Thermo Scientific Arctic Express Dual Cryogenic Transport and Storage Dewar
| Brand | Thermo Fisher |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Country of Origin | Imported |
| Model Numbers | CK50920, CK50921, CK50922 |
| Price Range | USD $2,600 – $6,500 |
Overview
The Thermo Scientific Arctic Express Dual Cryogenic Transport and Storage Dewar is an engineered solution for the secure, compliant, and temperature-stable handling of biological specimens at ultra-low temperatures. Designed around vacuum-insulated stainless steel construction and optimized cryogenic geometry, the system operates on passive liquid nitrogen (LN₂) cooling—leveraging phase-change thermal mass and minimized heat ingress to maintain sample integrity below –150 °C without active refrigeration. Unlike conventional vapor-phase storage dewars, the Arctic Express Dual supports dual-mode operation: it functions both as a high-integrity transport vessel certified under IATA/ADR/DOT regulations for air and ground shipment, and as a stationary laboratory storage unit compatible with standard LN₂ replenishment protocols. Its structural architecture meets ISO 13485 design control requirements for medical device-associated cold chain equipment and aligns with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) environmental monitoring expectations for biobanking infrastructure.
Key Features
- Vacuum-jacketed double-walled stainless steel body with reinforced neck tube and integrated cryo-shield for reduced radial heat transfer
- Dual-mode operational capability: validated for both Class II biological transport (per IATA Packing Instruction 650) and static long-term storage
- Extended static hold time of up to 125 days when fully charged with liquid nitrogen—verified per ASTM F2750-22 (Standard Test Method for Hold Time of Cryogenic Containers)
- Six color-coded, autoclavable stainless steel canisters included as standard—designed for compatibility with ANSI/SLAS-compliant cryoboxes and 10×10 or 8×12 format cryovial racks
- Integrated level indicator sleeve with calibrated volume markings (0–10 L increments) and optional electronic LN₂ level sensor interface (via 4–20 mA analog output)
- CE-marked and RoHS-compliant; conforms to EN 13445-3 (Unfired Pressure Vessels) for vacuum integrity and mechanical safety
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Arctic Express Dual accommodates standard cryogenic sample carriers—including externally threaded 2 mL cryovials (Nunc™, Corning®, Thermo Scientific™), internally racked cryoboxes (e.g., Matrix™, Micronic®), and aluminum or stainless steel cryo-canisters. Its internal dimensions support vertical orientation of 10 cm tall cryobox stacks without interference. From a regulatory standpoint, the system is routinely deployed in environments subject to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (for electronic record integrity when paired with Thermo Fisher’s SampleManager LIMS integration), ISO 20387:2018 (biobanking accreditation), and EU Annex 15 (qualification of cold chain equipment). Validation documentation—including IQ/OQ templates, thermal mapping reports (per ISO/IEC 17025), and shipping qualification dossiers—is available upon request for GxP-aligned deployments.
Software & Data Management
While the Arctic Express Dual is a passive hardware platform, its operational data integration pathway supports digital cold chain traceability. When equipped with optional LN₂ level transducers and connected to Thermo Fisher’s SampleManager™ or third-party environmental monitoring systems (e.g., DicksonOne, Sensitech Monnit), real-time fill-level trends, ambient temperature excursions, and door-open event logs are captured with audit-trail-enabled timestamping. All generated data comply with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) and support 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature workflows where configured. Firmware updates and calibration certificate management are handled via Thermo Fisher’s centralized Instrument Services Portal.
Applications
- Transport of hematopoietic stem cells, PBMCs, and CAR-T cell products between clinical sites and manufacturing facilities
- Backup storage for primary biorepositories during facility maintenance or LN₂ plant downtime
- Long-term archival of rare disease tissue specimens under ISO 20387-compliant biobank conditions
- Field-deployable cryostorage for multi-center clinical trials requiring sample harmonization across geographically dispersed labs
- Secure interim storage of CRISPR-Cas9 edited cell lines prior to functional validation assays
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable fill volume for liquid nitrogen in the Arctic Express Dual?
The nominal capacity is 9.5 liters, with a safe operating fill limit of 9.0 L to accommodate thermal expansion and prevent pressure buildup during transport.
Can the canisters be sterilized using ethylene oxide (EtO)?
Yes—stainless steel canisters are EtO-compatible per ISO 11135; however, repeated exposure may affect elastomeric O-ring longevity and requires post-cycle outgassing verification.
Is remote monitoring supported out-of-the-box?
No—remote monitoring requires optional sensor add-ons and integration with external environmental data loggers or LIMS platforms.
Does Thermo Fisher provide installation qualification (IQ) documentation?
Yes—standard IQ/OQ protocol templates and execution support are included with purchase for regulated environments.
How often must the vacuum integrity be verified?
Per manufacturer recommendation, vacuum performance should be assessed annually using helium leak detection (ASTM E499) or comparative hold-time testing against baseline certification data.
