Leading hyperscaler selects Aflex Hose for liquid cooling at over 800 data centres

A leading hyperscale provider of AI services has installed Aflex Corroline+ hoses to support liquid cooling at hundreds of data centres across the United States.

Corroline+, from Aflex Hose, was selected for its compatibility with glycol-based coolants, corrosion resistance, installation flexibility and reliable supply. The capabilities of Aflex hoses help the major hyperscale data centre operator (hyperscaler) protect critical cooling infrastructure within its secondary fluid networks while expanding capacity to meet rising demand.

As of 2026, the hyperscaler has installed, or plans to install, Aflex hoses at more than 800 sites in the US. 

Flexible and kink-resistant Corroline+ has a chemically inert PTFE liner that helps maintain coolant purity. It is used to transfer glycol solutions, such as PG25, between in-row heat exchangers and IT cooling equipment as part of the secondary fluid network (SFN).

An in-row heat exchanger is positioned alongside server racks and removes heat generated by high-density computing equipment. The hose carries coolant from the heat exchanger to the cooling components serving the IT equipment, then returns the warmed fluid to the cooling system.

Protecting coolant purity while providing flexibility  

The hyperscaler needed a hose that met its wetted-material specifications and would not leach materials into the glycol solution. Leached materials could increase the acidity of the coolant over time, potentially damaging equipment connected to the stainless-steel SFN.

The chemically inert, non-leaching PTFE liner of Corroline+ helps maintain coolant purity and does not corrode. This reduces the risk of contamination and helps protect the performance and service life of the cooling system.

Corroline+ also provides the flexibility needed to simplify installation and route hoses through crowded or space-constrained data centre environments. Aflex has worked with the hyperscaler to identify suitable hose diameters and bend configurations for specific applications. The hyperscaler is also considering the use of flexible hose within rigid pipework designs to accommodate installation tolerances and simplify connections.

A senior supply chain manager for liquid cooling at the hyperscaler said: “We need a hose that meets our wetted material specification, ensuring there's no leaching of materials into the glycol. The fact that the Corroline+ hose doesn't corrode over time is really, really critical.”

“One of the other things we look for specifically for this hose is the flexibility. While many of our products are specifically designed for our data centre layouts, what they don't account for is how the equipment actually fits into the confined space. When you go to assemble things, there are cords and hoses in the way. We had some concerns with rigidity and the Aflex technical team has worked to identify a hose diameter to support. We will continue considering Aflex hoses in more rigid structures to create some flexibility in hard pipe designs.

“Leveraging the flexibility is critical for seismic concerns in places with earthquakes. The flexibility also supports general installation tolerances that can be constrained with stainless-steel hard pipe. We need the right tolerance or flexibility in design to avoid delays when hard pipe doesn't fit together.”

Supporting rapid growth

The rapid expansion of cloud computing and AI infrastructure has increased pressure on the hyperscaler’s supply chain. Some components have struggled to keep pace with its requirements, making access to scalable short-term and long-term solutions increasingly important. Through its in-house manufacturing capabilities, Aflex has demonstrated its ability to respond to current supply requirements while working with the hyperscale data centre operator to support future growth.

The senior supply chain manager for liquid cooling at the hyperscaler said: “We’re confident in our ability to move forward with Aflex Hose. The flexibility to implement both short-term and long-term solutions quickly is important as we continue to scale.”

The Aflex Hose design team has helped the hyperscaler select and design hoses for specific applications. Using technical drawings, Aflex has advised on hose diameter, bend configuration and routing. Involving the Aflex team earlier in the design process has helped the hyperscale data centre operator identify suitable solutions before equipment reaches the installation and commissioning stages.

Wayne Kendall, National Sales Manager, Americas Division, at Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions, said: “The hyperscaler chose Aflex PTFE hoses over EPDM hoses to protect and maximise system uptime due to Corroline’s chemical compatibility with glycol-based coolants and long service life. Their reliable performance gives data centre operators a peace of mind after installation.

“The flexibility of Corroline+ also helps data centre operators safeguard themselves against the impact of seismic activity, while also being ideal for tight installations which require tight bends. A flexible hose will accommodate for seismic activity, whereas the welding of rigid piping and metallic stainless-steel hoses can crack or stress with seismic activity, which potentially causes leaks and the entire process to shut down. 

“In a review of data centre secondary fluid networks at the customer, we found partially open ball valves create high-velocity turbulent flow that eroded the internal bore of EPDM hoses over time. Aflex PTFE-lined hoses are unaffected by these conditions, providing greater durability and reducing the risk of wear-related contamination.”  

Benefits of Corroline+ for data centre liquid cooling

The hyperscaler benefits from using Corroline+ hoses due to:

• Chemically resistant PTFE-lined construction suitable for glycol-based coolants
• Non-leaching performance helps maintain coolant purity
• Flexibility for tight and complex installations, safeguards against potential seismic activity
• Kink resistance helps maintain coolant flow
• Responsive supply to support current requirements and future growth
• Wide temperature range: -40°C to +150°C (-40°F to +302°F)
• Anti-static and fire resistant rubber cover
• Two-year warranty provides added reassurance
• Available in a range of hose sizes up to and including 3" for all cooling distribution unit (CDU), SFN and facility cooling connections

Learn more about Corroline+