• REVIEW AND UNDERSTAND ALL SAFETY PROCEDURES IN THE “HANDLE WITH
CARE” BOOKLET FORM # TW-10 P/N 7950-8052 BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO
INSTALL, OPERATE OR PERFORM MAINTENANCE ON THIS CRYOSTORAGE SYSTEM.
• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE OR MAINTAIN THIS UNIT UNTIL YOU READ AND
UNDERSTAND THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
• DO NOT PERMIT UNTRAINED PERSONS TO USE OR MAINTAIN THIS UNIT.
• IF YOU DO NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND THESE INSTRUCTIONS, CONTACT YOUR
SUPPLIER FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
• BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT WITH ANY
TAYLOR-WHARTON-APPROVED ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER, YOU MUST READ THE
SEPARATE OPERATING AND SAFETY MANUAL PROVIDED WITH THAT CONTROLLER.
*Units featured may not show final controller provided.
Nitrogen is an inert, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas making up four-fifths of
the air you breathe – and can be hazardous. Air is roughly one-fifth oxygen. Liquid
nitrogen is at a temperature of -196°C (-320°F) under normal atmospheric pressure.
Extreme Cold - Cover Eyes and Exposed Skin
Accidental contact of liquid nitrogen or cold issuing gas with the skin or eyes may
cause a freezing injury similar to frostbite. Handle the liquid so that it won’t splash
or spill. Protect your eyes and cover the skin where the possibility of contact with the
liquid, cold pipes and cold equipment, or cold gas exists. Safety goggles or a face
shield should be worn when operating this equipment. Insulated gloves that can be
easily removed and long sleeves are recommended for arm protection. Trousers
without cuffs should be worn outside boots or over the shoes to shed spilled liquid.
Keep Equipment Area Well Ventilated
Although nitrogen is non-toxic and non-flammable, it can cause asphyxiation in a
confined area without adequate ventilation. Any atmosphere not containing enough
oxygen for breathing can cause dizziness, unconsciousness, or even death. Nitrogen is
a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that cannot be detected by the human senses
and will be inhaled normally as if it were air. Without adequate ventilation, the
expanding nitrogen will displace the normal air resulting in death or asphyxiation.
Liquid Nitrogen System
The liquid nitrogen supply pressure at the inlet to the refrigerator should be in
the range of 10 psig (0.7 bar/69 kPa) to 22 psig (1.4 bar/152 kPa) for optimum
performance. Higher operating pressures will increase transfer losses and create
excessive turbulence of the liquid in the refrigerator which can generate false signals
to the liquid level controller causing the refrigerator to under-fill. In “liquid phase”
storage applications, excessive turbulence can cause splashing which could result in
personal injury and/or damage to the refrigerator. When installing piping or fill hose
assemblies, make certain a suitable safety relief valve is installed in each section of
plumbing between shut-off and solenoid valves. Trapped liquefied gas will expand
rapidly as it warms and may burst hoses or piping causing damage or personal
injury. A relief valve is installed in the refrigerator plumbing to protect the line
between the customer supplied shut-off valve and the refrigerator solenoid valve.
For more detailed information concerning safety precautions and safe practices
to be observed when handling cryogenic liquids consult CGA pamphlet P-12
“Handling Cryogenic Liquids” available from the Compressed Gas Association,
1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
WARNING:
The following safety
precautions are for
your protection.
Before installing,
operating, or
maintaining this unit
read and follow all
safety precautions
in this section
and in reference
publications. Failure
to observe all safety
precautions can
result in property
damage, personal
injury, or possibly
death.
Caution:
When installing field
fabricated piping,
make certain a
suitable safety valve
is installed in each
section of piping
between shut-off and
solenoid valves.
WARNING:
Inlet pressure should
not exceed 22 psig
(1.5 bar/152 kPa).
Higher pressures
could result
in damage to
equipment.
Dispose of Waste Liquid Nitrogen Safely
Dispose of waste liquid nitrogen out-of-doors where its cold temperature cannot
damage floors or driveways and where it will evaporate rapidly. An outdoor pit
filled with clean sand or gravel will evaporate liquid nitrogen safely and quickly.
This state-of-the-art Cryogenic System can be used in either the liquid or vapor
phase. Units are supplied with Taylor-Wharton approved controllers. If other
liquid level controllers are used, please contact Taylor-Wharton before putting the
refrigerator into service.
Taylor-Wharton LABS Cryostorage Systems are designed for applications where
extremely low temperature storage of biological products is required. They are also
appropriate for industrial or other applications where liquid nitrogen temperatures
and high capacity are needed.
The LABS style refrigerator covered by this publication is designed for, but not limited
to, the laboratory environment. Each model is supplied with locking casters to
enable limited mobility for cleaning and positioning purposes.
The standard model is also equipped with a Taylor-Wharton approved electronic
liquid level controller that will help monitor and control the supply of liquid nitrogen
to the unit. Make sure to read the operating and saftey instructions provided with
the controller you have selected to use with your LABS unit. The addition of a liquid
nitrogen supply and inventory control racks for systematic retrieval of stored product
completes the total Cryostorage System.
Liquid nitrogen at atmospheric pressure weighs 1.78 lb./liter (0.8 kg/liter). All Taylor-Wharton Gas Equipment
CryoScience systems are designed to support the full weight of liquid nitrogen and a complete stainless steel or
aluminum inventory control system with boxes and specimens.
Dimensions 20K 38K 40K 80K 94K
External Operating Height in. 42 44 42 42 40
(Top of Step to Lid opening) mm 1067 1118 1067 1067 1016
Step Height
mm 279 292 279 279/432 279/559
Height in. 53 56 53 53 63
(Floor to Opening) mm 1346 1422 1346 1346 1600
Usable Height, Internal in. 30 30 30 30 35.75
mm 762 762 762 762 908
Outside Diameter in. 34 42 45 59.5 59.5
mm 864 1067 1143 1511 1511
Internal Working Diameter in. 29.5 37.8 40.5 55 55
mm 750 959 1029 1397 1397
1
in. 11 11.5 11 11/17 11/22
Neck Opening in. 13 18 18 24.5 24.5
mm 330 457 457 622 622
Inspect shipping containers for external damage.
All claims for damage (apparent or concealed)
or partial loss of shipment must be made in
writing within five (5) days from receipt of goods.
If damage or loss is apparent, please notify the
appropriate parties as indicated below:
Domestic LTL Shipments – The customer
should notify and file the appropriate damage
claims with the carrier. All products are shipped
FOB Origin.
Domestic UPS Shipments – Any damage
should be noted and reported to shipper upon
delivery, and Taylor-Wharton must also be
notified. Confirm with Taylor-Wharton Customer
Service the filing procedures for any UPS
damage claims.
Figure 4.0 Crated LABS 38K
International Shipments – Any damage
and/or claims are to be filed with the carrier. Insurance agent(s) and customs’ brokers
should also be notified.
In all cases, Taylor-Wharton should be notified so we can assist if needed
in filing damage claims.
Open the shipping containers; a packing list is included with the system to simplify
checking that all components, cables, accessories, and manuals were received.
Please use the packing list to check off each item as the system is unpacked. Inspect
for damage. Be sure to inventory all components supplied before discarding any
shipping materials. If there is damage to the system during transit, be sure to file
proper claims promptly. Please advise Taylor-Wharton of such filings. In case of parts
or accessory shortages, advise Taylor-Wharton immediately. Taylor-Wharton cannot
be responsible for any missing parts unless notified within 60 days of shipment.
Freight Damage Procedures
Any freight damage claims are your responsibility. Cryostorage Systems
are delivered to your carrier from Taylor-Wharton’s dock in new
condition; when you receive our product you may expect it to be in that
same condition. For your own protection, take time to visually inspect each
shipment in the presence of the carrier’s agent before you accept delivery. If any
damage is observed, make an appropriate notation on the freight bill. Then, ask the
driver to sign the notation before you receive the equipment. You should decline to
accept containers that show damage which might affect serviceability.
Repackaging for Shipment
If it is necessary to return any part of the system for repair or replacement, a
Material Return Authorization (MRA) number must be obtained from an authorized
factory representative before returning the equipment to our service department.
Contact your distributor for return authorization. When returning equipment for
service, the following information must be provided before obtaining an MRA:
A. System model and serial number, and controller model and unit, if available.
B. User’s name, company, address, and phone number
C. Malfunction symptoms
If possible, the original packing material should be retained for reshipment. If not
available, consult Taylor-Wharton for shipping and packing instructions. It is the
responsibility of the customer to assure that the goods are adequately packaged for
return to the factory. All refrigerators returned to Taylor-Wharton must be clean and
sterile before return. See page 13 for cleaning instructions.
Liquid Nitrogen Supply Connection
The package included with the refrigerator includes a strainer. The liquid fill hose
from a low pressure source of liquid nitrogen must be connected to the inlet
through this fitting. This liquid nitrogen source must have a shut-off valve, and may
be any portable liquid cylinder or a bulk supply. The liquid nitrogen supply
pressure at the inlet to the refrigerator should be in the range of 10 psig
(0.7 bar/69 kPa) to 22 psig (1.4 bar/152 kPa) for optimum performance.
Higher operating pressures will increase transfer losses and create
excessive turbulence of the liquid in the refrigerator which can generate
false signals to the liquid level controller causing the refrigerator to
under-fill. In “liquid phase” storage applications, excessive turbulence can cause
splashing which could result in personal injury and/or damage to the refrigerator.
If the liquid nitrogen supply pressure at the inlet to the refrigerator rises above
the opening pressure of the relief valve on the refrigerator, liquid nitrogen will be
discharged into the surrounding area which can cause a rapid and very dangerous
depletion of oxygen in the atmosphere. Once this pressure relief device has opened
and cooled to liquid nitrogen temperature, it will not reseat until it has warmed to
near ambient temperature. THIS COULD PERMIT THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE
LIQUID NITROGEN SUPPLY SYSTEM TO BE DISCHARGED INTO THE IMMEDIATE
AREA OF THE REFRIGERATOR(S) (SEE WARNING). IT IS RECOMMENDED TO HAVE
THE FREEZER RELIEF VALVE CONNECTED TO VENT LINE THAT EXHAUSTS TO THE
OUTSIDE ATMOSPHERE.
WARNING:
In order to prevent
the relief device
on the nitrogen
refrigerator(s)
from opening
when the system
is in operation,
the liquid nitrogen
supply system must
be protected by
a pressure relief
device that will open
when the pressure
at the inlet to the
refrigerator(s) is
approximately 22
psig (1.5 bar/152
kPa). Never install
the supply system
pressure relief
device onto a liquid
service line.
Electrical
The liquid level controllers used with these refrigerators operate from 24/16.5 VAC.
However, the external transformer does have a 110/220 VAC primary. Disconnect
the electrical power cord from the outlet before attempting any service.
Power Supply Connection
Connect the power supply to the LABS Cryostorage System and then plug the power
supply into a surge protected 110/220 VAC outlet.
OPERATION
These instructions are for operators experienced with cryogenic equipment. Before
operating the system, become familiar with the safety precautions in this LABS
manual and in the operating manual for the controller model you are using with
your LABS unit. Make certain all applicable provisions set forth in the Installation
Section have been followed before placing a system in operation. Study this manual
thoroughly. Know the location and function of all system components.
WARNING:
Electrical shock can
kill. Do not attempt
any service on these
units without first
disconnecting the
electrical power cord.
WARNING:
Maintain adequate
ventilation to
prevent asphyxiation
hazard (see Safety
Precautions).
WARNING:
If the fill fails to
stop for any reason,
quickly close the
liquid supply valve
to prevent overfilling
until the cause of
the problem can be
determined.
WARNING:
When working with
Liquid Nitrogen,
make sure to
observe all safety
guidelines and wear
the appropriate
safety gear to avoid
personal injury,
asphyxiation and
possibly death.
Initial Fill
The LABS Cryostorage System comes preset for vapor phase storage from the
factory. The liquid nitrogen supply pressure at the inlet to the refrigerator should be
in the range of 10 psig (0.7 bar/69 kPa) to 22 psig (1.4 bar/152 kPa) for optimum
performance. Higher operating pressures will increase transfer losses and create
excessive turbulence of the liquid in the refrigerator which can generate false signals
to the liquid level controller causing the refrigerator to under fill. In “liquid phase”
storage applications, excessive turbulence can cause splashing which could result in
personal injury.
Operating Parameters
When materials are immersed in liquid nitrogen, they will assume the temperature
of the liquid (-196ºC/-320ºF). When material is stored in the vapor phase over the
liquid, the liquid nitrogen is still a very cold refrigerant, but the refrigerator’s interior
temperature increases somewhat as product is stored higher over the liquid. This
temperature differential is not significant in many biological storage applications,
and is affected by the amount of product stored in the refrigerator, the type and size
of inventory control system, and the liquid level in the unit.
Liquid Phase Storage
Liquid phase storage is normally utilized when liquid nitrogen temperatures are
required to maintain stored product viability and the storage medium is adequate
for storage in liquid nitrogen. To reconfigure the system’s setting for liquid phase,
review the operating instructions for the specific controller you have selected to use
with your LABS unit.
Thermocouple Positioning
The thermocouple is a separate sensor used to monitor and control the temperature
within the refrigerator. The factory-supplied thermocouple in most of the LABS
Cryostorage Systems is positioned to monitor the temperature 1.75 in. (44.45 mm)
below the top of the carousel.
Adding an Inventory Control System
The purpose of the inventory control system is to bring order to the storage of many
small samples, and to allow direct retrieval of the particular sample you need at any
time. It is important to be aware that when you lift an ICS rack from the refrigerator
it is being moved to a warmer environment. Learn to locate your sample quickly to
avoid unnecessary warming of your stored product. Keep ICS inserts (drawers or
boxes) and dividers in good repair. Replacement inserts and dividers are available
from your Taylor-Wharton distributor to keep your system as efficient as possible.
Always wear gloves when handling ICS racks or stored product, as they are very
cold. Read all of the precautions in the Safety section of these instructions and in the
Taylor-Wharton publication TW-10 “Handle With Care” for more detail on handling
product stored in liquid nitrogen.
When removing ICS racks to retrieve product, protect the labels, plastic, and electronic
areas of the refrigerator from liquid nitrogen that may spill from the rack inserts. These
parts of the refrigerator are subject to damage from the extreme low temperature of the
refrigerant.
Do not let ice or debris collect in the bottom of the freezer. Schedule periodic clean
out if racks no longer stand upright.
The container will not fill properly if the strainer is clogged with ice or dirt. To clean the
strainer, first close the supply valve to the refrigerator. Vent the fill line of all pressure.
Remove and warm the strainer to ambient temperature. Purge the strainer from both
directions with dry nitrogen gas or dry oil-free air. Rinse the strainer with alcohol and
purge it again with dry nitrogen gas or dry oil-free air to clear contaminants. If the
cleaning process doesn’t clear the blockage, replace with a new filter (P/N 7631-1080).
Defrosting Your LABS Cryostorage System
All liquid nitrogen storage systems are subject to ice and frost buildup over time.
Regular preventive maintenance programs should be instituted to remove ice
and frost from the sensor and fill tubes and from the refrigerator lid. Ice and
frost buildup in the sensor tube may result in false readings being relayed to the
controller from the sensors. Ice can form a thermal barrier around a level sensor,
rendering it insensitive to the temperature differences between vapor and liquid. If
the fill line becomes blocked, it must be warmed until the ice blockage is cleared.
Ice and frost buildup in the fill tube may block the flow of liquid nitrogen into the
refrigerator during fill. This blockage can result in the liquid level dropping to
dangerously low levels, and may result in the Low Alarm sensor being activated. In
addition, a fill line blockage may cause the Low LN
If it is determined that defrosting is necessary the following procedure must be
followed. Cryogenic freezers of these types must be carefully warmed to ambient
temperatures to avoid the ingress of water. As long as liquid nitrogen is present in
the unit, the evaporation of the liquid nitrogen provides slightly positive gas pressure
in the unit, preventing the entrance of moisture laden air. When all of the liquid
nitrogen has evaporated but the unit temperature is still below the dew point of the
surrounding atmosphere, condensation will start to collect in the unit. When frost
and condensation collect in the unit, staining of the carousel or damage to the level
sensors will occur. If one of these units is to be taken out of service for any reason
the following steps must be performed to avoid damaging the unit.
Supply Alarm to be activated.
2
LABS
1. Disconnect power and liquid nitrogen source.
2. Remove all stored product and inventory control system components.
3. Remove Sensors.
4. A source of nitrogen gas must be found and used to purge the unit as the
temperature rises to ambient. The purge gas can be installed on the sensor
tube or fill tube or into the liquid via the trap door in the bottom of the carousel
after the appropriate components have been removed. The purge gas may also
simply be delivered to the unit through a bent metal tube under the lid. A flow
rate of 5 to 10 SCFM is sufficient to prevent water from collecting inside the
unit. This flow of purge gas will also speed the warming of the unit to ambient
temperature.
Cleaning Your Taylor-Wharton Cryostorage System
The cryogenic vessel of all LABS Cryostorage Systems may need to be cleaned, and
sterilized if the type of stored product is changed or the unit is taken out of service.
The vessel must be defrosted, cleaned, and sterilized regardless of the type
of stored product, prior to return to Taylor-Wharton for repair or maintenance.
Prior to cleaning, the unit must be warmed and defrosted as described in the
previous section.
WARNING:
Never use chlorinebased disinfectants
to clean a LABS
Cryostorage System.
To clean and sterilize your defrosted LABS Cryostorage System, spray the entire inner
vessel surface with ample amounts of an approved & compatible disinfectant. Allow
surface contact to be maintained for a minimum of five minutes. Rinse the inner vessel
with water, remove all water and debris through the access opening located in the
carousels bottom tray, and vacuum or towel dry the surface. Spray the inner vessel
surface with a 70% alcohol to water solution and maintain surface contact for fifteen
minutes. Rinse the inner vessel surface with water and vacuum or towel dry excess water.
Final dry the inner container, sensor line, and fill line using a nitrogen gas purge.
Normal Evaporation Rate (NER) Test
WARNING:
Never use hollow
rods or tubes as
dipsticks. When
a warm tube is
inserted into liquid
nitrogen, liquid
will spout from the
top of the tube and
may cause personal
injury.
WARNING:
The source power
supply at 110/220
can cause a lethal
electrical shock.
Unplug the power
cord before
beginning any
repairs.
Nitrogen consumption is an accumulation of all system components and user
introduced evaporation. The storage chamber is a double walled, vacuum insulated
vessel and contributes to the daily consumption of liquid nitrogen. The liquid nitrogen
supply vessel and transfer hose also contribute greatly to the daily consumption
rate. Choosing to control the vapor temperature, combined with the liquid level and
temperature specified, will affect the overall nitrogen consumption. In addition to
these variables, opening the lid to retrieve product, and adding new product into the
storage chamber will pay a role in the accumulative liquid nitrogen consumption.
If the nitrogen consumption of your Cryostorage System seems excessive, it may be
appropriate to perform an estimated Normal Evaporation Rate (NER) test on the
Cryostorage chamber. To perform an NER test:
1. Fill the Cryostorage unit to the “High Level” sensor.
2. Measure the liquid nitrogen level with a plastic or wooden measuring rod.
3. Close and lock the lid of the LABS Cryostorage System for forty-eight (48 hours).
4. Open the LABS Cryostorage System and measure the liquid nitrogen level.
Typically, liquid nitrogen levels will drop approximately 3/8 in. (9.53 mm) per day.
If your measurement indicates a drop in excess of 3/4 in. (19 mm) per day, please
contact your Taylor-Wharton distributor or Taylor-Wharton for further information.
Please have your serial number, this manual and service history available.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptoms
The key to troubleshooting your LABS Cryostorage System is to determine which
component in the system is the source of the problem. Utilizing this manual along
with your controller’s manual, determine if the problem is occurring in any of the
following subsystems: Supply Vessel, Transfer Line, Power Source, Temperature,
Level Sensing, Security, Lid Switch, Solenoid Valve, Control Display, Alarm System,
Communications. After determining which sub-system is having the problem, isolate
the problem further by performing sub-system tests. Once the problem is isolated
and defined, it will be easier to solve.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
A complete list of Replacement Parts and Accessories for the LABS Series is available
from the following Taylor-Wharton Customer Care Centers:
Americas +251-443-8680 In U.S. and Canada: 800-898-2657
Europe +421 (0)55-727-7157 Asia/Australia +61 (0)2 6040-2533
Fill in top section at installation. Copy this form each time service is required.
Fill bottom section with service notes to keep a complete log of each freezer service and maintenance history.
End User Company Name _________________________________ LOG NO ______________________________
Service Contract/NameCompany ___________________________________________________________________
Service Contract Phone Number/Fax ________________________________________________________________
LABS-series Model/Serial Number __________________________________________________________________
Controller Serial Number__________________________________________________________________________
Control Version Number __________________________________________________________________________
In-service Date ___________________________________________________________________________________
Describe Conditions – Actual Describe Conditions – Controller Reading
Liquid Level – via Dipstick ______________________ Liquid Level – Per Controller _______________________
Level Sensor Type _____FG _____ 8T _____ 4T _____ Liquid Level Setting _____ HIGH _____LOW
Lid _____ Open _____ Closed Lid _____Open _____ Closed
Filling _____ Yes _____ No Filling ______Yes______No
Temperature _________________________________ Temperature _____________________________________
LN
Supply ______________ ltr______________ psi Supply Alarm ______On ______ Off
2
Note: Ice Build-up _____ a little _____a lot Remote Alarm ______ On ______ Off
Note: Gasket condition _____ Seals _____ Leaks Audible Alarm ______ On ______ Off
Display Lights _____ On _____ Off Temp. control setpoint @ __________ degrees
Taylor-Wharton Technical Services - Phone: In USA & Canada 800-898-2657
NOTE: All Taylor-Wharton Cryostorage Systems must be cleaned and sterilized prior to return to Taylor-Wharton for repair or maintenance
and must be accompanied by a written statement to this effect. Any LABS-Service Cryostorage System received without this statement
will be returned to the sender, freight collect. Contact Customer Service by telephone: 800-898-2657 In USA & Canada or
+421 (0)55-727-7124 Kosice or +49 (0)4841-985139 Husum. Or email: salesandservice@taylorwharton.com.