Manufacturers using liquid immersion cooling for servers are weighing its advantages and drawbacks. The method cools systems more efficiently than fans but makes maintenance more difficult, since immersed blades are harder to remove for service.
During maintenance, screws can be misplaced inside the enclosure, and handling liquid-covered hardware may cause equipment damage or service delays. In response, Southco developed the Southco RA Rack Attach.
The Southco RA Rack Attach replaces traditional screws used to secure a server blade to a rack. The screws attach the device to the blade, while an integrated pawl secures the blade to the rack. When a technician presses the trigger on the handle, the pawl retracts, allowing the blade to be released and lifted in one motion. This design reduces the chance of misplaced screws and includes a handle to support easier blade removal.
The RA Rack Attach is 7 mm thick, allowing it to fit within compact spaces, and can support up to 50 kg due to its steel construction. The handle is designed to make blade removal easier, with features intended to simplify maintenance and support safer handling.
This Control Engineering article originally appeared on another WTWH Media publication, Plant Engineering on Aug 15, 2025.
Edited by Puja Mitra, WTWH Media, for Control Engineering
