What Is Pressure Decay Test?_
The pressure decay test is a common method for verifying the integrity of liquid cooling circuits in GPU data centers. The loop is filled with coolant, pressurized to a specified level, then isolated and observed for any pressure loss over a set period. A significant drop indicates a leak that must be located and repaired before the system can be safely powered on.
Technical Details
The test typically uses dry nitrogen or filtered compressed air to pressurize the loop to a value specified by the cooling OEM, often below the system's maximum working pressure. Pressure is monitored with a calibrated gauge or digital sensor; a stable reading over 10–30 minutes suggests no gross leaks. The test is performed before coolant is circulated and before any electrical components are energized, as liquid leaks can cause short circuits or corrosion.
How Leviathan Systems Works with Pressure Decay Test
Our field crews run pressure decay tests on every liquid-cooled rack (e.g., H100, GB200 NVL72, and subsequent generations) after assembling the coolant distribution unit (CDU) and connecting all cold plates and hoses. A failing test triggers a systematic inspection of fittings, quick-disconnects, and manifold seals before proceeding to fill and commission the loop.
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