MVE CryoCube Operating Instructions Manual

MVE CryoCube

TM

Operating

Instruction Manual

MVE CryoCube is ideally suited for the transportation of biological
m

aterials. 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

T

o 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 LN2is absorbed

•

Continue adding 1 cup of LN2every 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.

2

C

) PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

The MVE CryoCube is designed as a limited use product and should
be considered a disposable shipper. Generally, no preventive
maintenance is required for the CryoCube. However, if the unit
performance drops below an acceptable hold time (< 5 day holding
time @ >-150C), users should contact Chart Inc. Customer/Technical
Service for rework options. The rework options may extend the
overall life of the unit.

D

) SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS

F

ollow charging instructions. Prior to packaging dewar for shipment
the entire contents of liquid nitrogen must be removed. This is
usually done by pouring out excess liquid nitrogen until no liquid is
visible on the bottom of the inner dewar. Place in bio samples,
package dewar and ship. If liquid nitrogen is visible in the bottom of
the inner it then becomes a liquid shipper and the exception status is
void. The liquid inside is now classified as hazardous material.

LETTER EXPLAINING EXCEPTION

This is concerning the applicability of the Federal Hazardous Material
Regulations to the shipment of refrigerated samples in the “Dry
Shipper” container. A “Dry Shipper” package consists of an outer
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 samples.

In consideration of the above, consultation with the Research and
Special Programs Administration of the 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

r

equirements of this subchapter do not apply to atmospheric gases
and helium when used in the operation of the process system such
a

s refrigeration system. Paragraph (c) of 173.320 pertains to air

t

ransport of same refrigeration system. For exception status of air
shipments please refer to IATA-Dangerous Goods Regulations for
n

itrogen refrigerated liquid. This falls in the class of 2.2

n

onflammable gas, packing instructions 202 with special provisions
A-800. For answers to questions regarding shipping regulations
c

ontact a Chart, AI-Cryobiological Tech Service Representative at
8

00-482-2473.

Chart BioMedical Group,
Chart, Inc.

2200 Airport Industrial Drive, Suite 500
Ball Ground, GA 30107
United States

Chart BioMedical Products,

Unit 2 / Maxdata Centre,Downmill Road
Bracknell
Berkshire RG12 1QS
United Kingdom

Chart Australia Pty Ltd.
Sydney Business & Technology Centre

Unit 43 / 2 Railway Parade
Lidcombe NSW 2141, Australia

Chart BioMedical Group,
Chart, Inc.

155 Don Westbrook Ave. S.
Jasper, GA 30143
United States

Ref 14456068 Rev A

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