Dry Shipper Liquid Nitrogen Tank

What is the Dry Shipper Liquid Nitrogen Tank?

A dry shipper is a liquid nitrogen vessel whose inner chamber contains an absorbent material that holds the nitrogen, so no free liquid remains to spill. It keeps samples in the vapor phase near −190°C for several days, which makes it the right choice for shipping cryopreserved material by courier or air.

Overview

Inside a dry shipper, a porous absorbent lining stores liquid nitrogen in the wall of the inner vessel. After the liquid is charged and the free excess is poured off, the vessel holds only absorbed nitrogen, which is considered non-hazardous for many transport rules when it cannot spill in any orientation. The absorbent slowly releases vapor, keeping a storage temperature at or below about −150°C to −190°C for a holding time typically of 7 to 21 days. The central chamber holds canisters of cryovials, straws or small racks, and the lid is locked for transit. Capacities range from small 1 L chambers for a few vials to about 10–30 L for larger shipments. Users must charge it according to the maker's procedure for several hours, record the temperature, and avoid tilting during the holding period to keep performance close to the rated value.

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?

• Absorbent lining holds liquid nitrogen so no free liquid can spill in transit.
• Vapor-phase storage at about −190°C suits contamination-sensitive clinical samples.
• Lockable lid and protective outer case prevent tampering and impact damage.
• Holding time of one to three weeks supports multi-day courier journeys.
• Canisters accept cryovials, straws and small boxes for transport.
• Optional temperature data logger records the thermal history of shipments.

What are the technical specifications?

A typical dry shipper liquid nitrogen tank configuration offers chamber volume of 1–30 L, holding time (static) of 7–21 days, storage temperature of −150°C to −190°C (vapor phase), liquid nitrogen charge of Absorbed, 3–14 L, capacity (2 mL vials) of 20–1,200 vials and charging time of 4–24 h. 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 Dry Shipper Liquid Nitrogen Tank is used in clinical sample shipping, cell bank transfer between sites, semen and embryo courier shipment and field collection of biological samples. 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 IATA Packing Instruction 202 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 Dry Shipper Liquid Nitrogen Tank?

Choose a dry shipper when samples must travel by courier or air and free liquid is prohibited. A standard transport dewar is for liquid, and a storage tank for static storage. In an RFQ, specify vial format and quantity, required holding time, charging procedure, data logger needs and the destination transport regulations.

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.