Curiously, within the period between ancient ice therapy and modern-day cryogenic machines, healthcare practitioners tried a variety of cooling media to treat health conditions. However, it was only after discovering the way to liquefy nitrogen that whole-body cryotherapy was invented. Read the article to learn how liquid nitrogen works for cooling and why it is the most suitable refrigerating agent for extreme cold treatments in cryosaunas and cryo chambers.
Why do we use liquid nitrogen in cryotherapy machines?
The temperature inside a cryosauna should be low enough to cool and stimulate the customer’s body immediately. Liquid nitrogen running -196°C or lower is cut for this job as it can cool down a cryosauna to -130°C or -150°C within minutes.
Moreover, nitrogen is a naturally occurring gas. The Earth’s atmosphere contains about 78% of nitrogen. Nitrogen is extracted from the air, liquefied, and pumped into purpose-built vacuum flasks, pressurized or non-pressurized, for long-term storage. This refrigerant is highly available and, in most cases, quite affordable.
In addition, nitrogen is non-explosive and non-toxic, therefore safe and easy to use. Freezing temperature aside, the air and nitrogen mixture used for cooling a cryosauna cabin is the most natural environment for our body.
How to use liquid nitrogen in a cryogenic chamber?
Liquid nitrogen in a gaseous state is pumped into a cryosauna from a non-pressurized Dewar or pressurized tank, which usually has a bigger capacity than Dewars.
Cryomed’s cryosaunas are ultra cost-effective. These cryotherapy machines require only 2.5 to 4 liters of liquid nitrogen per session. Thus, with back-to-back treatment scheduling, you can get up to 11 sessions out of a 35-liter Dewar, given that some 3 liters go for precooling. Usually, Cryomed’s Dewar-type cryosaunas come with two 35-liter non-pressurized Dewars. If you need additional Dewars, you may buy from us at €750 – 1500, depending on capacity. Optionally, 50-liter Dewars are available.
Pressurized tanks require fewer refills and can be rented from liquid nitrogen suppliers. The rent price depends on the country. Mind that some suppliers may ask for a security deposit.
Pressurized tanks come in sizes ranging from 100 to 5000 liters. But a 240-liter tank is the most popular option for its convenience.
You can also buy pressurized tanks from Cryomed. We offer capacities from 60 to 300 liters. Please email our sales team to get the details.
How much is liquid nitrogen, and where can I find it?
Liquid nitrogen pricing varies from country to country, but on average, the suppliers may charge from €1 to 2 per liter. Rebates may apply for larger volumes of purchase.
Cryomed has garnered a database of liquid nitrogen suppliers over the years. Our sales managers will gladly share the contacts and locations of the most trustworthy suppliers in your country.
If, in your area, liquid nitrogen supply is not available, consider liquid nitrogen generators. In this case, you will get your own source of liquid nitrogen and will not depend on external suppliers.
How safe is it to work with liquid nitrogen?
Though nitrogen is non-explosive and non-toxic, it still raises safety concerns, so countermeasures should be put in place.
- For the customers’ protection, it is crucial to support the oxygen level in the treatment room above 19%. Consider installing an oxygen sensor in the cryotherapy room for higher safety.
- Good ventilation is a must as well. In some countries, if you use a pressurized tank, you may be required to install suction-and-exhaust ventilation, which is rather costly. In that event, a Dewar-type cryosauna may be your best choice. You may consult liquid nitrogen suppliers on legal requirements in your country.
For more detailed information on ventilation systems, contact our sales department.