subject: How Nitrogen Storage Tanks And Cryogenic Systems Are Used [print this page] Cryogenics as a science has been a protracted process. In reality, it began more than 100 years ago. In the UK, James Dewar began to tackle the problems that he perceived as obstacles to actual cryogenics in the latter part of the 1800's. The process however that we use today is built on the work and the knowledge of multiple people from nearly every corner of the globe. Each different aspect of the refrigeration, insulation, and storage arena that was explored brought us newfound methods of storage that make the storage and preservation of cell and tissue samples that we have today possible.
Cryo-preservation is a process that is used frequently in science in order to store materials that will rapidly break down, such as biological samples or offerings. These nitrogen storage tanks are generally used in labs, as well as in medical facilities that house samples of bodily fluids or preserve them in case of future need.
Some things that are frequently stored in nitrogen storage tanks include cord blood, semen, female ova, and other things which people have determined they would like to preserve for a future date.
One important issue that is required of the laboratories is the management of samples of cellular matter, such as the previously mentioned cord blood, ova, semen and other materials that can potentially break down.
Preferably, nitrogen storage tanks would not have to be opened at all, or opened only rarely. This would help to assure that alterations in temperature and in evaporation of nitrogen would be minimized. In addition, along with the procurement and storage of the biological materials, the tank storage requires that each item be well documented to preserve not only the materials, but also the dates and persons to whom they belong. To this end, vast care has to be taken in the lab with the documentation of materials in the nitrogen storage.
The samples are generally frozen to about minus 190+ Celcius in nitrogen and then stored inside nitrogen tanks in racks that are specially made for that purpose. When the temperature is kept so low, there are no biochemical processes taking place at all. Death of cells can be avoided but there are also potentially some risks to take a look at too.
Some nitrogen storage tanks are not geared toward use in areas that are optimal for hurricanes, seismic events and tornado weather. There are nitrogen storage tanks that will withstand all of these events in production today.
Most tanks are built to minimize evaporation loss and will come equipped with operation valves, pressure gauging and a safety valve. They will also have a provision in place whereby you may pump out liquid and fill cryo tanks for distribution.
The main features that you will see in nitrogen storage tanks that are in use today are a heavy gauge stainless steel internal, as well as piping and valves all built of stainless. These tanks are in use in most laboratories and are geared toward assurance that the tanks are readily able to withstand anything that may be required of them.
