5 Must-Have Features in a Liquid Dewar Cylinder

Liquid nitrogen dewars are indispensable in various industries, serving as critical storage solutions for transporting and maintaining the extremely low temperatures necessary for liquid nitrogen. 

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Whether in healthcare, food processing, or scientific research, these specialized containers are vital for preserving the integrity and safety of materials. 

This blog explores everything you need to know about liquid nitrogen dewars, their features, applications, and why Air Liquide is the ideal partner for your nitrogen needs.

What Are Liquid Nitrogen Dewars?

Liquid nitrogen dewars are insulated containers designed to store liquid nitrogen at cryogenic temperatures. 

Named after Sir James Dewar, the physicist who invented them, these containers are engineered to minimize heat transfer and prevent the liquid nitrogen from evaporating quickly. 

Liquid nitrogen, which has a boiling point of -196°C (-320°F), requires highly specialized storage systems to maintain its state and usability.

Applications of Liquid Nitrogen Dewars

Liquid nitrogen dewars are used in a variety of fields due to their unmatched ability to maintain ultra-low temperatures. Here are some common applications:

1. Medical and Healthcare Industry

Liquid nitrogen is essential for cryopreservation, which involves storing biological materials like stem cells, blood, sperm, and eggs. 

Nitrogen dewars ensure these materials remain at the required cryogenic temperatures to preserve their viability.

2. Scientific Research

In laboratories, liquid nitrogen dewars are used for experiments that require extremely low temperatures, such as molecular biology studies, material testing, and chemical analysis.

3. Food and Beverage Industry

Liquid nitrogen plays a critical role in food freezing and preservation. 

Using nitrogen dewars ensures the liquid nitrogen is safely transported and stored for rapid food freezing, which maintains food quality and texture.

4. Industrial Applications

From metal hardening to shrink-fitting machinery parts, liquid nitrogen’s properties make it invaluable in various industrial processes. 
Nitrogen dewars facilitate the safe handling and efficient storage of this gas.

Key Features of Liquid Nitrogen Dewars

Liquid nitrogen dewars come in various designs, but they share common features that make them highly effective:

Vacuum Insulation: This minimizes heat transfer and ensures the liquid nitrogen remains in its cryogenic state for extended periods.

Durability: Made from materials such as aluminum or stainless steel, nitrogen dewars are built to withstand extreme temperatures and handling.

Portability: Many dewars are equipped with wheels or handles, making them easy to transport.

Pressure Relief Valves: These ensure safety by releasing pressure build-up as the liquid nitrogen evaporates.

Wide Range of Capacities: From small portable dewars to large-scale industrial containers, there is a nitrogen dewar for every need.

Choosing the Right Liquid Nitrogen Dewar

When selecting a liquid nitrogen dewar, consider the following factors:

1. Capacity Requirements

Determine the volume of liquid nitrogen you need to store or transport. Dewars come in capacities ranging from a few liters to several hundred liters.

2. Application-Specific Features

For example, laboratories may need smaller, easily portable nitrogen dewars, while industrial applications might require larger containers with enhanced safety features.

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3. Regulatory Compliance

Ensure the dewar meets industry standards and complies with local regulations for cryogenic storage.

4. Maintenance and Durability

Invest in a nitrogen dewar made of high-quality materials to ensure long-term performance and minimal maintenance costs.

The Importance of Liquid Nitrogen Containers in Supply Chain Efficiency

Liquid nitrogen containers are vital for maintaining supply chain efficiency, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals and food processing. 

These containers—commonly referred to as nitrogen dewars—preserve the quality and safety of materials during transportation. 

By using high-quality containers, businesses can reduce waste and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Why Air Liquide Is the Perfect Provider for Liquid Nitrogen Dewars

When it comes to sourcing reliable liquid nitrogen dewars and services, Air Liquide stands out as a global leader. Here’s why we should be your go-to provider:

1. Comprehensive Product Range

Air Liquide offers a diverse selection of liquid nitrogen containers tailored to meet the needs of various industries. 

Whether you’re a small laboratory or a large industrial operation, we have the right solution for you. 

Our nitrogen dewars are designed with the latest technology to ensure optimal safety and efficiency.

2. Unmatched Expertise

With decades of experience in industrial gases and cryogenic solutions, Air Liquide has a deep understanding of industry requirements. 

Our team of experts can guide you in selecting the best liquid nitrogen dewar for your specific needs.

3. Robust Supply Chain

Air Liquide’s extensive supply chain network ensures the timely delivery of nitrogen dewars and refills. 

Our packaged gas supply services are designed to offer flexible and reliable solutions to businesses of all sizes.

4. Commitment to Quality and Safety

Air Liquide adheres to strict quality control and safety standards, ensuring that their liquid nitrogen containers meet global and local regulations. 

Our products are built to deliver reliable performance while minimizing risks.

5. Sustainability Initiatives

As a responsible organization, Air Liquide is committed to sustainability.

They continually innovate to provide environmentally friendly solutions, ensuring a reduced carbon footprint for their operations and those of their customers.

Conclusion

Liquid nitrogen dewars are critical tools for maintaining cryogenic temperatures in a wide range of industries. From medical applications to industrial processes, these specialized containers ensure safety, efficiency, and quality. 

When choosing a provider, it’s essential to prioritize reliability, expertise, and product quality.

Air Liquide, with its extensive product offerings and industry-leading expertise, is the ideal partner for all your liquid nitrogen needs. Our commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability makes them a trusted name in the industry. 

Whether you’re looking for nitrogen dewars or comprehensive gas supply services, Air Liquide has the perfect solution to meet your requirements. 

Are you interested in learning more about Liquid Dewar Cylinder? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Throughout history, humans have used containers to store, transport, and dispense items. Regardless of the era, it is generally the case that what’s inside a container is more important than the container itself. However, when it comes to cryogens, the considerations and specifications behind their storage cylinders give these containers special notoriety.

In order to properly choose and use liquid cylinders, it is important to understand their make up as well as any considerations for their care and storage.


What are Liquid Cylinders and What are They Used For?

A liquid cylinder, sometimes called a “liquid flask” and most commonly known as a “dewar” is a double-walled, vacuum-installed container used for storing cryogens. A dewar acts like a thermos in that it keeps atmospheric gases well below ambient temperatures (sometimes as low as -400 degrees F) so that they are stored in their liquid states. 

Commonly stored cryogens include liquid nitrogen, liquid argon, liquid oxygen, and liquid helium. Depending on the design and features, dewars can dispense the elements as gas, liquid, or both. Although dewars used for temporary storage may be made out of foam insulation, most are made from metals such as aluminum or steel.

Cryogens themselves are used in many applications, such storing food, cooling superconductors, and freezing lab samples. They are also used in MRI machine functioning, producing cryogenic fields for rockets, and performing cryosurgeries. 

The benefit of dewars is that just one of them can function like many gas cylinders. This superpower is achieved by the dewar’s ability to house pressure far larger than its natural productive capacity. Because their functionalities can be equivalent to 20 high pressure cylinders, it is easy to surmise that even a single dewar can save precious storage space while significantly cutting back on costs.
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Anatomy of a Liquid Cylinder

The construction of a liquid cylinder can be simple or complex depending on its purpose. 
Although common working pressures include 22, 180, and 230psi, dewars can be custom designed to accommodate other pressures. Although a cylinder is the most-common shape, dewars can also be crafted into other dimensions. Additionally, they can be outfitted with handles, legs, various drain locations, outlets, and caster mountings – whatever is needed to help the dewar fulfill its intended use.

Regardless of the shape they ultimately take, most dewars share the same, internal anatomy. The most visible part of a dewar is the outer vessel, which is the metal surface that makes up the dewar’s shape and protects the inner vessel where the liquid tube and vent tube are often housed.

The combination of the outer and inner vessels allows the dewar to function. Opening a pressure building valve at the top of the tank draws liquid through the liquid tube and through a pressure building coil. As the liquid travels through the tube, it transforms into its gaseous state by the warmer temperature outside of the inner vessel. This process, sometimes known as the Vaporizer Circuit, increases pressure within the canister that can be harnessed to dispense the gas.

Many cylinders have an Economizer Circuit which prevents gas losses from venting by storing extra pressure that may build up when the cylinder remains unused for a time.  When the internal tank pressure reaches a specific psi, a regulator allows gas to flow through an internal vaporizer in order to reduce inner-tank pressure. When pressure normalizes, the regulator closes and the cylinder functions normally.

At the top of most dewars is a system of gauges and valves responsible for monitoring and releasing the gas. As its name suggests, the pressure gauge indicates the pressure inside the inner vessel. Typically attached to the pressure gauge is a pressure control valve.
The gas-use valve and liquid-use valve draw gas or liquid forms out of the dewar for use.  The pressure building regulator controls the rate of pressure build while a liquid contents gauge measures how much liquid is left in the tank.


Care and Considerations

It is beyond question that caring for cryogens and their storage containers requires careful consideration. 

First, it is important to have a working knowledge of the different types of gases and what each might do under certain conditions. For example, since frost often form outside of dewars due to prolonged usage or a pressure valve being left open, it is advisable to keep a drip tray or pan under the dewar to avoid water damage. 

Second, it is important to know and follow each cylinder’s specifications and instructions exactly. Cryogens should NEVER be stored in containers that are not specifically designed for them because each cylinder has different venting and temperature regulation abilities.  This logic also applies to any hoses, valves, regulators, gas detectors, or other containers that may be involved in manipulating the cryogens. While there may be room for error in storing/transporting some substances, cryogens are not among them.

Third, it is important to know how to protect the person who will interact with the cryogens and liquid cylinders. Safety equipment, including glasses, gloves, face shields, closed toed shoes, lab coats or other protective clothing, etc. should be used at all times. Whenever possible, the person working with the dewars should receive any training or instruction that is available on use and safety/emergency practices. Please consult with your gas supplier for the latest training on safe handling procedures.
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Final Thoughts

When proper care is given to operating liquid cylinders, their economic, industrial, and scientific benefits can be enjoyed.  While it may require extra effort, keeping educated about the anatomy of the cylinders, the nature of the atmospheric gases that they house, and current safety practices will ensure that dewars and their contents achieve their purposes.