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When deciding between different cryogenic storage options most labs face a choice between a liquid nitrogen dewar and an autofill system. Like most choices both of these options have their benefits and their drawback.
Liquid nitrogen dewars are fairly basic pieces of equipment: essentially, they’re a non-pressurized tank with an air-jacket constructed of two or more layers with a vacuum maintained between the layers to prevent leaking and provide insulation for safety and improved thermal retention. Dewars typically have a loose fitting cap or plug that can be repeatedly removed and replaced and when in place prevent air and moisture from entering the chamber while still allow pressure from the evaporating LN2 to vent. They can be used to store cells, tissues, or other biological samples at temperatures down to -196°C.
One of the benefits of a basic dewar is that it’s simple to use and there isn’t much that can go wrong: manually fill up the tank to the desired level, then check the evaporation while keeping in mind the specifications on static evaporation rate and make sure no weird frost spots show up on the outside of the tank, indicating a leak. The downside is that you have to fill the tank manually and unless you have a level monitor you’ll need to find some other way to confirm the level of LN2 in the tank.
Autofill systems eliminate the need to manually fill the tank, relying instead on a hook up to a liquid nitrogen source to draw from whenever the tank level is low. These systems are also equipped with visual and audible alarms in the event of any system failure. On the downside, you need to have a readily available LN2 source. Autofill systems are typically more expensive than dewars and require more work to set up and install, including a putting together a condensate collection system for the condensation that forms on the transfer hose and installing a pressure regulator.
If you’re looking for a cryogenic storage system and you’re not sure which is best for you, give us a call and we’d be happy to help you choose between a dewar and autofill system. We have plenty of cryogenic storage options in stock and available. Thanks!
American Instrument Exchange has been a reliable source for used laboratory and scientific equipment for over 50 years, buying and selling equipment since 1969. Our surplus lab equipment is reconditioned for many types of laboratories, including biotech, biomedical, medical research, chemical, pharmaceutical, and university and hospital research laboratories. All lab equipment listed on our website is in stock and ships from our 30,000 square foot warehouse in Massachusetts. Our facilities include a fully equipped shop with highly trained technicians who thoroughly test each instrument before it reaches your laboratory. Please visit our website at https://www.americaninstrument.com/.