Liquid nitrogen, as a low-temperature liquid of -196°, cannot be stored in any container. It requires a special container, a liquid nitrogen tank, for storage.
Containers for storing liquid nitrogen can be divided into two types: one is an open liquid nitrogen tank, which can store liquid nitrogen and samples; the other is a self-pressurizing liquid nitrogen tank, which is specially used for rehydration of liquid nitrogen containers. Both have the same characteristics, including double-layer structure of inner and outer bladders; vacuum insulation; long-term storage of liquid nitrogen, etc. But apart from that, the difference between the two is still very big, let’s look down.
1. Different materials
The self-pressurizing tank is made of 304 stainless steel, which has good load-bearing and high strength, and has a smooth metal appearance;
The open-top liquid nitrogen tank is made of aluminum alloy, is light in weight and easy to carry. The appearance is spray-painted and is white.
2. Different functions
The self-pressurizing tank is used for the storage and transportation of liquid nitrogen. It can increase the pressure through internal liquid nitrogen vaporization and promote liquid drainage and replenishment. It cannot store biological samples;
Open liquid nitrogen tank is also called liquid nitrogen biological container. That is: a container for storing liquid nitrogen and biological samples. Samples such as frozen cell semen can be stored in it, and the deep low temperature of liquid nitrogen can be used for long-term preservation.
3. Different structures
The self-pressurizing tank as a whole consists of the tank body, valves, pipes, liquid level gauge and internal boosting plate;
The open liquid nitrogen tank is composed of inner and outer tanks, vacuum interlayer, neck tube, neck plug and bucket.
4. Different capacities
The volume range of self-pressurizing tanks is large, ranging from 15-500L;
The volume of open liquid nitrogen tanks is small, ranging from 2-175L.
In short, if you need to store biological samples, you can choose a conventional tank; if you refill other liquid nitrogen containers, you need to use a self-pressurizing tank.