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Shell Launches Direct Liquid Cooling Fluid, Our Latest Evolution in Data Centre Cooling

Houston – Shell is turning down the heat and turning up the performance in data centers with the launch of Shell DLC Fluid S3 — a cutting-edge Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) solution designed to meet the demands of high-performance computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This propylene glycol-based fluid complements Shell’s existing immersion cooling fluid portfolio, offering excellent heat transfer performance and continuing their leadership1 in the data centre liquid cooling market.

Why It Matters

As data centers grow more powerful, traditional air-cooling struggles to keep up with the increasing heat generated by high-performance computing and AI. DLC fluids tackle the heat head-on, targeting high heat load components to ensure densely packed server racks can continue to operate at optimal temperatures.

By directly cooling high-performance components like Central Processing Units (CPUs) and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), DLC fluids can improve Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) by up to 27%2, in comparison with the power usage effectiveness (PUE) of air-cooling and reduce the need for energy-consuming air conditioning. Shell DLC Fluid S3 also meets all Open Compute Project (OCP) PG25 coolant specifications, including standards for material compatibility. It also helps to protect the manufacturer’s warranty as there is no direct contact with the microprocessor.

What Makes Shell DLC Fluid S3 Stand Out

  • Long-term corrosion protection for all DLC cooling systems, including aluminium, brass, cast iron, steel, solder and copper. Specially formulated to provide superior protection for aluminium and aluminium alloys.
  • Excellent heat transfer performance: Particularly for high-surface-area copper-based heat sinks.
  • Compatible with a wide range of materials: Including metals and metal alloys, elastomers, plastics and other wetted materials as per OCP guidelines. Its 2-ethylhexyl acrylate-, borate- and silicate-free formulation provides improved metal and rubber compatibilities over competitive formulations.3
  • Extended fluid life: Expected life of 6+ years,4 better than competitive conventional inorganic acid technology (IAT) based fluids.5
  • Easy leak detection: Dyed fluorescent green to help identify in-service leakage.
  • Freeze protection: Used in servers and electronic components to provide freeze protection down to sub-zero temperatures (−10°C/14°F) and help prevent corrosion to ensure long hardware life.

Leading the Future of Data Centre Cooling

“With Shell DLC Fluid S3, Shell now offers both direct-to-chip and full immersion cooling solutions, and we’re not just keeping data centers cool in the age of AI — we’re powering the future of digital infrastructure,” said Aysun Akik, VP New Business Development and Global Key Accounts, Shell Lubricants. “We are continuing our commitment to innovation that delivers on performance, sustainability, and reliability to support our customers’ goals.”

Akik continues, “Our growing range of advanced liquid cooling solutions is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern data centres both today, and tomorrow – and are backed by the strength of Shell’s global footprint, supply chain and five technology development hubs around the globe.”

Ready to Cool Smarter?

Discover how Shell is redefining data center cooling at www.shell.com/DLC

Notes to editors

  • Direct liquid cooling (DLC) is an advanced liquid cooling technology that delivers fluid to a cold plate placed on high-performance components like Central Processing Units (CPUs) and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), allowing it to pass directly by the heat source. This makes the extraction of heat more efficient than conventional air cooling, helping to handle the heat output of servers such as the high-density GPU clusters used in AI systems.
  • Combined with other low carbon solutions offered by Shell such as renewable power, smart energy management services and certified carbon credits, the deployment of advanced liquid cooling solutions can support data centre operators’ goals of optimising performance sustainably.
  • As the world’s top lubricants supplier6, Shell is investing in new products such as fluids for electric cars, battery storage systems and data centres.

Media Contacts:

UK / International Media Relations: +44 20 7934 5550

Americas Media Relations: Contact Shell US Media Team

Asia Pacific Media Relations: apac-media@shell.com

Middle East and North Africa Media Relations: mena.media@shell.com

1 Kline (2025), Y727F Immersion Cooling Fluids 2024.

2 Compared to the PUE of air-cooling. Source: Energy Consumption in Data Centers: Air versus Liquid Cooling - Boyd | Trusted Innovation

3 Based on tests performed with competitor fluids in US market in an electrochemistry test.

4 Based on performance of the product with similar chemistry in more stringent (higher temperature and pressure) automotive applications.

5 Based on laboratory tests performed with typical OAT coolant versus IAT coolant.

6 Kline & Company 2024, 22nd Edition Global Lubricants: Market Analysis and Assessment 2023.

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