What Is Blanking Panel?_
Blanking panels are placed over unused 1U or 2U openings in server racks to block gaps that would otherwise allow hot exhaust air to loop back into the intake side. This helps preserve the intended front-to-rear cooling airflow, which is especially critical in high-density GPU clusters. They are typically made of metal or plastic and may be solid or perforated depending on the rack's cooling design.
Technical Details
In data centers using hot-aisle containment, blanking panels seal the rack front to ensure cold air enters only through active equipment intakes. For liquid-cooled racks like the NVL72, blanking panels are still used in unused U positions to manage any residual air cooling for non-liquid components. They are usually tool-less, snapping into rack rails without screws, and must match the rack's width (e.g., 19-inch or 21-inch). Proper blanking can improve cooling efficiency by up to 20% in air-cooled zones, depending on configuration and airflow behavior, as noted in industry studies.
How Leviathan Systems Works with Blanking Panel
During Leviathan Systems rack builds, we install blanking panels in any empty U space after seating compute trays or switches, especially in the rear of the rack to seal the hot aisle. For the NVL72's liquid-cooled chassis, we still fill gaps in the front to prevent cold air bypass around the GPU trays.
Related service
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