As data centers grow in scale and computing power, so does the demand for reliable and efficient cooling systems. Keeping sensitive equipment within optimal temperature ranges is critical—not only for performance but also for longevity and safety. While water has long been a standard cooling agent, glycol-based coolants for data centers offer several advantages that make them a superior choice in many data center applications.
Why Cooling Matters in Data Centers
Data centers operate 24/7, hosting servers that generate significant heat. If not managed effectively, overheating can cause system failures, downtime, and costly repairs. That’s why many facilities are shifting from water-based systems to more advanced thermal management solutions.
The Limitations of Water as a Coolant
Water may have a high heat capacity, but it comes with several drawbacks. First, it freezes at 32°F (0°C) and boils at 212°F (100°C), making it unsuitable for environments with wide temperature fluctuations. It also promotes corrosion, especially when used with metals like steel and copper commonly found in cooling infrastructure.
Moreover, microbial growth in stagnant water can create biological fouling, reducing efficiency and requiring constant maintenance. For data centers operating in diverse environmental conditions, water often falls short.
Why Glycol-Based Coolants Are a Better Fit
Glycol-based coolants offer several distinct advantages over water:
- Freeze Protection: Glycol lowers the freezing point of the fluid, making it suitable for colder climates or outdoor installations.
- Boil-Over Prevention: It also raises the boiling point, offering better protection against overheating.
- Corrosion Resistance: Inhibited glycol coolants contain additives that protect metal surfaces from corrosion.
- Reduced Maintenance: Glycol solutions are more stable and less prone to microbial growth than water.
- System Longevity: By protecting system components, glycol extends the life of heat exchangers, pumps, and piping.
- Water Conservation: Closed-loop glycol systems significantly reduce water consumption—an important advantage for data centers in drought-prone or high-demand areas. This helps preserve local water supplies and supports long-term environmental sustainability.
JEFFCOOL® Inhibited Glycol Coolants from Third Coast Chemicals
At Third Coast Chemicals, we offer high-performance glycol-based solutions engineered for demanding environments like data centers. Our JEFFCOOL® Inhibited Glycol products—ISF-25 and ISF-55—are specially formulated to provide maximum protection and efficiency.
- JEFFCOOL ISF-25 contains 25% glycol and is ideal for moderate climate conditions. It offers excellent corrosion resistance and reliable freeze protection without compromising flow efficiency.
- JEFFCOOL ISF-55 contains 55% glycol and is best suited for more extreme environments where robust freeze and boil-over protection are required.
Both products are pre-mixed with high-quality inhibitors, reducing the need for supplemental treatment and simplifying maintenance protocols.
Sustainability and Safety
Glycol-based coolants, when properly managed, are safer and more environmentally friendly. Our JEFFCOOL line meets industry safety standards and can be used in closed-loop systems that minimize waste and fluid loss. Because they require fewer system flushes and replacements, they also support sustainability goals by reducing resource consumption.
The Bottom Line
Switching from water to glycol-based coolants is a smart investment for data centers seeking efficiency, durability, and peace of mind. With the added benefit of products like JEFFCOOL ISF-25 and ISF-55 glycol-based coolants for data centers from Third Coast Chemicals, you gain thermal protection that supports continuous uptime and reduced maintenance costs.
Looking to optimize your data center’s cooling system? Contact Third Coast Chemicals today to learn more about our JEFFCOOL Inhibited Glycol products.
