Thermo Scientific™ Locator Plus™ Series Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tanks

Overview

The Thermo Scientific™ Locator Plus™ Series Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tanks are engineered for long-term, ultra-low-temperature biological sample preservation at −196 °C. Designed around high-integrity vacuum-insulated stainless steel construction, these tanks utilize multi-layer reflective foil and high-vacuum interstitial space to minimize heat ingress and reduce liquid nitrogen (LN₂) boil-off rates—critical for maintaining sample viability over extended storage periods. The Locator Plus™ platform integrates passive cryogenic storage with active monitoring capability, delivering reliability for biobanks, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical R&D, and academic core facilities where sample integrity, chain-of-custody assurance, and regulatory traceability are non-negotiable.

Key Features

• Vacuum-insulated double-walled stainless steel architecture with helium-leak-tested integrity, ensuring thermal stability and mechanical robustness under continuous cryogenic operation.
• Modular internal configuration: Interchangeable canisters, aluminum or stainless steel racks, and adjustable-height suspension systems support diverse cryovial formats (e.g., 0.5–2.0 mL internally threaded tubes, 2D matrix boxes, and straws), enabling customizable storage density and retrieval ergonomics.
• Non-contact ultrasonic level monitoring system: Mounted externally on the tank neck tube, it measures LN₂ height without immersion, eliminating sensor contamination risk and minimizing thermal disturbance—contributing to up to 30% lower evaporation versus conventional float-based sensors.
• Integrated mechanical safety latch with keyed locking mechanism prevents unauthorized access; compatible with optional electronic access logs when integrated into facility-wide security infrastructure.
• IATA-compliant transport variant available: Certified per IATA Packing Instruction 650 and UN 2814/2990 requirements for Category A infectious substances; validated for ≥120 hours hold time during air freight, including temperature mapping across all zones under worst-case ambient conditions (−40 °C to +55 °C).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Locator Plus™ Series accommodates a broad range of biological specimens—including primary cells, PBMCs, stem cell lines, oocytes, embryos, tissue explants, and nucleic acid libraries—without compromising viability or genomic stability. All internal components meet USP Class VI biocompatibility standards. Tanks are manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems and conform to EN 13407:2005 for cryogenic vessels. For regulated environments, the system supports audit-ready documentation packages aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when paired with Thermo Fisher’s SampleManager LIMS integration), GLP/GMP cold-chain validation protocols, and ISO 20387:2018 biobanking requirements.

Software & Data Management

While the base Locator 6 Plus model operates without integrated telemetry, it is designed for seamless interoperability with Thermo Fisher’s CryoManager™ Cloud Platform via optional add-on modules (e.g., LN₂ Level Transmitter Kit, Ethernet-enabled Gateway). This enables real-time remote monitoring of fill level, ambient temperature, door-open events, and predictive depletion alerts via web dashboard or mobile application. Audit trails include timestamped operator actions, calibration records, and alarm acknowledgments—all exportable as CSV or PDF for QA review. Data encryption follows TLS 1.2+ standards; system logs comply with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Long-term archival storage in biorepositories and national biobanks requiring >20-year sample stability.
• Clinical trial sample banking with strict chain-of-custody and temperature deviation reporting mandates.
• Cell therapy manufacturing facilities operating under cGMP Annex 1 guidelines for cryopreserved final drug products.
• Academic core labs managing high-throughput CRISPR library screens or single-cell sequencing sample cohorts.
• Global diagnostic networks transporting infectious disease reference panels across borders under WHO and CDC biosafety transport frameworks.

FAQ

Does the Locator 6 Plus model include an integrated liquid nitrogen level alarm?
No—the standard Locator 6 Plus configuration does not include an audible or visual local alarm. However, the ultrasonic sensor output can be connected to third-party building management systems (BMS) or Thermo Fisher’s CryoManager™ platform for remote alerting.
Is routine maintenance required for the vacuum insulation?
Vacuum integrity is factory-sealed and verified via helium mass spectrometry. No user-serviceable vacuum components exist; periodic external inspection for dents, corrosion, or neck tube deformation is recommended annually per ISO 20387 guidance.
Can this tank be used for storing radioactive isotopes at cryogenic temperatures?
The Locator Plus™ Series is not certified for radiological containment. For radioisotope applications, consult Thermo Fisher’s dedicated CryoRad™ line, which incorporates lead-lined shielding and NRC-compliant leak testing.
What documentation is provided for IATA-compliant shipping?
Each transport-certified unit ships with a full DGD (Dangerous Goods Declaration), test report per UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Part III, Section 38.3, and a Certificate of Conformance referencing IATA PI 650 and IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.