Data Center Expansion Joint and Connector Solutions

Data centers serve as the backbone of the global digital economy. Operating 24/7 without interruption, these mission-critical facilities house the computing, storage, and networking equipment necessary to support cloud platforms, financial systems, and healthcare resources. To maintain absolute reliability and prevent catastrophic downtime, data center designers and engineers incorporate robust mechanical solutions like expansion joints to protect their cooling and power infrastructure.

Proco Products, Inc. provides high-performance expansion joints and flexible connectors engineered to meet the stringent uptime and safety requirements of modern, OCP-compliant data center environments.

Protecting Mission-Critical Systems

Data centers rely on sophisticated liquid-cooling and chilled-water systems to keep servers running efficiently and safely. These systems are subject to constant thermal cycling and mechanical vibration, which can lead to fatigue cracking, leaks, and equipment failure if left unmanaged.

Proco expansion joints are strategically installed throughout the facility to:

• Relieve Mechanical Stress: Accommodate thermal expansion and contraction in long pipe runs.
• Isolate Vibration: Protect sensitive IT equipment by dampening noise and mechanical vibration from pumps and chillers.
• Maintain Alignment: Ensure system integrity during startup cycles, thermal fluctuations, or seismic activity.
• Enhance Uptime: Reduce the risk of leaks and pipe ruptures that could lead to water damage, data loss, and costly operational downtime.

Data Center Applications Supported by Proco Products

Expansion joints and braided connectors are utilized across several critical infrastructures:

Cooling & HVAC Systems

• Chilled Water Loops: Installed in main piping runs to manage changes in pipe length caused by temperature variations.
• Pumps & Chillers: Located on the suction and discharge sides to isolate mechanical vibration and absorb movement during operation.
• Cooling Distribution Units (CDUs): Placed between CDUs and the rest of the system to relieve stress on equipment nozzles.
• Direct-to-Chip Cooling: Used for final connections to high-density racks to ensure leak-free, flexible flow.
• Dry Coolers: On the pump suction and discharge piping, as well as on headers entering or leaving the dry cooler.

Power & Backup Infrastructure

• Backup Generators: Essential for power when traditional power sources are off-line.
• Generator Piping: Installed on jacket water or lube oil systems to accommodate thermal expansion, contraction and vibration.

Proco Expansion Joint Performance Table

Selecting the right joint requires balancing material compatibility with the specific movement profiles and temperatures being handled.

 

Proco Series	Style	Recommended Use
Series 231/232 or Series 281/282	EPDM / Neoprene	Chilled water loops & pump isolation
Series 240	Molded Rubber	Cooling tower and condenser lines
Series 440	PTFE (Teflon)	Deionized water & direct-to-chip cooling
Series 231/ET	PTFE Lined Rubber	Chemically treated water & electrolysis prevention
Braided Metal	Stainless Steel	Generator exhaust & high-pressure steam

A straightforward guide for temperature selection for materials is known as the “Rule of 250” where if the system’s pressure is below 250 psi and the temperature is below 250°F, rubber expansion joints are generally the recommended and the more economical choice. For systems with pressures above 250 psi or temperatures over 250°F, metal expansion joints or metal hose and braid are typically required. 

Accurately calculating piping movement is critical to preventing mechanical failure. Expansion joints must accommodate four primary types of movement:

• Axial Compression & Extension: Changes in pipe length along the longitudinal axis due to thermal growth.
• Lateral Deflection: Movement perpendicular to the pipe’s axis, possibly caused by building shifts or seismic activity.
• Angular Deflection: The bending of the joint’s centerline to accommodate misalignment.
• Torsional Movement: Twisting around the axis. While rubber joints have minor flexibility, torsional stress should be minimized to avoid premature fatigue.

You can calculate using the Proco Concurrent Movement Calculator

Given the critical nature of cooling loops and the substantial flow rates involved, it is important to evaluate each installation to ensure the piping system is properly anchored and guided. Where appropriate, control rods can help protect the expansion joint from excessive movement and provide an additional safeguard against unexpected operating conditions, contributing to overall system reliability.

Proco’s Series 231/232 or Series 281/282 feature a wide arch design that handles significant movement while reducing mechanical load on connected equipment nozzles.

Material Advantage & Longevity

• Elastomeric (Rubber): Provides superior vibration dampening and noise reduction for standard chilled-water loops.
• PTFE (Teflon™): Offers nearly universal chemical resistance and low permeability, essential for high-purity direct-cooling applications.
• Braided Stainless Steel: Provides maximum mechanical integrity and strength, preventing hose elongation under high pressure while managing extreme temperatures in generator systems.

Proco Expansion Joint Surveys – Proactive Support to Maintain Data Center Uptime

To ensure the continued reliability of your infrastructure, Proco offers professional on-site expansion joint surveys.

• System Assessment: Comprehensive review to identify improper anchoring, guiding, or signs of fatigue.
• Proactive Maintenance: Identifying aging or chemically degraded joints (e.g. gummy or hardened elastomers) to prevent catastrophic ruptures and water damage.

Find out more about our comprehensive preventative maintenance survey service.

STAMPED Selection Method for Data Centers

Use the STAMPED method to ensure your joint selection is perfect for purpose:

• S – Size: Pipe I.D., flange drilling, and face-to-face length.
• T – Temperature: Use braided metal or PTFE for systems exceeding 250°F.
• A – Application: Identify equipment (pumps, CDUs) and media type (water, glycol, or deionized).
• M – Movement: Calculate expected thermal expansion and building shifts. See Proco Products Concurrent Movement Calculator
• P – Pressure: Account for operating, test, and surge pressures.
• E – End Fittings: Specify flange materials to prevent galvanic action or match OEM patterns (e.g., Caterpillar, Cummins).
• D – Delivery: Proco maintains extensive inventory to support rapid construction and emergency repairs.

For performance data please see our 3DX tool to configure expansion joint design

See a summary of Proco Expansion Joints for Data Centers.

If you would like to see Proco Products in action in different situations take a look at our case studies page.

Learn more about Proco’s full line of state-of-the-art valves and expansion joints, at procoproducts.com or contact us directly.