Data Centre Cooling Fluid Analysis
Data centres rely on high-performance liquid cooling systems to maintain up-time, efficiency, and infrastructure protection. Propylene Glycol (PG) fluids are widely used in direct-to-chip cooling systems, rear-door heat exchangers, and secondary cooling loops due to their safety profile and thermal stability.
PG fluids are expensive to replace and over time they degrade. Without routine monitoring, fluid breakdown can lead to corrosion, deposit formation, reduced heat transfer efficiency, and unplanned system downtime.
Intertek Caleb Brett provides independent PG fluid testing services in Singapore and Spain, delivering laboratory-led analysis that supports preventative maintenance and operational reliability.
Why PG Fluid Testing Is Critical for Data Centres
Regular PG fluid sampling and analysis helps operators:
- Detect fluid degradation before system performance declines
- Monitor corrosion activity in mixed-metal systems
- Maintain freeze protection and heat transfer efficiency
- Prevent scale, fouling, and deposit formation
- Extend fluid life and reduce costly emergency flushes
- Support warranty and compliance documentation
Industry best practice recommends sampling every 50–100 days or quarterly, using representative “hot, closed-loop” sampling methods to ensure accurate system condition assessment.
Our PG Fluid Testing Capabilities
Intertek Caleb Brett laboratories deliver a comprehensive suite of analytical services for data centre cooling fluids.
Core Analytical Parameters
Appearance
Visual inspection for discoloration, suspended solids, or contamination.
Odour
Early indicator of oxidation or microbial activity.
Glycol Concentration
Verification of propylene glycol percentage to ensure optimal freeze protection and thermal performance.
Freeze Point
Confirmation of low-temperature protection within system specifications.
pH
Critical indicator of corrosion risk and inhibitor effectiveness.
Reserve Alkalinity
Measurement of buffering capacity to determine remaining corrosion protection.
OAT Inhibitors (Organic Acid Technology)
Assessment of corrosion inhibitor levels protecting copper, brass, aluminium, and mixed-metal systems.
Electrical Conductivity
Monitoring of ionic contamination that can impact system integrity.
ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) Metals Analysis
Detection of trace metals to identify active corrosion within system components.
Anions Analysis
Identification of degradation by-products and contaminant species.
Together, these parameters provide a full fluid condition profile, not simply a compliance snapshot.
Deposit Investigation & Failure Analysis
When fouling, corrosion, or unexpected deposits are observed, Intertek Caleb Brett provides advanced materials characterisation and root cause investigation.
Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis determines elemental composition of deposits and corrosion products, enabling precise identification of:
- Oxidation by-products
- Scale formation mechanisms
- Metallic corrosion residues
- Contaminant ingress
Comprehensive root cause investigations support corrective action planning and long-term system protection.
Propylene Glycol can degrade due to:
- Thermal stress
- Oxidation
- Evaporation or dilution
- Inhibitor depletion
- Microbial contamination
Proactive laboratory monitoring enables condition-based maintenance rather than reactive system flushing, reducing operational disruption and cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Industry best practice recommends testing PG cooling fluid every 50–100 days or quarterly. Regular analysis allows operators to detect inhibitor depletion, corrosion activity, and fluid degradation before system performance is affected. Routine monitoring supports preventative maintenance strategies and helps avoid unplanned downtime or costly system flushes.
A comprehensive PG fluid testing programme typically includes:
- Appearance and odour
- Glycol concentration and freeze point
- pH and reserve alkalinity
- OAT inhibitor levels
- Electrical conductivity
- ICP metals analysis for corrosion detection
- Anions analysis for degradation by-products
Together, these tests provide a complete condition assessment of cooling fluid performance and corrosion protection.
pH and reserve alkalinity are critical indicators of corrosion control. If pH falls outside recommended limits or buffering capacity is depleted, metals such as copper, brass, and aluminium can corrode. Monitoring these parameters helps maintain inhibitor effectiveness and protects cooling infrastructure components.
Yes. ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) metals analysis can identify trace levels of dissolved metals such as copper, iron, or aluminium. Elevated concentrations indicate active corrosion within the system. Early detection allows corrective action before equipment damage occurs.
Deposits can result from fluid oxidation, inhibitor breakdown, scaling, contamination ingress, or microbial growth. Advanced analytical techniques such as SEM–EDX deposit analysis can determine the elemental composition of fouling materials, enabling accurate root cause investigation and targeted remediation.
