What is a Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tank and What is it Used for?
A liquid nitrogen (LN2) storage tank is typically a multi walled vessel which features a high vacuum between the walls to provide excellent thermal insulation. Such vessels are often used in cold chain storage and transport applications. When the vessel is used to store or transport cryogenic liquids (such as liquid nitrogen or liquid helium) only, then the vessel is known as a liquid nitrogen Dewar- named after British chemist and physicist James Dewar. When the vessel is used to store samples, such as human or animal tissue, embryos, semen or other biological materials, it is known as cryogenic storage vessel, a liquid nitrogen freezer or a liquid nitrogen storage tank.
What Is A Liquid Nitrogen Tank Used For?
Liquid nitrogen is used for a wide range of applications from medical and scientific research to food and beverage.
LN2 is frequently used in medical and scientific research as it can be used to freeze tissue samples, freeze blood products, and preserve biological specimens.
Another common use of liquid nitrogen is to freeze food products that are sensitive to heat damage during cooking or preparation. It can also be used for the safe storage of food and extended shelf life, as well as for nitrogenating of drinks such as nitro beer, brew or in nitro desserts. Find out more about nitro food and drink in our blog, Liquid Nitrogen Drinks and Desserts.
Other liquid nitrogen applications include:
- Agriculture and Veterinary – storing of semen and embryos for artificial insemination
- Aerospace and Aeronautics – used to inflate tyres and rescue equipment such as escape slides
- Chemistry – for creating static atmospheres when preparing samples for chemical analysis
- Energy – to maintain balances pressure levels, prevent combustion, and in use for drilling and maintenance and oil and gas.
- Iron and Steel – in stainless steel production and to clean equipment.
Liquid nitrogen applications are growing as the development of liquid nitrogen tanks allows for the safe and efficient storage and transport of the cryogen.
How Do You Store Liquid Nitrogen?
Liquid nitrogen is stored in an LN2 Dewar, which is a specially designed thermally insulated vessel used to store or transport liquid nitrogen. The excellent thermal properties of a liquid nitrogen Dewar ensure that the cryogen may be stored for periods of time for later use in various applications. LN2 Dewars are available in various shapes and sizes depending on the purpose- for example storage of large volumes, for storage over long periods, or for ease of handling when dispensing liquid nitrogen.
Liquid nitrogen (LN2) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas, with a boiling point of -196°C. LN2 is also known as a cryogenic liquid or cryogen, which is a liquid with a boiling point below -150°C.
Liquid Nitrogen Dewar Design
The liquid nitrogen Dewar from Froilabo features:
- Durable, ribbed high strength aluminium body with magneformed necktube
- Snap-on lid to ensure tight closure on necktube
- High thermal efficiency due to the advanced insulation material
Technical Specifications
LN2 Storage Tank | 4LD | 5LD | 10LD | 25LD | Classic 25 | 35LD | 50D |
LN2 Capacity – Litres | 4 | 5 | 10 | 25 | 25 | 35 | 50 |
Static Holding Time- Days | 10 | 6 | 45 | 109 | 119 | 152 | 122 |
Evaporation Rate – Litres/days | 0.40 | 0.77 | 0.22 | 0.23 | 0.21 | 0.23 | 0.41 |
Necktube Diameter (mm) | 30 | 142 | 50.8 | 63 | 51 | 64 | 63.5 |
Outside Diameter (mm) | 193 | 193 | 290 | 396 | 394 | 478 | 478 |
Height (mm) | 432 | 445 | 597 | 655 | 582 | 668 | 823 |
Weight – Empty (kg) | 3 | 3.13 | 6.58 | 10.52 | 8.62 | 15.92 | 17.55 |
Weight – Full (kg) | 6.2 | 7.167 | 14.65 | 30.71 | 28.8 | 44.18 | 57.92 |
Liquid Nitrogen Dewar Available From Froilabo
Froilabo’s LN2 Dewar is designed for the safe storage and dispensing of liquid nitrogen. The Liquid Nitrogen Dewar is available in 7 sizes ranging from 4 to 50 L with an extensive line of accessories available including roller bases, withdrawal devices, transfer lines, dippers, and a phase separator.
For further information, including the Liquid Nitrogen Dewar price, please get in touch, and a member of our team will be delighted to help.