DSW cryogenic dewar flasks are vacuum-insulated vessels designed for the storage and handling of cryogenic liquids such as liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid argon, and liquid helium. Their double-wall construction and vacuum insulation help reduce heat transfer and limit liquid evaporation during storage and handling.
Depending on the application, DSW can provide cryogenic dewar flasks with different capacities, pressure ratings, configurations, valves, fittings, and applicable standards.
What Is a Cryogenic Dewar Flask?
A cryogenic dewar flask is an insulated vessel designed to contain liquids at cryogenic temperatures. Unlike conventional containers, it uses a vacuum-insulated structure to reduce heat transfer from the surrounding environment.
A typical dewar flask consists of an inner vessel and an outer jacket separated by a vacuum-insulated space. The vacuum layer significantly reduces heat transfer by conduction and convection, while the outer vessel provides structural protection for the inner vessel.
The inner vessel is commonly manufactured from stainless steel or other materials suitable for cryogenic service. Material selection depends on the cryogenic liquid, operating temperature, pressure, design requirements, and applicable standards.
This construction helps limit heat input and liquid boil-off, supporting more stable cryogenic liquid storage under the specified operating conditions.
For example, liquid nitrogen boils at approximately −196°C (77 K), while liquid helium boils at approximately −269°C (4.2 K) at atmospheric pressure. Effective insulation is therefore important for controlling heat transfer and evaporation during cryogenic liquid storage and handling.
Cryogenic Dewar Flask Applications
Cryogenic Liquid Storage and Handling
Cryogenic dewar flasks are used for the storage and handling of cryogenic liquids where low-temperature containment and thermal insulation are required. The appropriate configuration depends on the liquid type, required capacity, operating pressure, handling method, and intended application.
Laboratory and Research Applications
Cryogenic dewar flasks are widely used in laboratories and research facilities for the temporary storage and handling of cryogenic liquids. Typical applications include laboratory cooling, experimental work, low-temperature research, sample preparation, and other applications requiring access to cryogenic liquids.
Cryopreservation and Biological Sample Handling
Cryogenic dewars can also be used in applications involving the handling and preservation of biological materials. Liquid nitrogen is commonly used to maintain very low temperatures for applications involving cells, tissues, biological samples, and other temperature-sensitive materials.
The suitable configuration depends on the required storage temperature, liquid capacity, access requirements, holding time, and operating environment.
Cryogenic Liquid Transport
Some cryogenic dewar configurations may be suitable for transport when designed and certified for the applicable transport requirements. The suitability for transport depends on the vessel design, operating pressure, liquid type, applicable regulations, and required certification.
Cryo Dewar Size Chart
Cryogenic Dewar Flask Design Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Vacuum insulation | Reduces heat transfer between the cryogenic liquid and the surrounding environment. |
| Double-wall construction | Provides the structural basis for the vacuum-insulated vessel. |
| Cryogenic-compatible materials | Materials are selected according to the cryogenic liquid, temperature, pressure, and design requirements. |
| Low boil-off design | The insulated construction helps limit heat input and reduce cryogenic liquid evaporation. |
| Filling and withdrawal system | Valves, fittings, and connections can be configured according to the intended application and operating requirements. |
| Application-specific configuration | Capacity, pressure rating, connections, valves, and other specifications can be selected according to project requirements. |
Cryogenic Liquids
DSW cryogenic dewar flasks can be configured for different cryogenic liquids, subject to material compatibility, operating conditions, vessel design, and applicable standards.
- Liquid nitrogen (LIN)
- Liquid oxygen (LOX)
- Liquid argon (LAR)
- Liquid helium (LHe)
- Other compatible cryogenic liquids according to project requirements
The required configuration may vary according to the boiling point, temperature, pressure, chemical compatibility, required storage capacity, and handling requirements of the selected cryogenic liquid.
Cryogenic Storage Dewar
Cryogenic Dewar Flask Specifications
The specification of a cryogenic dewar flask depends on the cryogenic liquid and the intended application. Important parameters include capacity, operating pressure, design temperature, insulation performance, evaporation rate, filling and withdrawal connections, valve configuration, materials, and applicable certification requirements.
| Specification | Configuration Considerations |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Selected according to the required cryogenic liquid volume and application. |
| Operating pressure | Specified according to the vessel design and intended operating conditions. |
| Design temperature | Determined according to the cryogenic liquid and applicable design requirements. |
| Insulation | Vacuum insulation is used to reduce heat transfer and help control liquid evaporation. |
| Valves and connections | Configured according to filling, withdrawal, pressure control, and connection requirements. |
| Materials | Selected according to the cryogenic liquid, temperature, pressure, and service conditions. |
| Standards and certification | Specified according to the product design, destination market, application, and applicable regulations. |
For project-specific requirements, DSW can support specification review and product configuration based on the cryogenic liquid, capacity, operating pressure, application, connections, and applicable standards.
Cryogenic Dewar Flask vs. Dewar Cylinder
Cryogenic dewar flasks and dewar cylinders are related vacuum-insulated cryogenic vessels, but their construction, capacity, pressure rating, configuration, and intended use can differ.
A cryogenic dewar flask is typically selected based on the required cryogenic liquid capacity, insulation performance, handling method, and application. A dewar cylinder may be designed for different capacity ranges, pressure requirements, withdrawal systems, or transport applications.
The appropriate vessel should therefore be selected according to the cryogenic liquid, operating conditions, required capacity, pressure, handling requirements, and applicable standards.
For a broader range of cryogenic liquid cylinders and dewar configurations, see our dewar cylinder products.
DSW Cryogenic Dewar Flask Supply
DSW supports the supply of cryogenic dewar flasks for laboratory, research, industrial, and cryogenic liquid handling applications. Product configurations can be specified according to the cryogenic liquid, capacity, pressure, connections, insulation requirements, and applicable standards.
Our engineering and manufacturing teams can assist with product specification, configuration review, and documentation requirements based on the intended application.
For larger cryogenic storage requirements or integrated gas supply applications, DSW also provides cryogenic storage equipment and industrial gas supply solutions.
