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As data centers grow larger and more power-intensive, liquid cooling is emerging as a preferred alternative to traditional air cooling. This shift is opening new conversations around components used in cooling loops—including sanitary valves.
At Assured Automation, we’ve started fielding inquiries from engineers, contractors and distributors working on data center cooling lines who are exploring the use of sanitary valves and actuators. While we’re not yet veterans in this space, we’re paying close attention to how our extensive valve expertise can support evolving project needs.
Why the Industry is Exploring Sanitary Valve Options
High-performance computing environments generate an incredible amount of heat. Traditional HVAC-based air cooling systems are no longer sufficient to handle this load efficiently.
The Uptime Institute’s 2023 Cooling Systems Survey indicated that direct liquid cooling is projected to become the primary cooling method for IT infrastructure by the end of the decade.
As a result, many operators are moving toward liquid cooling methods—either direct-to-chip or rear-door heat exchangers—that circulate coolant through closed-loop systems.
In these designs, stainless steel sanitary tubing is often used in place of traditional Schedule 40 piping. According to one of our valve specialists:
“When it comes to the cooling lines, sanitary tubing is much easier to install and adapt vs. pipe. Sanitary tubing is thin-walled and can be easily and precisely bent to make a creating a neat piping layout much quicker and easier. Standard pipes cannot be bent due to the wall thickness. That means many flanges and/or threaded connections, and elbows are needed to achieve the same layout.”
This flexibility makes it easier to route cooling lines in dense server rack environments and allows for cleaner, more modular system designs.
Where Sanitary Valves Fit Into Data Center Cooling Loops
Cooling loops in data centers typically include supply and return lines, heat exchangers, distribution manifolds, and control valves. These valves are used for:
- Flow direction control
- Isolation for maintenance or reconfiguration
- Switching between active and standby loops
- Actuation of emergency shut-off sequences
As data center cooling technology evolves, so does the demand for valve solutions that are compact, corrosion-resistant, and easy to integrate into stainless sanitary systems.
Assured Automation Valves Being Considered for These Projects
Several of our automated valve systems, originally designed for industrial process control, are now being evaluated for use in liquid cooling systems. Their construction, connection options, and automation compatibility make them well-suited for this new generation of fluid management systems.
Here are a few products that are generating interest:
BFY Series Sanitary Butterfly Valves
Compact and rugged, the BFY Series valves are available with tri-clamp ends, making them a good fit for sanitary tubing systems. Their all-stainless construction is ideal for corrosion resistance and cleanability.
38 Series Stainless Steel Ball Valves
These valves, in combination with the C Series Dual Rack and Pinion actuator, provide high-cycle life and dependable performance. The 38 Series is a versatile, economical valve platform that can be configured for automated flow control.
30D Series 3-Way Sanitary Ball Valves
These tri-clamp, full-port valves allow for flow diversion, loop switching, or blending in hygienic environments. Their design is particularly useful in systems where multiple cooling loops need to be managed with minimal dead space and easy cleaning.
S4 Series Electric Actuators
For installations where pneumatic air is not available or desired, the S4 Series electric actuators provide reliable automation with precision positioning and compact design.
V Series V-Port Ball Valves
For applications that require flow control—not just on/off—our V Series valves offer predictable, repeatable control with custom flow characteristics. We recently received an RFQ for V Series valves for a data center cooling project, underscoring the potential of these valves in this space.
More Than Just Valves—Support You Can Count On
We understand that entering a new application space—especially one as critical as data center infrastructure—comes with questions. That’s why we offer more than just products. Our valve specialists are available to help you:
- Evaluate application fit and provide configuration guidance
- Use online tools to access CAD models, datasheets, and build configurations
- Generate custom quotes quickly, even for large RFQs
- Answer questions with clarity and speed
We’ve built our reputation on being a responsive, knowledgeable partner—not just a vendor. Whether you’re engineering a new cooling layout or retrofitting an existing one, our inside sales and applications team is ready to support your needs.
Let’s Talk About Your Application
If you’re evaluating valve options for a cooling system—or simply curious whether sanitary valves are right for your design—we’d love to talk. Our knowledgeable and experienced team can guide you through available configurations, share CAD files, or walk you through how our products are being adapted for new uses.
Contact us today or speak directly with a valve specialist.
