MVE TEC 3000 Cryogenic Controller

New MVE cryogenic freezers will be equipped with the TEC3000 controller in place of the TEC2000 which is available from the beginning of this month. For differences between the two cryogenic controllers please check the last month’s tech instructions. Due to this change, a range of retro-fit kit and part numbers will be altering as shown below.

  

P/N	Description	Details
13319459	TEC-3000 RPL W/TEST DISPLAY	New Controller
13319467	TEC-3000 RPL W/SYMBOLIC DISPLAY	New Controller for Europe
13319475	KIT UPGRADE LCSI CABINET TO TEC-3000	Upgrade for Lakeshore XLC 500 or XLC1200
13319491	KIT UPGRADE LSCI TO TEC3000	Upgrade for Lakeshore standalone unit
13319504	KIT UPGRADE MDC CABINET TO TEC-3000	Upgrade for any MDC cabinet unit
13319512	KIT UPGRADE MDC TO TEC-3000	Replacement for any standalone TEC2000

 

 

Changes to GEN2 1841 Cryogenic Freezer

The greater part of changes to the 1841 cryogenic freezer from Gen1 to Gen2 involves changes to the plumbing. The latest back enclosure is alike to those used on the 611 and 1411 cryogenic freezer models. As the 611 and 1411 cryogenic freezer models, the enclosure contains the same plumbing, battery backup, power, and gas bypass assemblies. Furthermore, as on the 611 and 1411 cryogenic freezer models, the mounting brackets are the same.  On the exterior, the lid has been modified to account for the slightly deeper rear enclosure. As the inner and outer shells remain the same, the capacity remains the same.

 

Three Tube Sensor Assemblies

 

At the time of order, instead of dual tube assembly, make a request for a three tube temperature sensor assembly. Failing to do so will end result in the three tube assembly being shipped separately and charged at full price. The dual tube assembly will be replaced with the 3 tube sensor assembly at no extra cost to the customer, if requested at the time the sales order.

 

P/N	Old Naming Convention	New Naming Convention
11793350	All 1500s and 800s except 810 and 810F	All 1500s and 800s except 811 and 811F
11793368	All 1800s except 1830 2004s and 1841s	All 1800s except 1851s and 1839s
11793341	1830 2004s	1851s

 

Changes to GEN2 1841 Cryogenic Freezer

The larger part of the changes to the 1841 cryogenic freezer from Gen1 to Gen2 involves changes to the plumbing. The latest back enclosure is alike to those used on the 611 and 1411 cryogenic freezer models. As the 611 and 1411 cryogenic freezer models, the enclosure contains the same plumbing, battery backup, power, and gas bypass assemblies. Furthermore, as on the 611 and 1411 cryogenic freezer models, the mounting brackets are the same.  On the exterior, the lid has been modified to account for the slightly deeper rear enclosure. As the inner and outer shells remain the same, the capacity remains the same.

Shipping of “Vapor Shipper” Cryogenic Dewars

Regarding the correct procedures for shipping, handling and labeling of cryogenic vapor shippers, several concerns have been raised. UPS and FedEx disagree between themselves as to what could be properly shipped and what could not be, regionally. We went straight to IATA for answers due to this disagreement. The letter draft by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is given below.

 

This is concerning the applicability of the Federal Hazardous Material Regulations to the shipment of refrigerated samples in the “Dry Shipper” container.

 

 A “Dry Shipper” package consists of an outer container that is lined with an absorbent material. The container is charged with nitrogen-refrigerated liquid, which is absorbed into the container lining. The charged, completed package serves as a refrigerated container for the shipment of samples.

 

Because of the manner in which it is absorbed and because there is no free liquid present in the packaging, the liquid nitrogen does not exhibit the characteristics of a “cryogenic liquid” as defined in 49 CFR 173.115 (g) and does not pose a hazard in transportation. Therefore, it is not subject to regulation under the Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Materials Regulations.

 

However, if the packaging is improperly offered for transportation WITH free liquid present, it would be subject to regulation when offered for transportation by air (see 49 CFR 173.320) and must be offered in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Technical Instruction. Note the packaging does not conform to ICAO Packaging Instruction 202 and therefore, is not an authorized packaging when containing free liquid.

 

In consideration of the above, consultation with the Research and Special Programs Administration of the DOT has determined that the use of nitrogen refrigerated liquid charged “dry shipper” containers for the shipment of samples falls within the regulation exception provided in 49 CFR 173.30 paragraph (a) of the section states the requirements of this subchapter do not apply to atmospheric gases and helium when used in the operation of the process system, such as a refrigeration system. Paragraph (c) of 173.320 pertains to air transport of same refrigeration system. For exception status of air shipments please refer to IATA-Dangerous Goods Regulations for nitrogen-refrigerated liquid. This falls in the class of 2.2 non-flammable gas, packing instructions 202 with special provisions A-800. For answers to questions regarding shipping regulations contact a Chart/MVE, Bio-Medical Technical Service Representative.

 

Once the LN2 is absorbed into the vapor shipper it cannot be reliquaries, so LN2 in an absorbed state is not considered a hazardous material. With that being said, the container should not bear the liquid nitrogen label.

 

Although it is not required that vapor shipper dewars be shipped in the plastic shipping container it is highly recommended to reduce the possibilities of damage or tipping.

 

It is also important to remember that even armed with all the letters, proper identification and shipping regulations; the pilot has the last say whether a vapor shipper is loaded onto his aircraft.

Cryogenic Discharge Device

It is crucial that the I.D. of the neck tube be wiped clean before installing any cryogenic discharge device. To make sure proper seating of the rubber stopper, removal of ice particles and condensation is necessary which allows rapid buildup of pressure. If it is not done it may lead to the leak in the stopper which will prevent effective liquid nitrogen transfer. Furthermore, to ensure user safety when operating the device the safety cable must be attached. For any questions either refer manual for proper operation or contact tech service. 

HL-120/HL-190 Cryogenic Freezer Low Pressure Kit

Every HL-120 and HL-190 cryogenic freezer models are made with a 100psi relief valve. The 100psi relief valve can be switch for a 50psi relief valve if end users require a 50psi working pressure. As long as the primary relief valve remains higher than the road relief valve pressure setting, it can be legally lowered but then a back pressure regulator is necessary. We have created a kit Part Number 13394192 in order to facilitate the need for filling atmospheric dewars, which replaces the 22psi road relief valve with a 0-30psi back pressure regulator which with minimal flash loss allows for liquid flow into cryogenic aluminum dewars.

 

Mutually both units are equipped with the same plumbing assembly, consisting of dual relief valves, dual fill valves, and single road relief valves. They are designed to meet ASME specifications and have a maximum operating pressure of 100psi. Please find below the list prices on these units.

 

Name	Part number	List Price
HL-120	11818705	$9000.00
HL-190	11814721	$14000.00
Service Kits
O2	11830211	$275.00
LN2	11830237	$275.00
Accessory Kits
Vent Kit	11864277	$280.00
Mounting Kit	10591449	$280.00
Low pressure kit	13394192	$182.00
Kits can be used for either 120 or 190
Adaptors
Adaptor 1” to 5/8 ODT O2	5518422	$50.00
Adaptor 1” to ½ OD LN2	5510562	.$50.00

Cryogenic Data Logger Warranty

Every cryogenic data loggers bear a 90-day warranty. For both stand-alone cryogenic data loggers and those mounted to a cover this warranty is in effect. From time of return of repair battery replacement and calibration repairs also carry a 90-day warranty. 

Lab 20 Cryogenic Dewar Discharge Device

A problem has been discovered in recent weeks concerning the Lab 20 cryogenic dewar discharge device. A complete seal is not created by the rubber plug on the device, thus hampering the pressure building process necessary for proper liquid nitrogen withdrawal. This problem only affects Lab 20 cryogenic dewar discharge devices and it arose due to the change in material from our supplier. A solution for this problem has come up which involves switching out the rubber plug and bolt on the discharge device. You will need to place an order for the modified plug (13465974) and the new bolt assembly (9086779), if your customer is facing trouble with their Lab 20 cryogenic dewar discharge device.

Change in Cryogenic Freezer Purge Valves

The 3 way purge valves, part number 10712933 and part number 13284954 are the two different types of cryogenic valves. The old valve (10712933) had spade terminals for push on connectors and the new valve (13284954) has wire leads to interface with the new TEC3000 controller wiring harness, this is the only difference between the two or else the valves are the same. While the new valve is used on all TEC3000 cryogenic freezers, the old valve is still used on the Bio Series and CDC cryogenic freezers. 

Dry Shipper Question & Answer

Q: At any time during flight will the temperature inside the dry shipper exceed -135°C when the dry shipper is situated in an unpressurized cabin such as the cargo area, in contrast with passenger cabin?

A: While the liquid changes its saturation pressure there will be an increase in evaporation during ascent and a decrease during descent. Assuming that the cryogenic shipper does not run dry, which is not likely if properly charged, by this whole process the temperature should be basically unaffected. If anything the temperature will stay approximately normal during descent and drop lower than normal during ascent.

Q: Would the evaporation rate lower by adding 6 more racks?

A: It is not so. Since additional racks add more heat transfer paths to the LN2 in any case the evaporation rate would increase. If using aluminum racks this effect would be particularly noticeable as they offer much better thermal conductivity than stainless steel. The effect on evaporation rate would be minimal with stainless steel racks. Adding aluminum racks gives the user better sample security at the expense of higher liquid nitrogen usage and the positive side of this is that increased evaporation leads to lower vapor temperatures.

Q: Would the one with retrofit sleeve have the same temperature profile as a newly built cryogenic unit?

A: A unit with annular aluminum might not necessarily have the same profiled as the retrofit sleeve but would have a similar temperature profile. With normal vapor storage level settings the retrofit sleeve does not put any aluminum below the LN2 surface. So above the liquid it just moderates the gradient of the vapor. To the bottom of the inner shell the annular aluminum extends, adding up some heat to the liquid to increase convection. The SS shell slows the conduction of heat from the aluminum to the liquid minimizing the consumption impact in comparison to what it would be if the aluminum were in the storage chamber with the bottom submerged in liquid nitrogen.

Clear 2” Cryogenic Storage Boxes

For use with our liquid nitrogen freezers and some of our cryogenic aluminum dewars we have begun stocking clear cryogenic storage boxes. These cryoboxes have a capacity of 100 internally threaded vials and 2” tall square boxes. $10.15 is the list price. When ordering please use part number 9719649CLR.

Replacement Lids for Cryogenic Freezers

Manufacturing costs on many of our service lids fluctuate rapidly as a result of low volume production. It is not feasible for us to keep up to date pricing information in our inventory system because of fluctuation. We recommend that you call in to receive a quote on price and delivery time before placing an order to ease the purchasing process.  From purchasing to insure an accurate quote this allows customer service to obtain updated cost and deliver times. Please see August 2006 Tech Tips to find applicable part numbers for replacement lids.