Cryogenic storage: Housing materials at -238 °F

Cryogenic storage is crucial in the biotechnology, healthcare, and food industries, where products must be handled according to strict preservation conditions. Managing these goods in a warehouse requires specialized infrastructure and technology systems to maintain stable temperatures as well as safety and traceability at all times.

In this post, we explain how cryogenic facilities operate, what type of equipment they require, and how dedicated software enables efficient, secure management under extreme temperature conditions.

What is cryogenic storage?

Cryogenic storage involves preserving products at extremely low temperatures, generally below -238 °F. This technique is commonly used for biological samples such as cells, tissues, vaccines, or genetic material. It’s also applied in industrial and food sectors where substances need to be kept in stable thermal conditions to prevent degradation or alteration. In the medical field, this process is also known as cryopreservation or cryoconservation.

A cryogenic storage facility is a warehouse equipped with special freezers, cryogenic tanks, or liquid nitrogen containers that keep products under controlled, ultra-low-temperature conditions. These environments are continuously monitored to ensure the integrity of the items inside them.

Cryogenic storage is also gaining ground in the energy industry, with the growing use of cryogenic hydrogen tanks. These require even more extreme cooling to store clean energy in liquid form.

What are cryogenic tanks?

Cryogenic tanks are containers designed to house liquids such as liquid oxygen, nitrogen, or hydrogen at very low temperatures. They’re built with materials that offer high thermal resistance and typically feature vacuum insulation systems to minimize cold loss.

These tanks are essential in cryogenic storage facilities, as they safely and efficiently preserve the liquids needed for product refrigeration. Their maintenance and operation follow strict safety and traceability protocols.

To guarantee the structural integrity of these tanks, friction stir welding (FSW) technology is sometimes used. This solid-state joining technique enhances the mechanical strength of the containers, which is vital in cryogenic storage environments where extreme temperature fluctuations can occur.

Types of cryogenic storage

When housing products at cryogenic temperatures, several methods can be implemented depending on the nature of the goods and the specific requirements of each application:

• Stationary tanks. These large fixed vessels are used for the long-term storage of cryogenic liquids in industrial facilities, production plants, and logistics centers.
• Portable containers. These receptacles are designed to safely transport small quantities of cryogenic materials, especially in medical, laboratory, or research settings.
• Liquid- or gas-phase storage. Depending on their thermal sensitivity, products can be kept either submerged in cryogenic liquid or exposed to its cold gaseous atmosphere.

In all cases, handling must be done using automated systems or proper protective equipment. This minimizes direct human contact to reduce risks while preserving product integrity.

Benefits of cryogenic storage

The main benefits of cryogenic storage include:

• Long-term preservation. Cells, tissues, eggs, sperm, embryos, pharmaceuticals, and certain foods are housed without loss of functionality or viability.
• Molecular stability. Extremely low temperatures halt biochemical reactions and microbial growth, ensuring the integrity of materials.
• Space optimization. Cryogenic systems allow large volumes to be kept in compact areas.
• Energy efficiency. Unlike mechanical freezers, well-insulated cryogenic tanks maintain low temperatures without requiring constant power.
• Safety. Modern equipment incorporates real-time monitoring systems and alarms to guarantee stable storage conditions.

These features make cryogenic storage a reliable and efficient solution for preserving high-value materials.

Digital management of a cryogenic facility

The complexity of cryogenic storage makes it necessary to implement a digital management system that provides comprehensive oversight of all operations. Traceability, precise temperature control, and real-time data logging are key to safeguarding product quality and ensuring compliance with health and biosafety regulations.

Interlake Mecalux’s Easy WMS warehouse management system offers an advanced solution for cryogenic facilities. By integrating sensors, automating tasks, and strictly monitoring every housed unit, Easy WMS is a key tool for making sure products retain their properties from origin to final destination.

To sum up, cryogenic storage plays a fundamental role in high-demand industries by preserving sensitive products. When paired with a warehouse management system like Easy WMS, it enhances both safety and traceability under extreme conditions.