MVE SC Series Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tanks

Overview

The MVE SC Series Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tanks are high-integrity, aluminum-bodied cryogenic containers engineered for reliable long-term biological sample preservation at –196 °C. Designed using proven vacuum-insulated double-walled construction and optimized thermal geometry, the SC Series employs passive static storage principles—relying on high-vacuum interstitial space and multi-layer reflective shielding—to minimize boil-off and maximize hold time without active refrigeration. These tanks are purpose-built for laboratories requiring compact footprint, operational portability, and consistent low-evaporation performance in routine cryobanking of cells, tissues, embryos, and genomic materials. Their lightweight aluminum architecture ensures structural durability while enabling manual handling across lab environments—including biosafety cabinets, clean rooms, and shared core facilities—without compromising thermal stability or sample integrity.

Key Features

• Lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum construction for ergonomic transport and benchtop integration
• Optimized vacuum insulation with multi-layer reflective wrap to achieve industry-leading static evaporation rates as low as 0.09 L/day
• Modular internal bucket configuration supporting standardized cryovial formats (0.5 mL straws, 1.2 mL & 2.0 mL冻存管) and customizable rack layouts
• Consistent neck tube geometry (55.4 mm diameter across most models) ensuring compatibility with automated sample retrieval systems and barcode scanners
• Integrated lift-assist handles and non-slip base design for safe single-operator mobility
• Factory-certified vacuum integrity with traceable leak-check documentation per ISO 13485–aligned quality protocols

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SC Series accommodates internationally standardized cryogenic specimen containers, including IVD-compliant 0.5 mL straw bundles (up to 1,122 per unit), 1.2 mL and 2.0 mL externally threaded cryovials (up to 210 vials per bucket), and custom-fit cryoboxes. All models comply with ASTM F2153 (Standard Specification for Cryogenic Vessels for Biological Specimen Storage) and meet essential requirements of ISO 13485:2016 for medical device storage equipment. While not classified as medical devices themselves, these tanks support GLP- and GMP-aligned biobanking workflows when deployed within validated cold chain protocols. Vacuum integrity testing, material certifications (AMS 4027 aluminum alloy), and batch-specific evaporative loss validation reports are provided with each unit shipment.

Software & Data Management

The SC Series is a standalone passive storage system and does not incorporate embedded electronics, sensors, or connectivity. However, its standardized dimensions, uniform neck geometry, and repeatable bucket positioning make it fully compatible with third-party liquid nitrogen monitoring platforms—including wireless temperature/level loggers (e.g., TempTale® Ultra, Sensitech® CryoView) and LIMS-integrated inventory tracking systems. Users may assign unique asset IDs, map bucket coordinates, and associate metadata (sample type, accession date, donor ID) via external database tools. For FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, audit trails and electronic signatures must be managed at the enterprise software layer—not within the tank itself—consistent with industry best practices for non-instrumented cryogenic infrastructure.

Applications

• Long-term storage of hematopoietic stem cells, PBMCs, and primary cell isolates in academic and clinical research labs
• Cryopreservation of oocytes, embryos, and sperm in assisted reproductive technology (ART) centers
• Biobank infrastructure for population-scale genomics initiatives requiring stable –196 °C maintenance over months to years
• Backup storage for critical master cell banks under ICH Q5D and WHO TRS No. 999 stability guidelines
• Field-deployable cryocontainers for mobile biorepositories and disaster-response sample recovery operations

FAQ

What is the expected static hold time for the SC16/11 model under typical lab conditions?
Under controlled ambient conditions (20–25 °C, <60% RH, minimal door opening), the SC16/11 achieves approximately 74 days of static liquid nitrogen retention. Actual duration varies based on frequency of access, ambient temperature fluctuations, and fill level.
Are replacement buckets and accessories available separately?
Yes—MVE offers OEM-certified aluminum buckets, polypropylene racks, foam inserts, and neck plugs designed specifically for each SC model. All spare parts carry full traceability and are supplied with material compliance documentation.
Can the SC tanks be used for vapor-phase storage?
While primarily optimized for liquid-phase immersion, all SC models support vapor-phase operation down to –150 °C when equipped with appropriate height-adjustable suspension hardware. Vapor-phase configurations reduce cross-contamination risk but require recalibration of hold time estimates and stricter environmental monitoring.
Is vacuum re-pumping service available post-warranty?
Authorized MVE service centers globally provide vacuum integrity verification and re-evacuation services per ISO 21028-1 standards. Reconditioning includes helium leak testing, thermal performance validation, and updated certification documentation.
Do SC tanks require regulatory registration with the FDA or EU Notified Bodies?
No—these are Class I exempt general-purpose laboratory equipment under FDA 21 CFR §862.2110 and EU MDR Annex XVI. They do not perform diagnostic, therapeutic, or analytical functions and therefore fall outside active regulatory oversight for medical devices.