By Tony Li    Photo：CANVA

Water cooling liquid (for AI server cooling) is a type of liquid cooling technology used for computer hardware, especially high-performance servers and AI servers. Since AI servers typically handle large amounts of computational tasks, their power consumption and heat generation are very high. Therefore, traditional air cooling systems may struggle to meet the cooling demands, while water cooling systems can provide a more efficient cooling solution.

Water cooling liquid is typically a mixture of water and certain additives that help prevent the water from evaporating, freezing, or breeding bacteria in high-temperature environments. To optimize the cooling effect, water cooling liquids may also contain corrosion inhibitors and antioxidants to ensure the liquid can operate stably for a long time without damaging the equipment.

Transporting water cooling liquid (for AI server cooling) requires special attention to safety, stability, and adaptation to different environmental conditions. Since water cooling liquid is usually composed of water and various additives (such as corrosion inhibitors, antifreeze agents, etc.), it is crucial to ensure the stability of the liquid during transport to avoid leakage, evaporation, contamination, or other unforeseen situations.

Key Factors to Consider When Transporting Water Cooling Liquid:

1. Container Selection
   Water cooling liquid must be transported in specially designed containers, which typically need the following characteristics:
   • Sealing: The container must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage and external contamination.
   • Corrosion Resistance: Since water cooling liquid may contain various chemicals (such as corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, etc.), the container material must be corrosion-resistant to prevent reactions with the liquid.
   • Temperature Resistance: The water cooling liquid may face temperature fluctuations during transport. The container needs to withstand changes in temperature in different environments, avoiding freezing or overheating of the liquid.
   • Pressure Tolerance: The liquid may undergo pressure changes during transport. The container should be able to withstand these pressure changes, especially in a sealed system.
2. Temperature Control
   Water cooling liquid performs best within a specific temperature range, so extreme temperature fluctuations must be avoided during transport, particularly:
   • Prevent Freezing: If the temperature during transport is too low, the water cooling liquid may freeze, leading to performance degradation or container rupture. To prevent freezing, heating devices or insulation materials may be required during transport.
   • Prevent Overheating: If the water cooling liquid overheats, the dissolved components may decompose or deteriorate, affecting its cooling performance. Therefore, temperature control measures must also be considered during transport.
3. Transport Methods
   The method of transporting water cooling liquid depends on the quantity and destination of the shipment. The common methods include:
   • Road Transport: For most domestic transport, trucks or containers are commonly used to transport water cooling liquid. Transport vehicles are usually equipped with temperature control systems to ensure the stability of the liquid during transit.
   • Sea and Air Freight: For international or long-distance transport, water cooling liquid can be shipped by sea or air. Sea transport requires ensuring that the containers can withstand long-term shipping conditions, while air transport requires stricter temperature control and packaging standards to ensure the safety of the liquid and prevent leakage.
4. Packaging and Labeling
   The packaging and labeling of water cooling liquid must comply with international transport standards to ensure safety and convenience during transport:
   • Packaging Materials: The packaging must be sturdy and meet the requirements for liquid transport, typically using sealed, pressure-resistant, and leak-proof packaging designs.
   • Clear Labeling: The packaging must have clear labels, including transportation temperature requirements, leakage prevention, hazardous materials (if any), and other relevant information. Especially for international transport, it is essential to follow applicable international transport regulations.
5. Legal and Compliance
   • Hazardous Materials Transport: If the water cooling liquid contains certain chemicals, such as antifreeze agents, it may be classified as hazardous. In such cases, transport must comply with relevant international and regional regulations (such as UN numbers, hazardous material classification, transport documentation, etc.).
   • Import and Export Controls: During international transport, special attention must be paid to import and export controls for water cooling liquid to ensure compliance with the target country's relevant standards.
6. Risk Management
   A comprehensive risk management plan must be in place when transporting water cooling liquid, considering the following potential situations:
   • Leakage Risk: In case of a leak, an emergency response plan and necessary protective equipment should be available to minimize the impact on the environment and equipment.
   • Accident Response: Potential accidents during transport (such as collisions, breakages, etc.) require the packaging to be sufficiently pressure-resistant, and transport personnel should be trained on how to handle emergencies.

Common Challenges in Transporting Water Cooling Liquid:

1. Strict Temperature Control: Since the performance of water cooling liquid can be affected by temperature fluctuations, maintaining stable temperature is a challenge, especially during international transport.
2. Liquid Leakage Risk: Leakage or contamination of the liquid could not only waste the cooling liquid but also impact the environment. Therefore, proper container design and monitoring during the transport process are especially important.
3. Differences in Legal and Regulatory Standards: Different countries and regions have varying requirements for the transport of liquids and chemicals. In particular, water cooling liquid containing chemical additives may need to meet strict compliance standards.

Conclusion:

As an efficient cooling solution for AI servers, transporting water cooling liquid involves multiple steps and requires careful attention to temperature control, packaging design, transport methods, and compliance with regulations. By taking appropriate transport measures, the water cooling liquid can be delivered safely without damage, ensuring it meets the needs of end-users.

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