MVE CryoCube
TM
Operating
Instruction Manual
MVE CryoCube is ideally suited for the transportation of biological
materials. The liquid nitrogen is retained in an absorbent material
and the cold nitrogen vapors maintain the CryoCube storage area at -
150°C. The absorbent material retains the liquid nitrogen and
prevents accidental spills.
Liquid nitrogen is classified as “Dangerous Goods” by the
Department of Transportation (DOT). At least three regulatory
agencies publish dangerous goods regulations:
DOT - Department of Transportation
IATA - International Air Transportation Association
ICAO - International Civil Aviation Organization
Liquid nitrogen is classified under the name “Nitrogen, refrigerated
liquid” and has a UN 1977 code number. The name classification
and UN Code Number must be indicated on the shipping carton in
addition to a “Gas nonflammable” label. Packing and labeling
requirements can be obtained from the above organizations. Also,
contact your carrier for any variances in the rules as they may apply
specifically to that company and/or the ultimate destination of the
shipment.
Be aware that the regulations undergo periodic revisions.
If you need current information prior to the shipping of your
cryobiological specimen, please contact your air carrier for the
most recent regulations.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The CryoCube is a vacuum insulated aluminum
container with a fiberglass neck construction providing
the highest efficiency possible in nitrogen vapor
storage. The container is for use with inert fluids only.
Liquid oxygen is not compatible with this unit and
must not be stored.
These high quality vacuum insulated units are
constructed of durable material, compatible with the
divergent temperature extremes and broad applications
of cryobiology. The life expectancy of this product is
one (1) year.
Upon receipt of the container, examine both the
container and packaging for any evidence of damage
during shipping. Contact the shipping agent if any
damage is apparent. Watch after the first fill for any
signs of vacuum loss, such as frost or sweating on the
outside jacket. (Some frost near the top just after filling
is normal).
A) SAFETY
To avoid injury by frostbite, use extreme care whenever
handling liquid nitrogen, liquid nitrogen storage or transfer
vessels or any objects which have come in contact with
liquid nitrogen.
• Leave no area of skin exposed.
• Always wear proper safety attire over clothing:
face shield, cryogenic gloves, cryogenic apron.
• Never overfill vapor shippers with liquid nitrogen.
Overfilling the tank may cause immediate or
premature vacuum failure to occur.
• Always keep vapor shippers in upright position.
• Do not tightly seal liquid nitrogen container or
prevent nitrogen gas from escaping.
• Use extreme care to prevent spilling and
splashing liquid nitrogen during transfer.
• Immediately remove any clothing or safety
attire on which liquid nitrogen has spilled.
• Get immediate medical attention for any
frostbite injuries due to liquid nitrogen.
WARNING:
The venting of nitrogen vapors will deplete
oxygen in the air, possibly leading to asphyxiation or even
death. Do not store or use container in areas that have
poor ventilation.
B) CHARGING / FILLING INSTRUCTIONS
Note: Fill the container with a funnel when possible. Avoid
spilling liquid nitrogen on the neck. To ensure maximum
performance from your MVE CryoCube simply follow the listed
steps just prior to shipping to final destination:
• Weight empty unit and record. The unit should
weigh about 5.2 ± .2 lbs (2.4 ± .1kg)
• Using a funnel pour 1 cup (8oz, 250ml) of LN
2
• Wait 5 minutes or until LN
2
is absorbed
• Continue adding 1 cup of LN
2
every few minutes
until 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) have been added. This should
be ~10 cups.
• Verify internal tank is dry, pour off any standing
liquid.
• Insert contents into canister and canister into
dewar.
• Insert cork half way into neck and allow to cool
for ~1 minute.
• Push cork all the way into neck.
• The container is now ready for validation, labeling
and shipping.
