The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing is driving the expansion of data centers around the world and creating new challenges for operators in energy efficiency and thermal management.

BASF launches the Glythermin product platform – high-performance heat transfer fluids for modern liquid-cooled data centers, supporting the reliable operation of AI infrastructure.

BASF’s Glythermin portfolio supports reliable thermal management in liquid-cooled data centers, helping to maintain the performance and operational reliability of DLC systems.

Rising demand for innovative cooling technologies

Processors and graphics processing units (GPUs) used for AI workloads can generate heat loads exceeding 150 kilowatts per rack. Under these conditions, conventional air cooling is increasingly reaching its physical limits.

As a result, operators of AI data centers are increasingly adopting Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) technologies, in which heat is removed directly at its source. The Glythermin DC and Glythermin PG products have been specifically developed for robust thermal management in liquid-cooled data center systems, comprising complementary solutions for primary-loop and DLC applications.

Cold plates, which function as small metallic heat exchangers, are mounted on processors and GPUs to transfer heat to a circulating coolant. The coolant transports the heat to a Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) which monitors and controls flow rate, temperature, and pressure.

Compared with conventional air cooling, liquid cooling can transfer significantly higher heat loads and support the efficient operation of high-density data center infrastructure.

Glythermin: Reliable cooling performance and long-term protection

The Glythermin portfolio delivers reliable cooling performance with long-term system protection. The product formulations are designed to support extended coolant service life while minimizing inhibitor consumption, and protecting cooling systems against corrosion, aging, and deposit formation.

Glythermin DC PG 25 has qualified as NVIDIA DSX Ready Coolant. It meets the applicable NVIDIA PG25 fluid requirements, helping AI factory builders evaluate coolant options for secondary-loop, single-phase cold-plate cooling with greater confidence.

Supporting rapid growth of AI and digital infrastructure

“Data center operators need partners they can rely on for performance, quality, and supply security,” said Sabrina Platzek, Senior Vice President Fuel and Lubricant Solutions at BASF. “With our global production footprint, deep expertise in cooling fluids, and the strength of BASF’s integrated Verbund network, we are well positioned to support the rapid growth of AI and digital infrastructure.”

BASF also contributes to the advancement of sustainable liquid cooling technologies through its active participation in leading industry associations and international standardization bodies. These include the Open Compute Project (OCP), ASTM International in the United States, and the recently established GB Standard Committee in China.