Liquid nitrogen tank material competition: aluminum alloy vs. stainless steel, who is better?

As a key equipment for storing liquid nitrogen and low-temperature samples, the material selection of liquid nitrogen tanks directly affects their performance and service life. At present, the common materials for liquid nitrogen tanks on the market are aluminum alloy and stainless steel, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, suitable for different scenarios.

1、 Aluminum alloy liquid nitrogen tank

advantage:

Lightweight: Aluminum alloy has low density and is lighter than stainless steel liquid nitrogen tanks, making it easy to carry and transport. It is particularly suitable for scenarios that require frequent movement, such as laboratory sample transportation, outdoor scientific research, etc.

Good thermal conductivity: Aluminum alloy has excellent thermal conductivity, which can transfer the cooling capacity of liquid nitrogen to the sample faster and improve the cooling efficiency.

Relatively cheap price: Aluminum alloy materials have lower costs, so the price of aluminum alloy liquid nitrogen tanks is usually more affordable than stainless steel liquid nitrogen tanks.

Disadvantages:

Low strength: Aluminum alloy has lower strength than stainless steel and is more prone to deformation or damage when subjected to impact or pressure.

Poor corrosion resistance: Aluminum alloys are prone to corrosion, especially in humid or acidic environments, and require more attention to maintenance.

Applicable scenarios: scenarios that require frequent movement, are weight sensitive, and have limited budgets, such as laboratory sample transportation, outdoor scientific research, small biological sample banks, etc.

2、 Stainless steel liquid nitrogen tank

advantage:

High strength: Stainless steel has high strength, is resistant to impact and pressure, is more sturdy and durable, and has a longer service life.

Strong corrosion resistance: Stainless steel has good corrosion resistance and can resist the erosion of harsh environments such as moisture, acid and alkali, with lower maintenance costs.

Beautiful appearance: The stainless steel surface is smooth, easy to clean, and has a more beautiful and elegant appearance.

Disadvantages:

Heavy weight: Stainless steel has a high density, and the liquid nitrogen tank is heavy, making it inconvenient to move and transport.

Poor thermal conductivity: The thermal conductivity of stainless steel is not as good as that of aluminum alloy, and the cooling efficiency is relatively low.

High price: Stainless steel materials have a higher cost, so the price of stainless steel liquid nitrogen tanks is usually higher than that of aluminum alloy liquid nitrogen tanks.

Applicable scenarios: scenarios that require long-term storage, high security requirements, and complex environments, such as large biological sample banks, hospitals, blood stations, etc.

3、 Summary

Aluminum alloy and stainless steel liquid nitrogen tanks each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and users should choose the appropriate material according to their own needs. If frequent movement, weight sensitivity, and limited budget are required, aluminum alloy liquid nitrogen tanks can be chosen; If long-term storage, high safety requirements, and complex environments are needed, stainless steel liquid nitrogen tanks can be chosen.