Bio System Installation Molecular Collection Facility, Natural History Museum London.
The Project Installation of a complete Cryogenic storage facility for the storage of samples from endangered species. The Cryopreservation unit at the Natural History Museum, London, has been set up to be the first DNA bank for the storage of tissue samples from endangered species in the world. Within the next 30 years 24% of mammals and 12% of birds will become extinct, so this facility will act as a frozen ark. The brief for the setting up the liquid nitrogen Cryopreservation unit, was the storage of samples that were unique in temperatures below -170 C but in vapour phase and have these samples totally protected from any bacterial or viral contamination via immersion in LN2 for whatever reason. To have storage of equilivant to 200,000 x 2ml samples samples but due to limited space have all these units filling from a 950 litre supply tank. To have sample temperatures recorded and to have all vessels linked up to a common alarm system. To have a complete Oxygen alarm system that linked to the ventilation system and alarm system as well. To also have an outlet for filling small volume LN2 dewars. This was fulfilled by 3 x Biosystem 60 units, a Cryocyl 950 supply tank and a integrated oxygen with data logging alarm system with everything installed in a compact room with limited space. See picture above.
Automatic LN2 refrigerator Dry sample storage area so no contact with LN2 and no possible viral or bacterial infection of these unique samples by the LN2 Vapour guard over fill protection preventing any LN2 contact with samples even if the vessel over fills, this gives ultimate protection to these totally unique samples. Off centre neck design allows samples to be stored below -180C Each vessel will hold 68,800 x 2ml samples in a small foot print. Limited access height to make rack extraction easier for smaller users Fold away steps to allow easy access past vessels Linked fill system to reduce supply tank consumption De-fog button that operates even with a hot gas by-pass so it makes it easier to locate samples Hot gas by pass fitted to reduce gas build up in room and save LN2 Timer Fill Biosystems will fill on a timer in working hours to prevent call outs during out of hours
Supply tank Cryocyl 950 Timer Fill Biosystems will fill on a timer in working hours to prevent call outs during out of hours Supply tank Cryocyl 950 Super insulated design to make the tank smaller so easier to fit into a small place 950 litres easier to position close to buildings without transgressing codes of practice Bottom outlet for LN2 cleaner LN2 less gas with less Contents indicator constant readout and linked to alarm system so will activate alarm if contents falls below 20% Pressure gauge linked to alarm system so will be activated if pressure drops in supply tank and refrigerators cannot fill Connection designed specifically to suite a gas company Back pressure regulator reduces high pressure build up in tank Pressure build system can re-build pressure automatically after filling Manual fill point with solenoid enables filling of small vessels safely Slam shut valve connected to oxygen alarm to prevent tank dump in room
Super Insulated Vacuum Pipeline Hot gas line SIVL Vapour gaurd line Super insulated pipeline (silver) runs into room from supply tank Hot gas line (Black) takes gas that has evaporated from pipeline and directs it outside Vapour guard line (Black) takes over fill LN2 outside and protects samples and Biosystem in case of over fill Extended handle Valves Enables valves to be closed even when cold
Oxygen Alarm System Oxygen sensors with display in room close to room entrances. Oxygen sensors with display in room close to room entrances. Data logging and control box Beacon sounders activated inside and outside storage area Ventilation fans linked to Oxygen alarm to increase speed before O2 levels are critical If ventilation fails to clear N2 gas, Oxygen sensor will close pipeline and activate central alarm system
Data logging and Alarm Radio linked data logger and alarm units. Data logging box with record of all temprature and alarm output to iether text message or telephone of any alarm activation. All temperatures are recorded using ELTEK wireless alarm system. The system is isolated from the main ELTEK alarm system that the entire Natural history museum uses to monitor exhibits and samples. The temperature data logger alarm units can be fitted to any piece of lab equipment, with easy expansion to other vessels. Data logging will be for all storage tempratures, with data downloaded every few weeks for archiving. Biosystem storage tempratures with independant temprature probes. ULT frezers storage temprtaures with independant temrature probes. Fridges and freezers storage temprature with independent temprature probes Oxygen levels in room Tel: +44 (0) 191 416 4104 Fax: +44 (0) 191 415 0369 Email: cryobiology@statebourne.com