When purchasing liquid nitrogen cans or liquid nitrogen jars, users often wonder: How long will the liquid nitrogen last?
This is especially important in labs storing sensitive samples like cells, tissues, or embryos, as liquid nitrogen is constantly evaporating and must remain at a stable level to maintain sample viability.
Several factors affect how long the liquid nitrogen lasts, beyond just the can's diameter and capacity. Usage patterns, ambient temperature, and even the frequency of lid openings all play a role in evaporation rates.
Interestingly, many users notice that in the beginning, liquid nitrogen cans seem to lose nitrogen quickly, but over time, consumption stabilizes.
At the start, the temperature difference between the liquid nitrogen (-196°C) and the room-temperature container causes rapid evaporation. If a new or previously unused liquid nitrogen jar is not pre-cooled, it absorbs heat quickly, leading to greater initial nitrogen loss.
As the container and liquid nitrogen reach thermal equilibrium, and with consistent use (such as reduced lid openings and regular top-offs), the evaporation stabilizes.
To optimize performance, manufacturers recommend pre-cooling new or recently re-used liquid nitrogen cans by adding a small amount of liquid nitrogen first, allowing the container to cool, then topping it off for regular use.
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