Liquid nitrogen tanks are vital in various scientific, industrial, and medical applications. Laboratories worldwide rely on these tanks for cryogenic storage and transportation of biological samples, chemicals, and other temperature-sensitive materials. Whether you're working in a clinical research lab, a chemical lab, or an industrial facility, understanding the key features and best practices of liquid nitrogen tanks is essential for safe and efficient operations.

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This article will explore everything you need to know about liquid nitrogen tanks, including types, applications, storage considerations, safety protocols, and maintenance.

What Is a Liquid Nitrogen Tank?

A liquid nitrogen tank, also known as a dewar or cryogenic tank, is a specialized container designed to hold liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures (-196°C or -320°F). Liquid nitrogen is widely used in laboratories due to its ability to maintain stable cryogenic conditions, making it ideal for preserving biological specimens, conducting chemical reactions, and performing material tests.

Types of Liquid Nitrogen Tanks

There are several types of liquid nitrogen tanks, each designed for specific applications. These tanks come in various sizes, from small portable dewars to large industrial tanks capable of storing thousands of liters of liquid nitrogen.

1. Storage Dewars

   These are the most common type of liquid nitrogen tanks used in labs. Storage dewars are designed to hold and preserve samples over long periods. They typically have thick insulation and are available in various sizes, depending on the volume of liquid nitrogen required.

2. Transport Dewars

   Transport dewars are built to move liquid nitrogen from one location to another. They have reinforced casings and a more robust design to handle the stress of transportation. These tanks are critical when samples need to be transferred between labs, research facilities, or industrial sites.

3. Pressurized Liquid Nitrogen Tanks

   These tanks are used in industrial applications where liquid nitrogen needs to be dispensed under pressure. They are equipped with specialized valves to regulate the flow of nitrogen, ensuring controlled delivery for processes such as cryogenic freezing or cooling.

4. Cryoshippers

   Cryoshippers are designed for safely transporting biological samples across long distances. They maintain cryogenic temperatures for days and are used by biotech companies, hospitals, and research institutions to ship sensitive materials like tissues, vaccines, and cells.

Key Features to Consider

When selecting a liquid nitrogen tank or other types of cryogenic storage, several features should be taken into account to ensure it meets the needs of your laboratory:

1. Capacity
   Tanks range in capacity from a few liters to several hundred liters. Choose a size that fits your lab’s requirements, considering both storage and usage demands.

2. Insulation
   Effective insulation is critical for minimizing nitrogen loss due to evaporation. Double-walled stainless steel with vacuum insulation is a common design for maximizing efficiency.

3. Durability
   Materials like stainless steel or aluminum provide longevity and resistance to corrosion, which is essential for maintaining tank integrity over time.

4. Safety Features
   Look for tanks with pressure relief valves, lockable lids, and protective outer shells. Safety is paramount when handling cryogenic liquids due to their extreme temperatures.

5. Portability
   If your lab frequently moves liquid nitrogen, choose a model with wheels or handles for easy transport. Larger units may require forklifts or other handling equipment.

Applications of Liquid Nitrogen Tanks

Liquid nitrogen tanks play a critical role in numerous industries and research fields:

1. Biological Sample Preservation
   Liquid nitrogen tanks are widely used in laboratories to store biological samples such as DNA, blood, tissues, and cell cultures. Cryogenic storage ensures long-term viability and minimizes degradation.

2. Cryosurgery and Medical Treatments
   In the medical field, liquid nitrogen is used for cryosurgery to remove skin lesions, warts, and certain types of cancers. It’s also applied in cryopreservation of reproductive cells, such as sperm and embryos.

3. Material Testing and Engineering
   In engineering, liquid nitrogen is used for material testing, such as impact tests at extremely low temperatures. It also assists in machining processes for metals, plastics, and rubbers.

4. Cryogenic Freezing in Food Processing
   Liquid nitrogen is used for flash freezing foods, ensuring that products retain their freshness and texture. It's commonly used in food research and processing industries.

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5. Chemical Reactions and Research
   Liquid nitrogen can control and stabilize chemical reactions, making it essential for research in physics, chemistry, and material sciences.

Storage and Maintenance Best Practices

Proper storage and regular maintenance are key to ensuring the longevity of your liquid nitrogen tanks. Follow these best practices:

1. Store in a Well-Ventilated Area
   Since nitrogen displaces oxygen, liquid nitrogen tanks should be stored in a well-ventilated area to prevent oxygen depletion and potential asphyxiation hazards.

2. Regular Inspection and Cleaning
   Regularly check the tank for signs of wear, such as cracks or dents, and clean it according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Leaks can cause dangerous spills and nitrogen loss.

3. Monitor Nitrogen Levels
   Use level indicators to monitor the liquid nitrogen in the tank. It’s important to maintain sufficient levels to avoid exposing samples to warmer temperatures.

4. Pressure Relief Valves
   Ensure that the pressure relief valve is functioning correctly to prevent over-pressurization, which can be hazardous.

5. Avoid Overfilling
   Never overfill the tank, as this can lead to pressure build-up and potential failure of the tank. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum capacity.

Safety Considerations

Handling liquid nitrogen requires stringent safety measures to avoid injury:

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
   Always wear protective gear such as cryogenic gloves, face shields, and long sleeves to protect against frostbite or burns.

2. Use Proper Handling Tools
   Never touch liquid nitrogen or its container with bare hands. Use specialized tools designed for handling cryogenic materials.

3. Be Aware of Oxygen Displacement
   Nitrogen is an inert gas, and in confined spaces, it can displace oxygen and pose a risk of asphyxiation. Always ensure proper ventilation when using or storing liquid nitrogen tanks.

4. Train Personnel
   Ensure that all personnel who handle liquid nitrogen are properly trained in its safe use and emergency procedures.

Summary

Liquid nitrogen tanks are an indispensable part of laboratory operations, providing essential storage and transport capabilities for temperature-sensitive materials. Whether used for biological sample preservation, material testing, or medical treatments, understanding the various types and applications of these tanks is crucial for safe and efficient lab operations.

By selecting the right tank for your lab’s needs, following best practices for maintenance and safety, and keeping your personnel well-trained, you can ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your liquid nitrogen tank.

Frac Tanks And Your Business –10 Industry Applications

Frac tanks have gotten most of their press coverage in the oil and gas industry, since these tanks are commonly used to hold the liquids used for fracking. But did you know frac tanks can be used for more than just fracking?

That’s right! Frac tanks are used extensively across many other industries for municipal storage, pipeline containments, construction solutions, environmental remediation, municipal, shipyards, and airports for liquid storage and containment.

1. Oil and gas. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, hydraulic fracking alone produced almost 60 percent of the natural gas in compared to only 5 percent just 17 years ago. The United States alone has increased natural gas production by 30 billion cu. ft. per day in last 15 years.Frac tanks with quarter inch corrugated walls provide effective storage for materials used in fracking such as sand, water, and chemicals additives. Each well requires anywhere between 500 to 100,000 cu. mtr. of water depending upon target rock characteristics, the number of fracking stages, and the horizontal well length.Ironclad Environmental Solutions provides 21,000-gallon closed-top tanks and 18,000-gallon open-top weir tanks for fluid management, mud/water separation, and on-site crude oil storage perfect for any fracking job. Learn more about the full specifications of frac tanks used in oil and gas on Ironclad’s solution page.
   
2. Municipal storage. Frac tanks are multifunctional municipal solutions for on-site water storage or dewatering. They can be used along with pumps (either standard or sound attenuated depending on local ordinances), filtration equipment and vacuum boxes. Each tank can hold up to 21,000 gallons of water, making them excess water storage options for overflows at wastewater treatment plants or chemical water treatments, like a septic backup, for blending and delivery of slurry products, as stormwater storage, and for treatment of run-off at construction sites. Read more about tanks and liquid storage for municipal use.
   
3. Pipeline industry. Frac tanks, including 8,400-gallon closed-top mini tanks, 18,000-gallon open-top weir tanks, and 21,000-gallon closed-top tanks, are industry standard pipeline solutions for directional drilling, hydrostatic pipe testing, water management systems, flow back fluid management, temporary tank farms, settlement tanks, pressure tests, and line flushing. Learn more about pipeline solutions.
4. Construction solutions. 21,000 gallon or 500 BBL multipurpose frac tanks are frequently used in construction projects. They save money and time for projects that need dewatering, groundwater management, stormwater management, polymer or bentonite slurry storage, temporary fire suppression systems, and environmental remediation. Check out the complete list of storage tanks for the construction industry.
5. Environmental remediation. Frac tanks help users comply with environmental compliance requirements by storing hazardous waste for disposal. Frac tanks for environmental remediation come in variants of 21,000 gallon closed top, 18,000 gallon open top weir tanks, 8,400 gallon closed top mini tank, and 25-yard roll-off box. Frac tanks also help prevent pollution caused by pollutants mixing into runoff stormwater. Read more about frac tanks for environmental remediation.
6. Airport solutions. Airports have highly specialized 100 percent self-containment requirements. Tanks at airports are needed to store Type I and Type IV de-icing fluids used on runways in extreme winters (storage and reclamation), groundwater remediation, stormwater management, and more. The amount of de-icing fluid required for a large commercial aircraft is anywhere between 500 – US gallons of diluted fluid.
7. Shipyard solutions. The shipping industry needs tanks for storing ballast water during ship ballast tank cleanings, gray water and fresh water storage. The 21,000 gallon open top and 8,400 closed top mini tank come with an epoxy coating on the inside to prevent contamination and ease of cleaning the tanks. Double walls ensure environmental protection against accidental leaks. Read more about frac tanks in shipyard industry.
8. Refinery solutions. Containment solutions for refineries can help with long-term and short-term liquid storage of non-corrosive and non-flammable liquids and other solutions for refinery maintenance, filtration, and pipe leak containment. See the full list of tanks and containers for refineries.
9. Fertilizer and manure storage. Frac tanks come in handy when farmers need to store liquid nitrogen or other fertilizers in bulk. Ironclad frac tanks are generally more affordable than vertical fiberglass tanks commonly used to store fertilizers. Our tanks can even be fitted with a drag hose to allow for easy and quick manure application.
   
10. Chemical plants solutions. Double wall frac tanks safely store hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals and compatible waste liquids in environmentally sensitive areas. Our double wall frac tanks come with fitted spill guards and spill containment berms to provide additional protection against accidental leaks.
    

When your business needs frac tanks or other secure liquid containment solutions quickly, you need a strategic partner with experience. Ironclad Environmental Solutions sets itself apart by providing 24/7 service and fast turnaround time to deliver the industry’s toughest frac tanks for rent.

Our tanks are regularly inspected by technicians to meet stringent industry standards. Request a quote today, tell us about your project, and our experts will respond to you right away.

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