Kühl-und Gefriergeräte

Freezers

Standard freezers can reach temperatures as low as -30 °C and offer the ideal solution for storage of more stable reagents. These are a basic necessity in most labs, however they are not suitable for long-term storage of cells or other sensitive biological material. Freezers come in various designs, sizes, and temperature ranges to accommodate different storage needs.

Ultra low-freezers

Ultra-low temperature freezers (ULT), operating within a temperature range of -50 to -86 °C, are located at the lower end of the cryogenic storage. Today's ULT freezers have modern cooling systems for improved temperature control with monitoring systems and automated data logging. The interior is usually made of stainless steel, often featuring separate internal doors or panels to minimize cold air loss during sample access. Temperature recovery times vary between models, but modern ULT upright freezers can achieve recovery within 10 to 20 minutes after a 60-second door opening. Some models offer optional CO2 or liquid nitrogen (LN2) backup systems to bridge power failures. Alternatively, some devices have a built-in emergency battery.

Cryogenic freezers

Cryogenic freezers are capable of reaching temperatures between -120 °C to -150 °C using advanced cooling technologies. These freezers utilize highly efficient compressors and cascade cooling systems to maintain ultra-low temperatures with comparatively low LN2 consumption. Additional LN2 back-up systems and optional CO2 are required to maintain these low temperatures in the event of malfunctions. Sophisticated insulation is also essential to ensure maximum cabinet protection for long-term preservation.

Liquid Nitrogen (Dewar) Tanks

Much more common are liquid nitrogen containers, also called Dewar, that are regularly refilled with liquid nitrogen. This alternative, offers a relatively mobile storing possibility and ensures an ideal environment of -196 °C for storage of cells long term (depending on cell type, and the correct execution of the cryogenic storage cells can be stored up to 10 years). Modern nitrogen tanks can be equipped with a variety of monitoring systems, which, while more costly, provide enhanced security for your samples. Alternatively, more basic models without monitoring systems are available.

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