In modern biological research and medical care, the requirements for cryostorage have increased rapidly in recent years. Larger sample volumes, stricter regulatory requirements and growing cost pressure are forcing laboratories and biobanks to critically scrutinize their infrastructure. An often underestimated but massive cost factor is the daily consumption of liquid nitrogen (LN2).
Liquid nitrogen is the lifeblood of every cryobank. Its transportation, storage and, above all, its continuous consumption not only represent a financial burden, but also have an ecological component. Every gram of nitrogen that evaporates unused reduces the efficiency of the entire facility. Consarctic® has set itself the task of minimizing this invisible loss through intelligent product design.
In this article, we analyze the thermodynamic weaknesses of conventional storage systems and show how Consarctic®'s innovative design decisions - such as eccentric openings and rotating shelves - revolutionize the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of your cryogenic storage systems.
A cryotank is basically an ultra-modern thermos flask (Dewar flask). However, unlike a coffee pot, a cryogenic tank has to withstand temperatures of up to -196°C for weeks and months.
Heat enters a system in three ways: through radiation, through heat conduction of the materials and through convection (air exchange). While modern vacuum insulation is already excellent at minimizing radiation and conduction, the tank opening remains the biggest weak point. Every time the lid is opened, heavy, cold nitrogen air flows out and warm, humid ambient air flows in.
Wide-mouth containers are essential for handling large quantities of samples (e.g. in cassettes or towers). However, the larger the opening, the larger the interface at which the heat exchange takes place. With conventional centering tanks, a significant amount of cooling energy is lost every time a sample is taken.
Consarctic® has solved this problem with a redesign that is as simple as it is brilliant: the eccentrically arranged tank opening.
In our stainless steel tanks, the opening is not in the middle, but offset to the edge. This has far-reaching consequences:
Customers who switch from conventional systems to the BSD+ series from Consarctic® report a reduction in nitrogen consumption of up to 20-30%. For a biobank with several dozen tanks, this adds up to annual savings in the five-digit euro range.
A common problem with eccentric openings is the accessibility of samples that are not located directly under the opening. This is where the attention to detail of Consarctic® comes into its own.
Our tanks are equipped with a rotating inner base. The user can rotate the entire storage system inside the tank until the desired rack or cassette is positioned exactly under the opening.
Sustainability also means avoiding losses due to accidents or operating errors. Consarctic® therefore integrates state-of-the-art monitoring technology into its cryogenic storage solutions.
Our monitoring system visualizes the status of all connected tanks in real time on a PC or central monitor.
Economic efficiency and responsibility for the environment go hand in hand at Consarctic®. Our cryogenic products prove that technological innovation is the key to reducing operating costs. Investing in Consarctic®'s efficient storage systems today not only ensures the integrity of your biological samples, but also positions you as a future-oriented and sustainable laboratory.
Would you also like to make your cryobank more efficient? Let us analyze your nitrogen consumption together and develop a tailor-made concept for your sustainable cryostorage.