GF Piping Systems (GF), a global supplier of thermoplastic piping systems, has announced its participation in DCD’s virtual conference taking place Aug. 4-5. The conference, which will focus on data center cooling technology and the challenges of managing high density deployments, is expected to draw more than 1,000 delegates from around the world. The conference will feature live Q&A, audience polls and thought-leadership sessions from industry experts. GF’s Mark Bulmer, head of data centers global market development, and Charles Freda, director, data centers - Americas, will speak jointly at their session entitled, "Leading Edge Plastic Piping Systems for Cooling Data Centers," to be held Aug. 5 at 12 p.m. EDT.

This session will focus on how engineered plastic piping systems can offer enhanced mission critical cooling in data centers ranging from chilled water distribution to direct liquid cooling in white spaces and computer rooms, to varied utilities on rooftops. Speakers will also discuss the benefits plastic systems provide over other materials, and how they can help achieve the goals of rapid deployment and improved energy efficiency.

Content will also include how GF engineering services help data center construction with design review and assistance, stress/flow/expansion calculation, bracketing and support guidance, VDC collaboration and documentation for as built and BIM inclusion. Fabrication services provide manufacturing custom MEP modules that incorporate all piping system elements as well as prefabricated spools and skids per customer specification for quick installation onsite.

GF’s plastic piping solutions for cooling applications are the result of years of pioneering innovation, providing owners and operators of data centers with a quickly employed efficient and reliable operation during the entire service life of their projects. Outdoor systems include solutions that are lightweight and completely weather-resistant, and can be customized with or without factory installed insulation. Indoor fluid distribution systems can be used in white spaces as double-contained piping with leak detection.

About the Speakers

Mark Bulmer has a BSc in mechanical engineering. In his 25 years with GF, he has developed in-house high purity plastic piping systems for UPW semi-conductor production, and worked in global market development for both the marine industry and cooling applications. He is a member of the Board eurammon, Natural Low Emission Cooling Association.

Charles Freda directs GF's data center practice in the Western Hemisphere. He has led mechanical system, energy management, automation project and program implementation for more than 19 years, while focusing his practice on mission critical facilities in and around Northern Virginia’s “Data Center Alley” for more than 10 years. Freda has been involved in the delivery and operation of mechanical systems for more than 8.5M GSF of data center space in that timeframe and his project experience has expanded globally during his tenure at GF. He is a co-author of the 14th book in ASHRAE’s Datacom Series and presents at data center and facilities-related events. Freda is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), a Data Center Energy Practitioner (DCEP) and a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) and is actively involved in many industry groups.