Data Center Immersion Cooling Solutions

Cargill^™Priolube^™synthetic esters for immersion cooling fluids

data center with liquid immersion pumps Growing AI, cloud, and digital infrastructure demands are increasing the need for efficient data center cooling.

Operators are evaluating cooling fluids for thermal performance, fire safety and handling, fluid stability, maintenance planning, and environmental characteristics.

Priolube^™ synthetic esters support the formulation of high-performance dielectric cooling fluids for these systems.

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Benefits of Priolube synthetic esters

Helping formulators balance thermal performance with operational and environmental considerations

Safety and handling advantages

Higher flash points than hydrocarbon products across viscosity range
Non-hazardous classification supports safer handling
Suitable handling characteristics for dielectric systems

Lower environmental impact

Readily biodegradable (OECD 301B / 301F test methods)
Low aquatic and human toxicity with no inhalation hazards
Supports spill management and end-of-life environmental considerations

Reliable, long-life performance

Higher thermal conductivity and heat capacity than GRIII/GRIV base oils
Thermal and oxidative stability support extended coolant life
Low volatility reduces fluid loss and maintenance needs

Featured products

Cargill data center immersion cooling solutions

Priolube synthetic ester base stocks support the formulation of single‑phase dielectric immersion cooling fluids. They are biodegradable* and offer high flash points, low toxicity classifications, and thermal‑oxidative stability for continuous operation.

Priolube EF 7010: High flash point and low volatility synthetic ester for stable immersion cooling systems

Priolube 2728: Fully synthetic dielectric ester highly oxidatively stable with very low viscosity

Priolube EF 3221: Synthetic dielectric ester with low viscosity and stability for consistent cooling performance

Priolube 1976: Low polarity and oxidatively stable mono-ester suitable for use as base fluid and additive

Priolube synthetic esters advantages

Key differences versus PAO, GTL and mineral oils for immersion cooling

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Comparison table**

Comparison factor	Priolube synthetic esters***	PAO (Group IV)	GTL (Group III+)	Mineral oils (Group I/II)
Flash point vs viscosity	High, at low viscosity	High, at higher viscosity	High, at higher viscosity	High, at higher viscosity
Volatility (NOACK, %)	Lowest	Low	Low-moderate	High
Thermal conductivity (W/m·K)	~0.14–0.16	~0.12–0.15	~0.12–0.14	~0.12–0.15
Heat capacity (J/g·K)	~1.9–2.2	~1.7–2.0	~1.7–2.0	~1.7–2.0
Thermal and oxidative stability	Good	Good	Good	Moderate
GHS classification	Classified as non-hazardous	May carry hazard classifications depending on viscosity and composition	May carry hazard classifications depending on composition	May carry hazard classifications depending on refinement level and composition
GHS labeling	No hazard pictograms	May require hazard pictograms depending on classification	May require hazard labeling depending on classification	May require hazard labeling depending on classification
Toxicity classification	Low toxicity classifications	May include aspiration hazard classifications depending on grade	May include aspiration or other hazard classifications depending on grade	May include broader hazard classifications depending on composition
Biodegradability	Readily biodegradable (OECD 301B/F)	Typically not readily biodegradable, depending on grade and formulation (OECD 301B/F)

** Values shown are indicative ranges based on typical base fluid properties. Properties and classifications may vary depending on specific product grade, formulation, and regional regulatory requirements. Customers are responsible for evaluating suitability for their intended application.

***Based on selected products for data centers-immersion cooling

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Cargill brings experience in synthetic ester chemistry and global supply capabilities to support customers developing formulations for technically demanding applications, including data center immersion cooling.

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Frequently asked questions

What can synthetic esters be used for in data center cooling?

Synthetic esters can be used as base fluids in the formulation of dielectric liquids for immersion cooling systems. These fluids are being evaluated for use in systems where electronic components are submerged in a non-conductive liquid to help manage heat from high density computing hardware.

Why can synthetic esters be used in immersion cooling fluids?

Synthetic esters can be used in immersion cooling due to their combination of high flash points at relatively low viscosity, toxicity classifications, and environmental characteristics such as biodegradability (e.g., OECD 301B/F test methods), along with thermal and oxidative stability suitable for continuous operating conditions.

How do synthetic esters compare to PAO, GTL, and mineral oils?

PAO, GTL, and mineral oils are commonly used base fluids in immersion cooling today. Low viscosity hydrocarbons are often classified as inhalation and ingestion hazardous materials. Compared with these hydrocarbon-based fluids, Cargill Priolube synthetic esters are non-hazardous materials with higher flash point for given viscosity, potentially higher renewability, readily biodegradable, and, due to molecular structure, have higher thermal conductivity and heat capacity.