Ever wondered how laboratories safely store materials at -196°C? What keeps liquid nitrogen from evaporating too quickly? And why do some containers outperform others in cryogenic storage?
A Dewar tank—often called a cryogenic flask—is the answer. These vacuum-insulated vessels preserve ultra-low temperatures for extended periods, making them essential for research, medicine, and industrial applications.
In this article, we’ll break down how Dewar tanks work, their key features, and why they’re irreplaceable in cryogenic storage. Keep reading to master the basics and make informed decisions for your lab!
From this article you will learn:
What is a Dewar Tank?
A cryogenic storage dewar (often simply called a dewar) is a highly specialized vacuum flask designed to store cryogens, such as liquid nitrogen or liquid helium, which have boiling points significantly lower than room temperature. Named after its inventor, James Dewar, this innovative container was originally developed to support his pioneering work in low-temperature science. Today, dewars are indispensable in fields such as low-temperature physics, chemistry, and biomedical research, where precise temperature control is critical.
How Does a Dewar Tank Work?
The principle behind a Dewar tank lies in its double-walled design, with a high vacuum maintained between the walls. This vacuum acts as an exceptional thermal insulator, minimizing heat transfer and significantly reducing the boil-off rate of the stored cryogen.Trap the gas above the liquid, maintaining it at high pressure. This increases the boiling point of the liquid, enabling extended storage periods. Safety valves automatically release excessive vapor pressure to ensure safe operation.
Dewar tanks are engineered to be puncture-resistant, protecting the valuable and often costly cryogens inside. Some cryogens, like helium, are in limited global supply, making the durability of Dewar tanks critical.
Key Uses of Dewar Tanks
Dewar Tanks have a wide range of applications.
1. Scientific Research:
Researchers use Dewar tanks to dispense liquid nitrogen or liquid helium for experiments, particularly in low-temperature physics and chemistry.
Specialized dewars are designed for studying superconductivity, where precise temperature control is critical.
2. Medical Applications:
Dewar containers are widely used in fertility treatments to store embryos and other biological samples at ultra-low temperatures.
3. Industrial and Commercial Use:
Truck-mounted dewars equipped with specialized hoses deliver oxygen for in-home medical use, ensuring a steady supply for patients.
Portable dewars with casters and handles are used to dispense cryogenic liquids across factories or laboratories, providing flexibility and convenience.
Design and Features
Dewar tanks are constructed with multi-layered walls and a high vacuum between the layers, which provides exceptional thermal insulation. This design reduces the boil-off rate of the stored cryogen, making it cost-effective and efficient. Additionally, safety features such as pressure relief valves and venting systems ensure safe operation, even under high pressure.
Conclusion
Dewar tanks are indispensable tools in modern science, medicine, and industry. Their ability to store and transport cryogenic liquids safely and efficiently makes them a cornerstone of innovation and progress. Whether in a laboratory, hospital, or industrial facility, Dewar tanks play a vital role in preserving and utilizing ultra-low temperature materials.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryogenic Storage
Q1: What is a dewar tank?
A1: A dewar tank is a double-walled, vacuum-insulated container designed to safely store cryogenic liquids like liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures.
Q2: What is a dewar for cryopreservation?
A2: A cryopreservation dewar is a specialized vacuum flask used to store biological samples (e.g., cells, embryos) in liquid nitrogen for long-term preservation.
Q3: What is the difference between a tank and a dewar?
A3: Dewars are smaller, portable containers with loose-fitting lids, while cryogenic tanks are larger, pressurized vessels for bulk storage and industrial use.
Q4: What is a cryogenic storage tank?
A4: A cryogenic storage tank is a heavily insulated, high-capacity vessel built to maintain ultra-cold liquids (like LN2 or LNG) for medical, industrial, or scientific applications.
