WIGGENS DSS-D Series Large-Volume Stainless Steel Dewar Flasks
| Brand | WIGGENS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Origin | Imported |
| Model | DSS-D |
| Price Range | USD 6,800 – 40,900 |
Overview
The WIGGENS DSS-D Series Large-Volume Stainless Steel Dewar Flasks are engineered for long-term, low-evaporation cryogenic storage of liquid nitrogen (LN₂) in demanding laboratory and biobanking environments. Constructed from high-grade austenitic stainless steel (typically AISI 304 or equivalent), these vertical cylindrical dewars utilize high-vacuum multi-layer insulation (MLI) combined with super-insulating materials in the annular space between inner and outer walls—ensuring exceptionally low heat influx and minimal boil-off rates. The design adheres to fundamental principles of cryostatic containment: thermal isolation via vacuum-jacketed geometry, structural integrity under thermal cycling, and passive pressure management through integrated venting pathways. Unlike pressurized LN₂ tanks, the DSS-D series operates at near-atmospheric pressure, making it suitable for direct sample immersion, controlled vapor-phase storage, and integration with automated retrieval systems in GMP-compliant biorepositories.
Key Features
- Robust stainless steel construction with matte-finish surface treatment for corrosion resistance and ease of decontamination
- Vacuum-insulated double-walled architecture with optimized MLI wrap and reflective foil layers for ultra-low heat transfer
- Ergonomic side-mounted handles (stainless steel or reinforced polymer) enabling safe manual handling of units up to 125 kg
- Modular flange-compatible variants (DSS-DF models) for secure mounting of temperature sensors, level monitors, or automated lid actuators
- Interchangeable, low-conductivity insulated lids—including optional vacuum-sealed or purge-gas compatible variants—to further suppress evaporation
- Stable base geometry with reinforced bottom curvature to withstand repeated thermal contraction and mechanical loading during transport
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DSS-D series supports storage of biological specimens—including vials, cryoboxes, straws, and cryotubes—at stable temperatures below −190 °C in either liquid-phase or vapor-phase configurations. Units comply with ISO 23570:2021 (Cryogenic vessels — Vacuum-jacketed portable dewars for liquid nitrogen) and meet essential safety requirements outlined in EN 13445-3 (Unfired pressure vessels — Part 3: Design) for non-pressurized cryogenic containment. All models undergo factory-certified helium leak testing (≤1×10⁻⁹ mbar·L/s) and hydrostatic pressure validation. For regulated environments, the dewars support integration with validated monitoring systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records/signatures) and EU Annex 11 (computerized systems), particularly when paired with third-party LN₂ level and temperature loggers meeting GLP/GMP audit trail requirements.
Software & Data Management
While the DSS-D dewars themselves are passive hardware components, their modular interface enables seamless integration with digital infrastructure. Optional flanged models (DSS-DF) accommodate industry-standard Pt100 or RTD probes connected to data loggers such as DeltaTRAK FlashLink® or Vaisala viewLinc®, providing continuous traceable records of internal temperature gradients and fill-level trends. When deployed in centralized biorepository workflows, these data streams feed into LIMS platforms (e.g., LabVantage, Thermo Fisher SampleManager) for chain-of-custody tracking, predictive maintenance alerts, and regulatory reporting. No proprietary software is required; all sensor outputs conform to Modbus RTU/ASCII or 4–20 mA analog protocols for interoperability.
Applications
- Long-term cryopreservation of cell lines, primary tissues, stem cells, and reproductive samples in academic, clinical, and contract research laboratories
- Vapor-phase storage for sensitive biologicals requiring temperature uniformity ±2 °C across the storage volume
- Transportation of LN₂-cooled instrumentation (e.g., NMR preamplifiers, superconducting detectors) between facilities
- Backup cold storage for ultra-low temperature freezers (−80 °C) during power outages or maintenance cycles
- On-site LN₂ supply for flow cytometry, cryo-EM sample preparation, and mass spectrometry source cooling
- Calibration reference vessels for cryogenic thermometry and volumetric verification per ISO/IEC 17025
FAQ
What is the typical liquid nitrogen hold time for a DSS-D 500 L unit under standard lab conditions (22 °C ambient)?
Hold time ranges from 12 to 21 days depending on fill level, lid usage, and ambient humidity—verified per ISO 23570 Annex B test methodology using gravimetric boil-off measurement.
Are DSS-D dewars suitable for storing dry ice or other cryogens besides liquid nitrogen?
Yes—they are chemically inert and thermally rated for sustained exposure to dry ice (−78.5 °C), liquid argon (−186 °C), and liquid oxygen (−183 °C), provided compatibility with gasket materials (Viton® or EPDM) is confirmed.
Can I retrofit an existing DSS-D unit with automated level monitoring?
Yes—flange-ready DSS-DF models accept OEM-specified ultrasonic, capacitive, or float-based level transmitters with IP67-rated housings and intrinsically safe certification (ATEX/IECEx Zone 0 compatible).
Do these dewars require periodic re-evacuation of the jacket vacuum?
No—the vacuum integrity is guaranteed for ≥15 years under normal handling; accelerated aging tests per ASTM F2736 confirm mean time to vacuum degradation exceeds 25 years.
Is technical documentation available in English with CE marking and Declaration of Conformity?
Yes—all units ship with bilingual (EN/DE) user manuals, EC Declaration of Conformity referencing Directive 2014/68/EU (PED), and full traceability to German manufacturing QA records.
