Wide-Range Cryoprocessor with Downstream LN2 Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryopreservation methods are inefficient in cooling down ultra-low freezers using liquid nitrogen and expose cryopreserved samples to rapid temperature changes during thawing, causing mechanical stress and product loss.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Pressure Wave Flow Control system to manage liquid nitrogen flow downstream of the payload bay heat exchanger, using flashed cryogen and heating gas for controlled temperature adjustments, and integrating quartz lamps for uniform heating, allowing for both freezing and thawing in a single unit at controlled rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional liquid nitrogen flow control using vacuum insulated or foam insulated valves is used at the beginning of the liquid flow process, then the system is simple to operate, but the freezing performance is inefficient and cryogen consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional control approach by moving the control valve from the inlet side to the outlet side of the heat exchanger. This reversal allows the system to maintain better temperature differential efficiency and reduce cryogen consumption while improving freezing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where the outlet control valve responds to temperature measurements, automatically adjusting cryogen flow to optimize freezing efficiency and minimize energy loss. The system uses temperature sensors and control algorithms to maintain optimal operating conditions.
2Loss of time
If samples are thawed by rapid heating to ambient temperatures in a separate system, then the thawing process is fast, but mechanical stress causes package splitting, cracking and product loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic temperature control during thawing, using variable power heating elements that adjust heating rates based on real-time temperature monitoring. This dynamic approach allows controlled thawing that prevents thermal shock and mechanical stress while maintaining reasonable thawing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the heating parameters progressively during the thawing process, starting with lower heating rates and gradually increasing as the sample temperature rises. This parameter modulation prevents sudden thermal expansion and stress that would cause package failure.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate systems are used for freezing and thawing operations, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall process complexity increases and sample handling exposure to mechanical stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional cryoprocessor that performs both freezing and thawing operations in a single integrated system. The same chamber and sample holders used for freezing are automatically used for thawing, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing sample handling while maintaining functional optimization through programmable control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances freezing performance, reduces cryogen consumption, and minimizes mechanical stress during thawing, enabling efficient and controlled temperature management within a single system, thereby preserving the integrity and quantity of cryopreserved samples.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid nitrogen flow in traditional cryogenic freezers is controlled by an array of either vacuum insulated or foam insulated valves at the beginning of the liquid flow process
Implementation Method 2
This design fully uses both the latent heat of vaporization and of the sensible energy potential of the cryogen fuel
Implementation Method 3
The closer to saturated liquid nitrogen, the larger DeltaT is present on the heat exchange portion of the cooling process
Implementation Method 4
This design fully uses both the latent heat of vaporization and of the sensible energy potential of the cryogen fuel
Implementation Method 5
raising a temperature of a sample environment to a predetermined requirement through a flashed cryogen and heating gas flow for use in a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 6
A second heating technique is to place quartz lamps between the payload bay and the inner wall of the insulating shell
Implementation Method 7
Flashed nitrogen gas is used in the coils to aid in temperature uniformity
Implementation Method 8
The control of the liquid cryogen gas is controlled on the exit end of the cryogen flow path. This technique called 'Pressure Wave Flow Control' is a closed loop system
Implementation Method 9
The output controlled by use of a control valve on the exit of the system
Data Source
AI summary
A wide range cryoprocessor is disclosed which allows for the freezing and the thawing of bio-samples in a single unit, and at controlled rates. Improvements have been made to enhance freezing performance by switching the liquid nitrogen flow control to the extreme downstream side. A second feature has been added to the cryoprocessor, capability to raise the temperature of a sample environment to a user's requirements through the use of a flashed cryogen and heating that gas flow for use in the heat exchanger on the freezer.