What is the Temperature of a Cryochamber?

The word “cryogenics” conjures up science fiction scenarios common in books and movies, such as bodies being frozen for light-year-long space travel or to be awakened in the distant future. 

An imagery that has created a lot of confusion around the scientific reality of cryogenics and the cryochamber, spreading very polarized opinions such as: we can do it like in the movies / it's all nonsense.

In reality, cryogenics is a technology that actually exists and is applied in numerous sectors, from medicine to scientific research, although it is (still) far from its fictional representation.

Today we'll see what a cryochamber is, what temperature it reaches, and what its applications are.

What is a Cryochamber?

Cryogenics comes from the Greek and means "generation of cold." This is why it's the name we use for all those technologies designed to produce extremely low temperatures.

Although the term refers to the generation of cold itself, today it is used for all devices that can generate temperatures below those of ultra-low freezers. The commonly agreed-upon threshold is -145°, or -230°F.

In fact, to exceed that threshold, it is necessary to use cryogenic fluids, that is, liquid gases characterized by extremely low temperatures. Liquid nitrogen is generally used.

A cryochamber is therefore a laboratory instrument specifically designed to reach these extreme temperatures with the aid of cryogenic fluids.

Cryochambers are always hermetically sealed environments, within which these environmental conditions can be achieved, but they can be of various sizes depending on the fields of application.

But what is a cryochamber used for?

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What is a cryochamber used for?

Generating environments with extremely low temperatures can have many uses, which can however be divided into two main fields: cryotherapy and cryopreservation.

Cryotherapy is one of the best-known applications of cryochambers, particularly in the fields of sports medicine and wellness. 

This technique involves exposing the body or parts of it to extremely low temperatures for short periods, usually between -110°C and -140°C. During a cryotherapy session, the body responds to the drastic drop in temperature by reducing blood flow to the exposed area, which can reduce inflammation and pain. This treatment is highly regarded for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle recovery benefits, accelerating healing and improving athletic performance.

Cryopreservation, on the other hand, is of interest to medical and scientific research. These temperatures are ideal for effectively preserving certain types of biological samples, such as cells, tissues, embryos, and other genetic materials. 

At extremely low temperatures, biological activity almost completely stops, allowing long-term storage without degradation. 

Cryochamber, Freezer or Ultra-Ultra Freezer?

However, cryochambers aren't the only tool used in medical and scientific research to preserve samples. They also include freezers and ultra-low temperature freezers.

The former generally reach temperatures between -15° and -25°, while the latter can even reach -80°.

As can be deduced from what we have already said, cryochambers are by far the best performing of the three, reaching at least -145° to be defined as such and are the only ones to use liquid nitrogen as a cooling medium.

This performance, however, entails a high cost in terms of energy and raw materials and, consequently, also in economic terms.

For this reason, research institutes use ultra-low temperature freezers for most samples , especially if the storage period does not need to be excessively long.

We talked about it in more depth here.

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In addition to our flagship product, , climate chamberswe have a series of professional freezers and ultra-low temperature freezers that reach temperatures suitable for storing most drugs and samples.

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Reference Standards

• ISO 21009-2 — Cryogenic vessels: Static vacuum insulated vessels, operational requirements, requirements for cryogenic vacuum vessels for LN2/LHe storage.
• EN 13458 — Cryogenic vessels: Static vacuum insulated vessels, design, construction, inspection and testing for European PED regulation.
• CGA P-12 — Safe Handling of Cryogenic Liquids: American Safety Guidelines for Cryogenic System Operators.
• ASTM E1530 — Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Resistance to Thermal Transmission by the Guarded Heat Flow Meter Technique, applicable to MLI insulation characterization.
• ISO 23208 — Cryogenic vessels: Cleanliness for cryogenic service, cleanliness requirements for liquid oxygen and reactive fluid systems.
• ISO 11114 — Gas cylinders: Compatibility of cylinder and valve materials with gas contents.

Authoritative Sources

• CGA – Compressed Gas Association. American reference organization for the safety of compressed gases and cryogenic liquids.
• CEN – European Committee for Standardization. Maintains the EN 13458 series for cryogenic vessels under PED Directive 2014/68/EU.
• ISO – International Organization for Standardization. Publishes ISO 21009 and related standards for cryogenic vessels.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cryochamber Temperature

What minimum temperatures can be reached?

Industrial cryochambers cover different temperature ranges depending on the working fluid. Mechanical cascade systems using R23/R170 reach -90/-100°C with cascade compressors, without consumables but with limited cooling capacity (typically 500-3000 W at -90°C). Liquid CO2 systems (exchanger immersed in LCO2) reach -78.5°C, sublimation point, with rapid direct injection and autonomy dependent on the dewar (2000-5000 L typical). LN2 systems with direct injection or exchanger cover -100/-196°C (nitrogen boiling point at 1 atm), with exceptional cooling rates (>60°C/min) and high versatility. LHe systems reach -269°C (4.2 K) for superconducting applications and space qualification. The choice depends on the application: automotive cold start -40°C uses cascade; Pharma storage -80 C uses a boosted cascade or CO2; space simulation -150 C requires LN2; quantum computing requires LHe with a dilution refrigerator.

Difference between LN2, CO2 and mechanical cascade?

The TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) comparison highlights substantial differences. Mechanical cascade: high investment (30-80 kEUR), low operating costs (electricity only, ~3-8 kW at -80 C), no consumable logistics, ordinary compressor maintenance every 5-10 years. Liquid CO2: low investment (10-25 kEUR), medium consumable costs (150-300 EUR/week for a 180 L dewar), high cooling rate (>20 C/min), applicable down to -80 C, consumption 2-5 kg ​​CO2 for each descent from ambient to -70 C on a 500 L chamber. LN2: medium investment (20-50 kEUR), variable consumable costs (0.3-1.2 EUR/L LN2), extreme cooling rate, requires 5000-20000 L dewar storage with roadside outlets and fire brigade permits, consumption 3-8 L LN2 per liter of chamber volume for each deep descent. The optimal choice integrates frequency of use, cycle time, minimum required temperature, and logistical availability of consumables.

How do you isolate a cryochamber?

Thermal insulation is critical to limit heat leakage and power consumption. Professional cryochambers integrate: (1) vacuum walls with sealed internal chamber, 1e-4 mbar vacuum maintained by molecular getters or turbo pumps; (2) MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) between internal chamber and external shell, 30-50 layers of aluminized Mylar with a total thickness of 20-40 mm, equivalent conductivity 1e-5 W/m K; (3) low-conducting fiberglass or G-10 fiberglass supports with maximum length to minimize conduction; (4) radiation shields at 77 K (if LN2 available) to reduce radiation from the external shell; (5) cable passages with low thermal conductivity manganin or phosphor-bronze wires. Typical heat leaks for a 500 L cryochamber with MLI under vacuum: 5-15 W at -150 C, 30-80 W at 77 K. Direct heat leak measurement is performed with the LN2 boil-off method by weighing consumption over time and calculating dispersed power.

What are the ODH safety risks in cryochambers?

The ODH (Oxygen Deficiency Hazard) risk is the most serious in cryogenic systems: 1 L of evaporating LN2 produces 696 L of nitrogen gas at 20°C, sufficient to reduce O2 below 19.5% in a poorly ventilated 50 m3 chamber. Loss of consciousness due to hypoxia can be rapid (< 30 s) without sensory warning. Mandatory CGA P-12 mitigations: (1) wall-mounted O2 sensors with audible alarm at 19.5% and cut-off at 18% (near the chamber and chamber exit); (2) mechanical ventilation with air changes >= 6 times/h and flow rate > evaporable N2 consumption in the event of a failure; (3) tracer gas leak detectors on vents; (4) specific operator training with PPE (self-contained breathing apparatus for emergency interventions); (5) ADR 2.2 pictograms and warning signs. Secondary risks: burns from cold contact (cryogenic gloves, visor), overpressure from evaporation in a closed environment (safety valves on dewars, expansion tanks), fragmentation of embrittled metals (ferritic steels reduced to splinters below -100 C, use only austenitic AISI 316L).