A cryogenic tank is a double-walled, vacuum-insulated vessel designed to store or transport materials at extremely low temperatures, typically below -150°C. The vacuum jacket between the inner and outer walls dramatically reduces heat transfer by conduction and convection, while a reflective inner surface limits radiant heat ingress. This combination allows cryogenic tanks to maintain ultra-low temperatures passively, without any power source, for extended periods.
In UK laboratories and IVF clinics, cryogenic tanks fall into several distinct categories depending on their purpose.
Laboratory storage dewars are the most common type in a clinical IVF setting. These are open-necked, non-pressurised vessels ranging from compact 2-litre benchtop units to large 175-litre floor-standing systems. They are used for the long-term storage of embryos, oocytes, sperm, and other biological material in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. The neck diameter, racking system design, and evaporation rate are the key selection criteria in this category.
Vapour phase storage tanks are a variant of the laboratory storage dewar in which samples are held above the liquid nitrogen surface in the cold vapour layer. Temperatures in the vapour phase typically range from -140°C to -190°C depending on the vessel design and LN2 level. Vapour phase storage eliminates the risk of cross-contamination between samples through the liquid medium, which is a regulatory consideration for some UK fertility programmes.
Dry shipper dewars are purpose-designed transport vessels in which liquid nitrogen is absorbed into a porous material within the vessel wall, allowing safe IATA-compliant air transport of cryopreserved material at cryogenic temperatures without free liquid present.
Pressurised supply tanks and bulk storage tanks are used to store and dispense LN2 for filling laboratory storage vessels. These operate at higher pressures, typically between 5 and 10 bar, and are subject to the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000.
The UK cryogenic equipment market generated revenue of USD 532.2 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 790.5 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.8%, with tanks representing the largest product segment within this market.
Cryolab supplies laboratory storage dewars, vapour phase storage vessels, and dry shippers to UK IVF clinics, NHS fertility units, and research institutions. View the full cryogenic tank range or speak with the Cryolab team about the right configuration for your programme.
