Below are the questions asked during the event, along with their respective answers.
Q: What do thermoplastic quick disconnects cost?
A: Roughly 10% less than chrome plated brass.
Q: What is the expected lifespan of these engineered plastic QDs?
A: From a material life standpoint, thermo-oxidative stability limits can be useful to assess the acceptable long-term use temperature of polymers. Relative thermal index (UL RTI) determines the temperature to which a material can be exposed for 100,000 hours while retaining 50% of its original properties; PPSU, for example, has an RTI around 160°C for electrical and mechanical properties. Knowing common HPC applications run 80°C, material degradation should not be a concern under normal operating conditions and environments.
From an operational life standpoint, comprehensive validation testing is important in confirming reliability overtime. Arrhenius-type accelerated aging using aggravated conditions of heat and pressure, for example, can help project long-term effects of operating conditions. Other validation testing to consider is mechanical cycle life, cyclic pressure impulse, burst pressure, and fluid flow testing.
Q: How does 8,000 PSI tensile strength compare with brass and aluminum?
A: Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) is a good general indicator of relative mechanical strength, how much load can a material section hold in tension before breaking, but the key word there is relative. In practice when comparing and choosing materials, especially ductile materials, there are a multitude of mechanical, thermal, electrical properties to consider, as well as operating conditions and environment.
When thinking about materials for quick disconnects in liquid cooling loops; typical metal alloys may include varieties of stainless with UTS beyond 60ksi, Aluminum 6061 ~20-45ksi based on temper, etc, brass will be even a bit higher based on the composition, then we have polymers – both thermoplastics and elastomers – thermoplastics typically in the 8-12ksi range, PPSU has a UTS around 10ksi, and elastomers in the 1-3ksi range, EPDM for example around 2ksi. Such a broad range of UTS represented, but it all comes down to what do you need the material to do and where will it be doing it. For liquid cooling quick-disconnects is crucial to understand the material used and the environment, while also balancing risk and performance without over engineering.
Q: You mentioned a 1/8-inch size. Are larger sizes available?
A: 1/4″ flow size launching 1Q20
Q: Can metal connectors and plastics be used together? For example, a plastic insert with a metal body?
A: Yes, CPC LQ2 & PLQ2 QDs are interchangeable / interconnectable.
Q: Can this connector be customized with different colors, terminations, etc.?
A: CPC entertains custom solutions.
Q: What do these high-performance polymer quick-disconnects do better or differently than metal connectors?
A: Lighter weight, chemically compatible with today’s common cooling fluids, no corrosion, no condensation, and you save money.
Q: Are samples available?
A: Yes.
Q: Has there been testing done with fluorocarbon heat transfer fluids for the PPSU?
A: Specific fluid chemistry, and operating conditions like temperature, will need to be considered. Generally speaking, yes the PPSU is compatible with FCs, as well as HFE alternatives. Elastomeric seals within the QD should also be evaluated for compatibility when using these types of fluids.
Q: Do you envisage development of larger PPSU couplers compatible with LQ4 and LQ6 series?
A: 1/4″ flow size launching 1Q20, others to follow.
Q: Can the connectors be used with 1233Zd and 1234Ze?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you produce compatible piping fitting with those quick connects?
A: Not as a standard today, but can be customized per application requirements.