Storage Vessels and Shippers...

Most biological samples, algae, blood, cells (animal, human or plant), fungi, viruses etc., require storage below the Glass Transition Temperature of water for optimum viability. This effectively means storage below -140C. Storage to achieve such temperatures is available via liquid Nitrogen in either liquid or vapour form. Most smaller dewars will take liquid only while most larger vessels have the option of using vapour or liquid.

Storing in liquid provides the longest possible holding times and coldest possible temperature whereas storing in vapour reduces the possibility of cross contamination between samples and of liquid entering the sample container, thus minimising potential container explosion hazards.

The choice of vessel involves the consideration of many requirements including storage phase, storage temperature, storage capacity, efficiency, lifetime of vessel, quality of build, length of warranty, reliability of supplier etc. Associated areas to review will include remote alarm and monitoring and inventory management.