Absolute zero

Is the absolute coldest temperature that can exist, even in space, -273.15°C (0 Kelvin). Man has yet to achieve creating absolute zero as it regarded as impossible. With the use of Laser cooling temperatures of a billionth of degree of Absolute Zero can be reached.

Celsius

Mainly known as Centigrade is a unit of measurement applied to temperature.

Condensation

When matter changes state from a gas into a liquid state. Compression can force this but cooling is the most common way for condensation to form.

Conductor

A material that allows the flow of heat, electricity, light and sound.

Cryogenics

Is a branch of Physics and Engineering with the focus of studying very cold temperatures. This study encompasses the production of temperatures of below ?150 °C, ?238 °F or 123 K and how materials behave at these temperatures.

Cryobiology

Is a branch of Biology which studies the effects of Cryogenic temperatures on biological organisms.

Cryonics

Within Medicine Cryonics is the preservation of humans and animals at Cryogenic temperatures. This procedure is intended to preserve the subjects for revival in the future when Medicine has improved to make this possible.

Cryoelectronics

A branch of Physics researching electrical conductivity (superconductivity) at very low temperatures.

Current

The flow of electric charge.

Dewar

A flask made of glass or metal consisting of a chamber surrounded by a vacuum. This vacuum limits the amount of thermal loss or gain to keep materials at stable temperatures for storage. Dewar’s have special thermal glass construction due to the sudden extreme temperature changes that the held materials may induce.

Evaporation

The change of state from a liquid to gas. Often caused by warming of the liquid but pressure changes can also produce evaporation.

Freezing Point

The temperature at which a material changes state from liquid to a solid.

Kelvin temperature scale

A temperature measurement scale starting (0 k) at absolute zero and increasing in scale in units of comparison to Celsius.

Liquid Nitrogen

When Nitrogen is below -196° C or -321° F (77 K) it exists in a liquid state and is referred to as Liquid Nitrogen (LN2). LN2 freezes into a solid at ?210 °C or ?346 °F (63 K).

Nitrogen

Nitrogen (N2) is an odourless, non-flammable and harmless gas that makes up 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere.

Nitrogen Freezer

A device for rapid freezing materials for storage at Cryogenic temperatures.

Liquid Withdrawal Device

Liquid Withdrawal Device provides safe decanting of liquids (e.g. LN2) from Dewars. Dewars have a special flange near the neck which the Liquid Withdrawal Device attaches.

Nitrogen Generator

LN2 is formed by compressing air in a compressor which forces the air molecules closer and closer together. This compressed air goes along coils of tubing which are exposed to room temperature air which flows over the coils. As the air in the coil tubes warms it is compressed and then the room temperature air cools it. This process is repeated until the compressed air is lower than -196° C or -321° F (77 K). At this very low temperature Nitrogen condenses into a liquid.

Nitrogen Cycle

A natural process of nitrogen gas from the atmosphere being absorbed into the soil and then its release back into the air.

Pressure regulator

A device which allows for the safe use of high pressure gas storage and movement. The regulator is a valve that can cut off the release of gas at any given pressure.

Superconductivity

At Cryogenic temperatures it is possible for certain materials to conduct electricity without resistance.

Vapour Shipper

Vapor Shipper containers are designed for the safe transportation of biological samples at cryogenic (-150°C or colder) temperatures.