Chart MVE Model 616 Wide-Neck Cylindrical Biological Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tank

Overview

The Chart MVE Model 616 is a high-capacity, wide-neck cylindrical biological liquid nitrogen storage tank engineered for long-term, ultra-low-temperature preservation of sensitive biospecimens—including human tissue, stem cells, oocytes, embryos, and primary cell lines—at −196 °C. Designed in accordance with ISO 13485–certified manufacturing protocols and validated for compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and biobanking standards (e.g., ISBER Best Practices), the 616 leverages passive vacuum insulation and optimized internal geometry to deliver exceptional thermal stability and extended static hold times. Its cylindrical configuration supports uniform vertical temperature gradients and minimizes boil-off rate per unit volume—critical for reducing operational costs and maintaining sample integrity over multi-year archival periods. Unlike narrow-neck dewars, the wide-neck architecture enables rapid, ergonomic access without compromising thermal performance, making it suitable for high-throughput core facilities and clinical biorepositories requiring frequent retrieval.

Key Features

• Ultra-high density storage: Accommodates up to 39,000 standard 1.2 mL or 2.0 mL cryogenic vials using standardized aluminum canes and rack systems (e.g., Nunc™ or Corning® compatible formats).
• Wide-neck aperture (≥125 mm nominal diameter): Facilitates unobstructed insertion and extraction of multi-rack carriers; reduces risk of frost accumulation at neck seal and improves operator ergonomics during manual handling.
• Low-lift support structure: Integrated low-height lifting platform minimizes vertical displacement required to raise canes from liquid phase, lowering physical strain and mitigating accidental specimen exposure.
• Scalable vapor-phase operation: When equipped with the optional MVE Vapor Phase Conversion Kit (including calibrated gas inlet manifold, thermal gradient sensors, and insulated vapor-phase racks), the 616 can operate in controlled vapor-phase mode (−150 °C to −190 °C), meeting requirements for sensitive cell therapies where direct liquid contact is contraindicated.
• Dual-monitoring capability: Standard analog pressure gauge + digital temperature display (−200 °C to +50 °C range); optional backup battery ensures continuous logging during power interruption (supports ≥72 h runtime).
• Robust stainless-steel construction: Outer vessel ASTM A240 Type 304; inner vessel ASTM A240 Type 316L; vacuum-jacketed with multilayer superinsulation (MLI) and helium leak-tested to ≤1×10⁻⁹ Pa·m³/s.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Model 616 supports all major cryovial formats (external thread, internal thread, push-cap) and accommodates standard 10- or 20-position aluminum canes. It is validated for use with cryoprotectants including DMSO, glycerol, and ethylene glycol solutions under both liquid- and vapor-phase conditions. The system complies with key regulatory frameworks applicable to biobanking infrastructure: ISO 20387:2018 (Biobanking — General requirements for biobank operations), ASTM F2645 (Standard Guide for Cryogenic Vessel Integrity Testing), and EU Annex 1 (Manufacture of Sterile Medicinal Products) for vapor-phase storage validation. Documentation packages include Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) reports, material certifications, and vacuum decay test records—all traceable to NIST-traceable instrumentation.

Software & Data Management

While the base Model 616 operates as a standalone passive storage device, it integrates seamlessly with Chart MVE’s optional CryoView™ Monitoring System (sold separately). CryoView™ provides real-time remote monitoring via Ethernet/Wi-Fi, configurable SMS/email alerts for temperature excursions (>±2 °C deviation), and audit-trail-enabled data logging compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic signatures, user access controls, immutable record retention). Data export supports CSV and XML formats for integration into LIMS platforms (e.g., LabVantage, Thermo Fisher SampleManager) and electronic lab notebooks (ELNs). All firmware updates are delivered via secure HTTPS channel with SHA-256 signature verification.

Applications

• Clinical embryology labs requiring uninterrupted storage of IVF-derived embryos and gametes.
• Academic and pharmaceutical biobanks managing longitudinal cohorts (e.g., UK Biobank–scale repositories).
• Cell therapy manufacturing suites operating under cGMP conditions for autologous/allogeneic CAR-T and MSC products.
• National reference laboratories performing proficiency testing and reference material storage.
• Veterinary biorepositories preserving genetic material from endangered species.

FAQ

Can the Model 616 be used for vapor-phase storage without modification?
No. Vapor-phase operation requires installation of the certified MVE Vapor Phase Conversion Kit, including calibrated thermal shrouds and vapor-phase–optimized racks. Attempting vapor-phase use without this kit invalidates warranty and compromises temperature uniformity.
What is the recommended maintenance schedule for vacuum integrity?
Chart MVE recommends annual vacuum integrity verification using a calibrated helium mass spectrometer. Facilities subject to GLP/GCP audits must document each test with technician signature, instrument calibration certificate, and pass/fail determination per ASTM E1755.
Is the 616 compatible with automated sample retrieval systems?
Yes—mechanical interface dimensions and mounting flange specifications (per MVE Engineering Drawing #616-INTF-REV4) are published and support third-party robotic arm integration (e.g., Hamilton STAR, Tecan Fluent) when paired with optional position-encoded cane lifters.
Does the backup battery support full system functionality during outage?
The backup battery powers only the digital temperature monitor and alarm circuitry—not the pressure relief valve actuation or structural heating elements. It does not extend hold time but preserves data continuity and alert capability.