Rack Manifolds and UQDs
What are Manifolds and UQDs? A Rack Manifold is the vertical distribution pipe mounted to the back of a server cabinet that feeds cool liquid into 24 to 44 individual servers, and UQDs (Universal Quick Disconnects) are the dripless, push-to-connect valves that let technicians unplug a server without spilling water onto live electronics. The Big Takeaway: This is one of the best entry points for precision manufacturers in Southeast Asia. If you can weld stainless steel (or mold PVDF plastic, which cuts water pressure loss by 19%) and perform 100% helium leak testing, you can supply manifolds directly to local server assembly factories like Wiwynn in Johor.
1. Rack Manifold Specifications
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Governing Standard: Open Compute Project (OCP) ORV3 Manifold Specification & ASME B31.3.
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Fluid Velocity Limit: Strictly < 1.5 m/s per ASHRAE guidelines (prevents erosion-corrosion across up to 44 branches).
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Pressure Ratings: 100 psig operating pressure / 300 psig minimum burst pressure.
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Durability Testing: Must survive 5,000 flow/pressure upset (water hammer) cycles.
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Materials: Stainless Steel (SS302, SS304, SS316) or PVDF polymer. Includes high-point air bleed valve and low-point drain valve.
2. Quick Disconnects (UQD / UQDB / BMQC)
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Standards: OCP UQD / UQDB Rev 2.0 and ORV3 Blind-Mate Quick Connector (BMQC).
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Spillage & Testing: Bidirectional dry-break EPDM seals; fluid loss of only 0.0008 to 0.024 mL per cycle; 100% Helium leak tested.
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Lifecycle & Alignment: Minimum 5,000 coupling cycles; 1.0 mm radial misalignment compensation for blind-mate plugs.
3. Future FYP Expansion
- Map orbital welding and helium leak testing capabilities among local manufacturers.
4. Deep-Dive Spec Table: OCP UQD / UQDB Rev 2.0 & Source-Line Couplings
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Thread & Port Terminations: ISO 11926-3 / ISO 11926-1 (ORB-08 with 3/4-16 UNF, ORB-10 with 7/8-14 UNF, 7/16-20 UNF, 9/16-18 UNF, 1-1/16-12 UNF) and BSPP (ISO 8434-6).
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Operating Temp & Shelf Life: 17 degC to 65 degC (ASHRAE W45; up to 75 degC option; -40 degC to 75 degC shipping); 5-year shelf life.
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Inner-Rack Hoses: Danfoss Boston Royal EHW194 (2-ply EPDM, UL 94 V-0, -40 degC to +140 degC, 16 bar / 232 psi, 3/8" / 9.5 mm ID) and FC332 socketless CPE hose (UL 94 HB, -40 degC to +150 degC).
| Coupling Size | Fluid Dia. | Rated Flow (L/min) | Min Cv (UQD / UQDB) | Spillage/Cycle (mL) | Mating Force at 0 PSI (N) | Plug / Socket Torque (Nm) |
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| UQD02 / UQDB02 | 1/8" | 2.27 | 0.39 / 0.41 | 0.0008 / 0.0009 | 51 / 48 | 9 Nm / 15 Nm |
| UQD04 / UQDB04 | 1/4" | 6.44 | 1.35 / 1.50 | 0.012 / 0.017 | 58 / 57.3 | 15 Nm / 25 Nm |
| UQD06 / UQDB06 | 3/8" | 11.36 | 2.70 / 2.50 | 0.015 / 0.015 | 88 / 86 | 25 Nm / 30 Nm |
| UQD08 / UQDB08 | 1/2" | 17.79 | 5.10 / 4.90 | 0.024 / 0.024 | 124 / 117 | 30 Nm / 48 Nm |
| SHQD-25 (Source) | 1.0" | 189.0 | 30.0 | 5.0 mL | Dual-Interlock | 150 PSI op / 300 PSI burst |
| SHQD-38 (Source) | 1.5" | 550.0 | 90.0 | 8.0 mL | Dual-Interlock | 150 PSI op / 300 PSI burst |
| SHQD-50 (Source) | 2.0" | 800.0 | 136.0 | 12.0 mL | Dual-Interlock | 150 PSI op / 300 PSI burst |
