlorides appear where you do not expect them
- Permeation is the argument for stainless — a metal wall does not pass coolant or absorb inhibitor; say so in the specification
- Assemblies are frequently installed by people who are not pipefitters — specify bend restrictors
What to send with an enquiry
Bore, medium, pressure, temperature, movement and both end connections. The reasoning for each is on how to specify an assembly.
Related technical reading
Media compatibility · Temperature derating · Failure modes · Installation guide