Application of Biological Liquid Nitrogen Tanks in Hospitals

Liquid nitrogen is used in a wide variety of applications, especially in cryogenic and laboratory environments. Many people even use it as a refrigerant for personal purposes. Biological liquid nitrogen tanks are highly convenient for keeping items frozen over extended periods or for transporting liquid nitrogen. You can also find biological liquid nitrogen tanks in hospitals.

Liquid nitrogen is commonly used as a cryopreservative for human biological materials such as blood, semen, eggs, and even donated organs. Every hospital uses biological LN₂ tanks to store these essential substances. In fact, hospitals may be one of the largest consumers of biological liquid nitrogen tanks.

In addition to biological LN₂ tanks, you may also find liquid nitrogen carts and cryogenic freezers. A liquid nitrogen cart is simply a carrier operating under the combustion or use of liquid nitrogen. Since liquid nitrogen is derived from atmospheric air and does not emit greenhouse gases when used, it is considered a form of renewable energy, unlike fossil fuels. Liquid nitrogen vehicles may be a trend in the future.

Hospitals may also use liquid nitrogen freezers, which serve similar purposes to biological tanks but allow easier access to stored materials. While biological tanks often come with secure locking mechanisms that are not as easy to open and close, they are designed for efficient mobility, often equipped with wheels for transportation.

As mentioned above, liquid nitrogen freezers, also known as lab freezers, are used to maintain critical materials at constant temperatures. In some hospitals, you may find a combination of LN₂ freezers and biological tanks, allowing staff to organize and store materials in smaller, easily manageable vials.

Safety Considerations for Biological LN₂ Tanks

Safety is paramount when handling biological liquid nitrogen tanks. Liquid nitrogen is the liquefied form of a naturally occurring atmospheric gas. It is an extremely low-temperature fluid that can instantly freeze live tissue on contact. Since it keeps materials well below the freezing point of water, direct skin exposure can result in instant frostbite, and prolonged contact may even cause amputation. Thus, liquid nitrogen is a highly hazardous and potentially lethal substance.

Signs of Biological LN₂ Tank Degradation

Your biological LN₂ tank may be deteriorating if you notice the following signs:

1. The tank is more than 10 years old and may be losing vacuum efficiency.

2. You need to refill the tank more frequently than before.

3. The amount of liquid nitrogen required for each refill is increasing.

4. The tank appears to be sweating (condensation on the outer shell).

5. Frost formation appears around the neck of the tank.

6. The vacuum plug is missing or loose.

7. You hear sharp or tapping sounds coming from the tank.