Wide-Mouth Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tank

What is the Wide-Mouth Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tank?

A wide-mouth liquid nitrogen storage tank has a neck of about 216–450 mm, permitting full-size racks and boxes to be inserted directly. It is the right choice for larger collections that need organized inventory and frequent access, accepting a higher evaporation rate than narrow-neck designs.

Overview

Wide-mouth tanks use a stainless steel or aluminum inner vessel with a large opening and a multi-part lid. Capacities of 100 to 210 L hold rack systems that carry 3,000 to 14,000 2 mL vials in standard boxes, letting operators reach a specific box without lifting a full canister. Static evaporation rates are higher than for narrow-neck dewars, typically 0.5–1.5 L per day, so refilling is usually weekly and often automated. Many models accept a vapor-phase configuration with a false bottom or rack, placing samples above the liquid at roughly −150°C to −190°C. Options include level sensors, temperature probes, automatic fill valves and alarm outputs. Because the neck is wide, these tanks suit facilities that have routine fill infrastructure and an oxygen monitoring plan, and sample security can be improved by lockable lids.

How does it work?

A liquid nitrogen tank consists of an inner vessel, usually aluminum alloy or stainless steel, suspended inside an outer shell by low-conductivity neck tubes and supports. The annular space is evacuated to a high vacuum and filled with multilayer aluminized film and adsorbent, which suppresses convection, conduction and radiative heat transfer. The remaining heat leak, mostly through the neck, boils nitrogen off slowly as a vapor that exits through the vent. Because no power is needed, the vessel works as a passive store, and holding time depends on volume, neck diameter and insulation quality. Samples sit in canisters, racks or goblets, either submerged in liquid or held in the cold vapor above it. Pressurized dispensing tanks add a relief valve and a pressure-building coil that drives liquid out through a withdrawal valve.

What are the key features?

• Large opening accepts full-size racks and standard cryoboxes without canister lifting.
• Liquid-phase or vapor-phase configuration available through rack and false-bottom choice.
• Stainless steel or aluminum inner vessel options match durability and weight needs.
• Level and temperature sensor ports support remote alarm and monitoring.
• Automatic fill valve option reduces manual topping up.
• Lockable multi-part lid limits heat loss and unauthorized access.

What are the technical specifications?

A typical wide-mouth liquid nitrogen storage tank configuration offers capacity (liquid) of 100–210 L, neck opening of 216–450 mm, static evaporation rate of 0.5–1.5 L/day, storage capacity (2 mL vials) of 3,000–14,000 vials, holding time (no refill) of 10–30 days and rack configuration of Rack and box system. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Wide-Mouth Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tank is used in biobank rack storage, cell therapy bank storage, hospital stem cell storage and pharmaceutical master cell banks. Across the wider Liquid Nitrogen Tanks class, laboratories also deploy it for fertility clinic gamete and embryo storage, biobank sample storage and cell line and hybridoma banking.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include ISO 21009-1, ISO 21010, GB/T 18442, EU Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU, ISO 20387 and IATA Packing Instruction 202. Certification candidates for this model are CE, ISO 9001 manufacturing and PED 2014/68/EU conformity; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Install tanks in a ventilated room with an oxygen sensor, away from drains and enclosed spaces, and on a level floor rated for the filled weight. Never seal a storage tank airtight, because boil-off gas must be able to escape. Inspect the vessel regularly for frost on the outer shell or a rising evaporation rate, which suggests vacuum loss. Measure liquid level with a dipstick or sensor on a fixed schedule and record it. Clean with mild detergent and dry completely before refilling, and keep canisters and lids free of ice. Users should wear cryogenic gloves, a face shield and closed footwear. Recertify transportable vessels according to local pressure-equipment rules.

How do I select the right Wide-Mouth Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tank?

Choose a wide-mouth tank for collections above about 2,000 vials or where racks and frequent access are required. Prefer a narrow-neck dewar if consumption is the priority. In an RFQ, specify rack and box format, vapor or liquid phase, sensor and automatic fill requirements, inner vessel material, alarm outputs and the nitrogen supply connection.

How does it compare with other Liquid Nitrogen Tanks variants?

The first decision is function: storage, transport or dispensing. For storage, choose the neck diameter and capacity to suit the vial format, since wide-mouth tanks hold more vials and allow easier access but lose liquid faster. Compare static evaporation rate and holding time at the stated fill level, and ask for the test method. For transport, prioritize vibration and tilt resistance, a lockable lid and a rated holding time during shipping, and confirm airline and IATA rules for dry shippers. For dispensing, check working pressure, withdrawal valve type and whether a pressure relief device is fitted. Consider construction material: aluminum is light, stainless steel is stronger. Also specify a level indicator or gauge, casters, and a lockable lid for material that requires audit control.