I will be purchasing a new liquid nitrogen freezer soon, but I am limited by space restrictions. The freezer cannot be more than 38 inches wide. However, it would be beneficial if the freezer holds a high number of racks such as 24. In addition, we prefer not to purchase a freezer with a neck assembly because we have difficulty lifting full racks in and out of the freezer. We previously purchased a V-5000 from CBS but it is too large to purchase another one at this time. In addition, we purchased a MVE 1536-190 but we do not like working with the neck assembly. Do you have any suggestions?
From Patricia Pope, PhD, Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
1 Comment
Domenic Weber, Princeton Cryotech
January 6, 2010Are you storing in vapor? If so, you are somewhat out of luck when it comes to the neck opening. All efficient vapor phase freezers have a smaller diameter neck opening to minimize heat input into the system. Larger lid freezers can be transformed into vapor phase freezers by placing a riser plate in the bottom.
I know others that have voiced the same concern about the small diameter of the neck opening, but when a side by side comparison is done regarding the storage space and efficiency of the freezer, the gains from a true vapor phase freezer usually outweigh the disadvantages. If however, you are not storing in vapor phase, you have several options to fit your needs. Right off the top of my head, the MVE 1426 would be the best alternative, 35.5″ diameter and able to hold 28 racks.