Precision cooling for a digital powerhouse

When standard AHRI-certified exchangers wasn’t the optimal solution for the new Chinese data center, Tranter delivered custom-engineered, non-AHRI units tailored to the unique thermal and configuration needs, highlighting the value of specialized solutions in complex deployments.

A strategic leap in digital infrastructure

In a fast-growing city near Beijing, a leading social media company launched a major initiative to expand its digital footprint. The company needed to construct a high-capacity data center to support user engagement, real-time data processing and the ever-growing volumes of content.

With performance and reliability at the core of the project, the company turned to one of China’s top third-party professional contractors to lead the build. In turn, Tranter was chosen to deliver the critical heat exchanger technology that would power the facility’s thermal management system.

Meeting the demands of high-volume cooling

Data centers operate under intense thermal loads, and efficient cooling is key to maintain uptime, protect hardware, and optimize energy use. The contractor in question required a solution that could handle high flow rates, integrate seamlessly with the system design, and be delivered on a tight timeline.

Tranter’s team quickly identified the opportunity to provide a tailored solution using its GT315 plate heat exchangers, engineered for high-performance cooling in industrial environments. The project called for non-AHRI certified heat exchangers— ideal for data centers where customized solutions that prioritize simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance outperform standardized, certified systems.

“This was a high-stakes project with very specific requirements,” says Zachary Rui He, Sales Director for Tranter China. “We knew our technology was a strong fit, and we focused on aligning every detail to the contractor’s needs.”

Technical differentiation that delivered

What made Tranter’s offering stand out was the inclusion of DN 300 port sizes—a specification that several competitors couldn’t match. DN 300 refers to a nominal port diameter of 300 mm, which allows for significantly higher fluid throughput.

Larger ports like DN 300 reduce pressure drop across the exchanger, improving energy efficiency and ensuring stable operation under demanding conditions. Tranter’s ability to deliver this specification with short lead times and full integration support gave the contractor confidence in both the product and the partnership.

“Our DN 300 capability wasn’t just a feature—it was a solution,” Zachary emphasized. “It enabled optimal flow performance and direct compatibility with the system design.”

Operational readiness and smart logistics

Tranter’s success in this project wasn’t just about technical specs—it was about execution. The team pre-ordered stainless steel 304 plates with a thickness of 0.5mm, ensuring stock availability and rapid turnaround. Gaskets were prepared in advance at the manufacturing plant, streamlining the delivery process and minimizing lead times.

“We anticipated every logistical detail,” Zachary notes. “From material readiness to delivery coordination, we were committed to making this project seamless for the contractor.”

Tranter also worked closely with the contractor to specify optimized port sizes, ensuring the heat exchangers would integrate smoothly into the broader cooling system without the need for redesign or adapters.

The result: seamless delivery and strategic win

Tranter secured an order for 24 large units of GT315 plate heat exchangers. The units were delivered on schedule, fully aligned with the contractor’s installation timeline and performance expectations.

“This project showcased the full strength of Tranter’s offering—technical expertise, product reliability, and customer-first service,” Zachary says. “We’re proud to have played a key role in enabling the data center’s cooling infrastructure.”

A foundation for scalable growth

As demand for scalable digital infrastructure continues to grow, this project stands as a strong example of how thoughtful planning, technical alignment, and timely execution can come together to support long-term operational success.

When standard heat exchangers aren’t enough, Tranter delivers custom-engineered solutions that meet the toughest thermal and configuration demands. If your infrastructure needs to scale without compromise, we’re ready to build exactly what your project requires.