There is an immutable physical law in a cryobank: the temperature must remain below a defined limit value at all times. For samples in liquid nitrogen, this is -196°C, for gas phase storage typically below -150°C. Any increase above this limit, even for a short time, can cause irreversible damage to the stored cells.
The reasons for this are physically clear: above certain temperature thresholds, recrystallization begins - tiny ice crystals grow together and form larger, destructive structures that penetrate cell membranes and organelles. This phenomenon occurs with every uncontrolled rise in temperature and is irreversible.
That's why professional, seamless temperature monitoring is not an optional extra, but a fundamental safety measure for any facility that cryopreserves biological samples. Consarctic® offers integrated monitoring solutions that perform this critical task around the clock.
The most common cause of a temperature increase in the cryogenic tank is a falling LN2 level. This can be caused by normal evaporation if a tank is not refilled in time, or by a leak in the tank wall or the connections.
Electronic monitoring systems, automatic refill systems and alarm systems rely on electricity. A power failure can interrupt the entire monitoring chain. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is therefore essential.
Every time the tank lid is opened, warm room air enters the tank. In frequently used tanks, this can lead to significant temperature fluctuations in the upper storage area. The eccentric opening of the Consarctic® tanks minimizes this effect thanks to their optimized design.
In the rare event of a vacuum loss in the tank wall, the heat input increases dramatically and nitrogen consumption skyrockets. A sudden increase in consumption is therefore always a warning signal.
PT100 resistance thermometers or thermocouples are placed at strategic positions in the tank. Ideally, measurements are taken on at least two levels - at the bottom of the storage space and in the upper zone near the opening.
Resistive or capacitive level probes continuously measure the LN2 level. A falling level triggers an alarm long before a critical temperature is reached - and gives the operator time to act.
All sensor data is recorded, logged and visualized centrally. Modern systems offer web-based dashboards that can be accessed from any device. The Biosafe system from Consarctic® integrates these functions seamlessly.
A professional system implements multi-level alarms:
Strict temperature monitoring requirements apply to GMP-regulated facilities:
As a full-service provider, Consarctic® offers integrated monitoring services as part of its turnkey cryobanks:
A monitoring system is your last line of defense against sample loss. Invest in a system that works even when everything else fails. The cryogenic products and services from Consarctic® give you that peace of mind.
Do you need a monitoring system for your cryobank? Our experts will design a customized solution that is precisely tailored to your tank fleet and your regulatory requirements.