Ref 20930068 Rev B
Page 3
C) PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
The owner may follow two methods of maintenance, Continuous
or Annual.
For Continuous Maintenance:
Follow steps 1
– 4 under Filling Instructions above but allow the
unit to stand undisturbed for 2 hours. Verify no major frost or
condensation on outside of container, which would indicate
either a weak or no vacuum.
For Annual Maintenance:
1. Fill unit
with 4 lbs. (1.8 kg) of liquid nitrogen.
Note: Follow established safety practices and procedures for
transferring LN2.
2.
Transfer LN2 using cryogenic hose with a phase
separator, pouring container using a funnel, or other
approved filling device.
3. Replace cork/cover/canister and allow unit to stand for 24
hours.
4. Weight unit.
5. Allow filled unit to sit for another 24
(+/-0.25)
hours.
6. Weigh second time.
7. Calculate evaporation rate. The difference between the first
weight and the second weight is the daily evaporation rate in lbs.
This figure roughly signifies the
normal evaporation rate
(N.E.R.)
(first weight - second weight) x 0.5606 = liters/day.
NOTE: During this time verify no major frost or condensation
on outside of container, which would indicate either a weak or
no vacuum.
The CryoCube vapor shippers were primarily designed as vapor
shipping containers; however, they can also be used for
immersion of samples.
Warning: A sharp blow to the outer vessel can damage the neck
tube or start a vacuum leak. Use caution and common sense in
handling the container. Discuss this warning with your
preferred shippers!
Use the following weight table as a general guide to determine if
your vapor shipper is fully charged.
Model
Empty
Weight
Typical
(lbs)
Charged
Weight
Typical
(lbs)
Static Holding
Time
(min) (days)
CryoCube
7.5
10.2
5
D) SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS
Chart recommends charging for 2 hours for maximum
absorption capacity and thermal equilibrium.
Prior to packaging dewar for shipment the entire contents of
liquid nitrogen must be removed. This is usually done by
pouring out excess liquid. Insert bio samples, package dewar
and ship.
IF DEWAR IS SHIPPED ON ITS SIDE OR
INVERTED, IT
MAY
PROVIDE
AS LITTLE AS
5 DAYS
HOLD TIME.
Remember that the vapor shipper can also be used for liquid
nitrogen storage as well, so it is imperative that all liquid nitrogen
be removed
if the dewar will be used
as a vapor shipper. If liquid
nitrogen is visible in the bottom of the inner tank, it then becomes
a liquid shipper and the exception status is void. Any liquid
nitrogen inside is classified as hazardous material.
LETTER EXPLAINING EXCEPTION PER 49CFR 173.320
Concerning the applicability of the USA Federal Hazardous
Material Regulations to the shipment of refrigerated samples in
the
“Dry Shipper” container, a “Dry Shipper” package consists
of an inner 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 refrigerated container for the shipment of
bio samples.
In consideration of the above, consultation with the Research
and Special Programs Administration of the USA DOT has
determined that the use of nitrogen refrigerated liquid charged
“dry shipper” containers for the shipment of samples fall within
the regulation exception provided in 49CFR 173.320.
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
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 nonflammable gas, packing instructions 202 with
special provisions A-152. For answers to questions regarding
shipping regulations contact a local Chart, AI-Cryobiological
Tech Service Representative.
If outside the USA, consult with your local regulatory authorities
to comply with all requirements.
Note: It is the owner
’s responsibility to ensure proper
labeling and placarding on the shipping carton. While the
CryoCube vapor shipper is intended for vapor shipment,
the manufacturer can not assure this. Therefore, the
owner must assume conformance to shipping placarding.