Dry Shipper Dewars and LN2 Storage Dewars

LONDON - May 8, 2026 - PRLog -- Whether you are transporting biological samples across the country or storing them long term in your laboratory, choosing the right cryogenic vessel matters enormously. A dry shipper dewar and a liquid nitrogen storage dewar serve very different purposes, yet the two are frequently confused at the point of purchase. This guide explains both clearly and helps UK laboratories make the right decision.

What Is a Dry Shipper Dewar?

A dry shipper dewar is a cryogenic vessel specifically designed for the safe transport of biological samples at liquid nitrogen temperatures. Unlike a conventional dewar, a dry shipper holds liquid nitrogen within an absorbent material inside the vessel wall rather than as a free liquid. This means there is no free liquid nitrogen present when the unit is in use.

What Is an LN2 Storage Dewar?

An LN2 storage dewar, also referred to as a liquid nitrogen storage dewar or simply a storage dewar, is designed for the long term preservation of biological material within a laboratory environment. These vessels hold free liquid nitrogen and maintain temperatures of minus 196 degrees Celsius, providing the stable cryogenic environment required for the storage of embryos, oocytes, sperm, and other biological samples.

Dry Shipper Dewar vs Storage Dewar: Key Differences

The most important distinction is purpose. A dry shipper dewar is built for transport. A storage dewar is built for stationary, long term use in a laboratory setting. Using a storage dewar for transport is not recommended as free liquid nitrogen presents a spillage risk during movement. Using a dry shipper for long term storage is equally unsuitable as the hold time is limited and the vessel is not designed for continuous use over weeks or months.

Liquid Nitrogen Dewar Cell Storage: What Laboratories Need to Know

When using a liquid nitrogen dewar for cell storage, the internal organisation of the vessel is as important as the vessel itself. Samples stored in an LN2 dewar need to be organised using a structured system of cryocanes, cryosleeves, and goblets to ensure samples can be located quickly and safely without prolonged exposure to ambient temperatures during retrieval.

Dewars LN2: Choosing the Right Capacity for Your Laboratory

Selecting the correct capacity for your laboratory is one of the most common procurement challenges when sourcing dewars for LN2 use. Choosing a vessel that is too small means more frequent refilling, greater liquid nitrogen consumption, and a higher risk of samples being compromised if a refill is missed. Choosing a vessel that is too large for your sample volume wastes laboratory space and increases nitrogen evaporation.

Contact Cryolab

To discuss your dry shipper dewar or LN2 storage dewar requirements, contact the Cryolab team directly. (http://cryolab.co.uk/)