Cryogenic Containers: Your Options Made Simple

Storage Containers

Cryogenic containers can act as storage chambers for different products apart from pharmaceutical products. The popularity of storage containers across different industries is due to several reasons, including:

• Global availability

• Lower maintenance costs

• Different capacities

• Extended hold times

• Extended supply chains

The technology is also valuable for many other fields, including mining, food and beverage, electronics and gas. As such, shipping cryogenic containers come in varying forms depending on their intended use.

Freezers

In the pharmaceutical field, cryogenic freezers are helpful in a variety of research purposes: long-term storage and preservation of tissue samples and cell cultures.

They are crucial for the cryopreservation process because they are much safer and more convenient than the LN2 system. The innovative technology keeps all products at cryogenic temperatures down to -150°C (-238°F) with a low energy consumption of less than 34 kWh per 24h, much lower than other alternative products in the market.

Tanks

Cryogenic tanks, popularly known as cryo tanks, saw an increase in adoption over the past years. Experts predict that the market will reach €6.3 billion by 2026 as more industries become aware of its benefits. The metal processing industry is the biggest end-user of shipping cryogenic containers, using them to transport and store gases in manufacturing plants.

Dewars

Dewar flasks are primarily used in research applications as containers for holding liquefied gases for flash freezing samples. The portable shipping cryogenic container has always been a laboratory apparatus. Still, it is now attracting interest from other industries because some designs can last for up to 100 days when closed and full to the brim. The cryo tanks have no auto-refill function, cannot measure temperature and only alert you if nitrogen levels fall below a given level.

Shipping Containers

They are the primary storage option for cryopreservation, preserving lining cells and tissues at negative temperatures. The containers are vacuum insulated to reduce heat transfer and the vaporization rate of the products during transit. The cryo tank has low heat conductivity, a high vacuum with high-performance construction, and advanced insulation materials to ensure high thermal efficiency.

Here are some factors to consider before purchasing a tank for any cryogenic product:

1. Quantity and Size of Shipment

The global cryogenic container market is segmented on region, end-user and product. The market classification includes cryo boxes, vials, cryotubes and cryogenic supply tanks. As such, every product requires a different design depending on its quantity, size and characteristics.

Large shipping cryogenic containers can hold 20,000 liters to 22,500 liters (for the 20-foot version) and approximately 46,000 liters for the 40-foot tank. Dewar flasks are portable and suitable for shipping smaller quantities.

2. Time to Transport

Every shipping cryogenic container has a given time to function efficiently. Before selecting a container, consider the time required for the shipment to reach its destination since there is a finite amount of resources to use. A large cryogenic tank can run continuously for up to 12 days, unlike the smaller versions that run for about seven days.

3. Type of Transportation

The method you intend to use when transporting the products also determines the right cryo tank to buy. In the past, it was challenging to ship compressed gases by air, but now it is possible through cryogenic air cargo and specialized containers. The containers have a unique material that absorbs and saves liquid nitrogen, preventing an overflow during delivery.

4. GDP Compliance

Shipping cryogenic containers should uphold good distributor practices (GDP) and remain compliant with its regulations. While it is not a global requirement, the certification requires pharmaceutical product handlers to meet stringent WHO standards for safety and security. All pharmaceutical companies and logistic partners must comply with the regulations in the European Union or U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

5. Protective Shipping Carton

If you are shipping sensitive material through the air or by sea, you can add a protective carton, ensuring the biological samples remain at cryogenic temperature without damage. The positioning of the cryogenic container, especially for the Dewar flask, is crucial during shipping. Keep the container upright to improve the hold time. When they tilt sideways or upside down, the hold time significantly reduces, which is why you must ship the container upright without much shaking.

6. Price

You can buy or rent when looking for shipping cryogenic containers. The Dewar flask is located at the bottom of the price list, ranging between €85 to €1,000, with the price changing based on size and extra features. The larger tanks range between €25,000 and €45,000 due to the storage capacity of between 3,160 liters to 61,620 liters. You can also rent the devices to keep costs down if you will not be sending shipments long term.

Dry Shipper

A dry shipper is a cryo tank that safely transports biological material and samples at cryogenic temperatures. The pharmaceutical sector stores vapor phase cryogenics for transport, with larger models having additional features. You can fit optional storage accessories to the shippers, mainly a blood bag rack with temperature loggers or a five-shelved rack box with temperature loggers.

Dry shippers have a unique insulation material that absorbs the liquid nitrogen, preventing any spills if the package tips. To use the dry shipper, slowly fill it with liquid nitrogen until it reaches the neck. Replace the cap, set the container away and observe the manufacturer specifications, such as the charging period.

The containers feature an intrinsic cryo-absorbent material and have fast liquid fill times. They conform to International Air Transportation Association (IATA) Shipping Regulation 2022 and are fully CE marked.

Conclusion

Cryogenic liquid containers provide an ideal solution if you need to transport personal IVF samples or the entire research laboratory. Whether shipping across town or to different continents, you can get a cryogenic shipping container for your needs by following the tips above. Overall, ensure that the container can maintain low temperatures throughout the shipment process and keep it upright to increase its hold time. Some shipping cryogenic containers have advanced technology, allowing charging for less than two hours and making the shipment process more efficient.