TEMPERATURE THRESHOLDS
LN2 boiling point: -195.8°C at atmospheric pressure
Critical biological threshold: approximately -130°C
Vapour phase operating range: -150°C to -190°C (fill-level dependent)
Liquid phase: -195.8°C
Both storage modes maintain below -130°C when correctly filled and monitored. The operational difference is not temperature — it is cross-contamination risk and thermal mass.
STATIC EVAPORATION RATE
Static evaporation rate is the volume of liquid nitrogen lost per day at ambient temperature with the vessel correctly filled and sealed. A low evaporation rate means less frequent top-ups and greater tolerance of supply disruptions. This specification is more operationally relevant than maximum capacity for labs with variable LN2 delivery schedules.
CAPACITY CALCULATION
Minimum capacity = (current occupied positions) + (24-month growth projection) + 20% contingency
The 20% covers: extended consents, patients not collecting on schedule, and storage of samples pending legal or welfare review.
VAPOUR VS LIQUID PHASE
Vapour phase: Cross-contamination risk eliminated, HFEA/ESHRE recommended for embryo storage, typical application = embryo banking
Liquid phase: Higher thermal mass, context-dependent suitability, typical application = sperm banking
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (HFEA)
Regulated IVF storage requires continuous temperature monitoring, out-of-hours alarming, calibrated probes, alarm thresholds set below -130°C, and a documented out-of-hours response protocol. This is a licence condition, not guidance.
CRYONEST VS CRYOCAN
CryoNest: high-capacity vapour phase, rack-and-canister design, structured inventory management, suited to busy embryo banks with HFEA audit requirements.
CryoCan: broader size range, more flexible application, suited to labs with mixed storage requirements (andrology + embryo, satellite + main site).
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