Cryo-Glove WRL Cryogenic Insulated Gloves & CA-Series Cryo-Protective Aprons
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | WRL |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
Cryo-Glove WRL cryogenic insulated gloves and CA-series cryoprotective aprons are engineered for safe, reliable human protection during routine handling of ultra-low-temperature materials and equipment — including liquid nitrogen (LN₂), liquid argon, liquid helium, and cryogenically stored biological or pharmaceutical samples. These PPE systems operate on a multi-layer thermal insulation principle: combining hydrophobic outer shells with vapor-barrier inner liners and low-conductivity insulating matrices to minimize conductive and convective heat transfer. Designed for sustained use at temperatures as low as –160°C (–256°F), they meet the functional demands of ISO 20471 Class 2 high-visibility environments when integrated with optional reflective trim, and comply with general requirements for personal protective equipment under EN 340:2018 (General Requirements for Protective Clothing) and EN 511:2006 (Protection Against Cold). They are not rated for direct immersion in cryogenic liquids or prolonged contact with boiling-point cryogens.
Key Features
- Multi-layer composite construction: abrasion-resistant nylon outer shell + seamless waterproof breathable membrane + closed-cell insulating foam core — optimized for dexterity retention without compromising thermal resistance
- Extended-length variants (up to 48 cm) provide enhanced forearm and wrist coverage for high-risk transfer operations involving dewars, cryostats, and automated storage systems
- Adjustable polypropylene hook-and-loop closures at wrist, neck, and waist ensure secure fit across diverse body sizes and layered lab attire
- Chemical resistance profile validated against common laboratory solvents (e.g., acetone, ethanol, isopropanol) per ASTM F739 permeation testing protocols
- Waterproof apron models (CA36/CA42/CA48) feature reinforced stitching, double-layered front panels, and extended overlap flaps to prevent splash ingress during cryogen decanting or cold trap maintenance
- WP-suffixed glove variants integrate an additional microporous hydrophilic membrane layer to actively wick moisture away from skin while maintaining barrier integrity
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The WRL and CA-series products are routinely deployed in GMP-compliant biobanking facilities, academic cryobiology laboratories, semiconductor fabrication cleanrooms (ISO Class 5–7), and clinical cell therapy suites. Their material composition avoids silicone, latex, and PVC — minimizing particulate generation and extractables risk. All gloves are non-sterile and intended for single-shift reuse; aprons support repeated laundering per manufacturer-recommended cycles (max. 25 washes at ≤40°C, no bleach or fabric softener). Documentation packages include EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), REACH SVHC screening reports, and RoHS compliance statements. While not certified to ASTM F2302 (Standard Specification for Cold Weather Protective Clothing), they fulfill functional equivalency benchmarks used by institutional EHS departments for cryogenic task hazard assessments.
Software & Data Management
These are passive PPE items with no embedded electronics or digital interfaces. However, Cryo-Glove provides traceable lot-level documentation via QR-coded packaging labels — enabling end-users to access full material safety data sheets (MSDS/SDS), dimensional validation reports, and batch-specific cold-flexibility test summaries (per EN 511 Annex B). For integration into enterprise EHS management platforms (e.g., Intelex, ETQ Reliance), configurable CSV export templates are available upon request to support inventory tracking, calibration-equivalent usage logging, and audit-ready record retention aligned with GLP Annex 11 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles.
Applications
- Manual handling of cryovials, cryoboxes, and vapor-phase LN₂ storage racks
- Maintenance of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) sample holders and stage components
- Transfer operations between liquid-phase and vapor-phase storage units in biorepositories
- Preparation of frozen tissue sections in cryostat microtomes
- Decontamination and cleaning of cold traps and vacuum pump forelines
- Quality control sampling in low-temperature pharmaceutical manufacturing lines (e.g., lyophilized product inspection)
FAQ
Can these gloves be immersed in liquid nitrogen?
No. Immersion exceeds design limits and may compromise membrane integrity, leading to rapid cold burn upon skin contact.
Are the gloves suitable for cleanroom use?
Yes — low-linting nylon construction and absence of silicones meet ISO 14644-1 Class 5 particulate emission thresholds when tested per IEST-RP-CC003.3.
What is the maximum recommended continuous exposure time at –160°C?
Based on EN 511 thermal resistance testing, up to 120 seconds for WRL model under static conditions; dynamic handling reduces effective duration by ~30% — consult site-specific risk assessment.
Do the aprons provide arc-flash protection?
No. These are thermal cold-protection garments only; they do not meet NFPA 70E or ASTM F1506 requirements for electrical hazard mitigation.
Is reprocessing supported beyond the stated 25 wash cycles?
No. Post-25-cycle degradation of membrane hydrophobicity and seam tensile strength has been observed in accelerated aging studies; replacement is mandatory.
