JP2004517007A - Cryogenic cargo container - Google Patents

Abstract

A cargo container having a cargo container outer shell (3) and a support assembly for holding the dewar bottle (2) in the cargo container outer shell and imparting shock and vibration resistance to the dewar bottle (3). The dewar (3) has an inner container (13) for holding a sample chamber (70) and a plastic foam (30) between its inner wall and the sample chamber. The sample chamber (70) allows liquid cryogen to pass therethrough and into the plastic foam (30), and allows liquid cryogen in the gaseous liquid state to pass from the plastic foam (30) to it. Allows and acts as a filter to prevent particles or fragments of plastic foam from entering it.

Description

[0001]
Field of the invention
The invention belongs to the field of cryogenic cargo containers.
[0002]
Background of the Invention
To ensure reproducible results in research and biotechnological processes, today's scientists and clinical practitioners seek to stabilize living cells genetically, It has been found that it is necessary to preserve the integrity of the complex molecules for this purpose. This is achieved by housing these materials in a vessel where the cryogenic temperature is continuously maintained at or near liquid nitrogen or gas phase liquid nitrogen temperatures (77 K and 100 K, respectively).
[0003]
Advances in cryopreservation technology have led to methods that allow for cryopreservation of various cell types and molecules. Techniques include viral and bacterial cultures, isolated tissue cells in tissue culture, small multicellular organic tissues, enzymes, human and animal DNA, pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, and diagnostic chemical substrates. Substrates, and for cryopreservation of more complex organic tissues such as, for example, embryos, unfertilized oocytes and sperm. These biological products must be moved or shipped in a frozen state at cryogenic temperatures in order to maintain viability. This requires a cargo container that can maintain a cryogenic environment for up to 10 days and meet other cargo requirements that are relatively intact to mechanical shock and directional localization results. I have.
[0004]
In addition to the already existing difficulties posed in the shipping of heat-sensitive biologics, the International Air Transport Agreement (IATA) contains pathogenic bacteria and potentially infectious agents. A new rule came into force in January 1995 for all shipping, including samples. These regulations, which have been accepted by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and apply to all public and private aviation, marine and land carriers, are to ensure that no major leaks occur and that major internal vials break It places very high demands on shipping units to survive significant material damage without causing damage. Enforcing this rule further complicates the shipping of frozen biological products.
[0005]
Even though bioshippers are currently available using liquid nitrogen such as refrigerants, there has been little modernization in the design of cold transport packaging. Current shippers are generally vulnerable to material damage and heading changes encountered during routine shipping operations. In addition, these shippers rarely comply with the IATA Dangerous Goods Code (effective in January 1995 and subsequently amended). Commercial suppliers do not develop or guarantee cost-effective standardized shipping units with the required sample volumes and retention times to meet user requirements.
[0006]
One of the main criticisms of current shippers is price, which varies from $ 500.00 per unit to $ 100,00 or more. This substantially limits their use for the delivery of many biologicals. Due to initial costs and limited production of these containers, they are designed to be reusable. However, the return shipping costs of these heavy containers are significant, especially in the international market.
[0007]
Users have also complained about the absorbent filters used in current dry shippers, which have been broken in continuous use and contaminating the interior of the container. In fact, one large user of these containers has essentially focused their entire shipping operation on cleaning broken absorbent material from inside these containers after each use.
[0008]
Another problem posed by currently used dry shipper users relates to functional hold time versus static hold time. The static holding time refers to a completely filled sipper in an upright state, for example essentially unused, without a thermal load. Functional retention times relate to fully filled sippers in use, containing samples, for example, being handled and transported. Even if the static holding time is often increased to 20 days, if this container is tilted or placed on its side, the holding time is inconsistent with the number of days. Reduce in hours. This is because the liquid nitrogen transitions to the gaseous (vapor) phase and more quickly results in outgassing. Liquid nitrogen also leaks easily from the container when it is placed on its side.
[0009]
Current cryogenic containers are being pushed to last because of their metallic construction. However, poor handling often results in rupture of the shell and cracks in the neck, resulting in loss of high vacuum insulation. This makes them impractical. The metal construction also increases the weight of the container, thereby substantially increasing shipping costs.
[0010]
Thus, there is a need for improved cryogenic containers that are biologically safe, reliable, and can be used for economical shipping.
[0011]
U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,465 teaches the use of lightweight, low cost, durable composites and polymers unique to semi-disposable gas-phase liquid nitrogen bioshippers. We are seeking to meet this need. This has been achieved in an essentially simple, reliable, and inexpensive device that would result in reduced shipping costs, increased reliability and safety, and fewer inspection requirements.
[0012]
The present invention is based on the structure devised by US Pat. No. 6,119,465, the disclosure of which is specifically incorporated herein by reference. This has been accomplished through the use of cryogenic shipping containers with many significant advances over those disclosed in our earlier patents. The end result is a greatly improved cryogenic container that is still reliable but more economical.
[0013]
Summary of the Invention
The present invention is generally directed to a portable, insulated cargo container. The cargo container has a cargo container shell and a support assembly for holding the dewar in the cargo container shell and for providing shock and vibration resistance to the steam dewar. The dewar has an inner container holding the sample chamber and a plastic foam between the inner wall and the sample chamber. The sample chamber allows liquid cryogen to pass therethrough to the plastic foam, liquid cryogen in a gaseous liquid state to pass from the plastic foam to it, and particles of the plastic foam or Acts as a filter to prevent fragments from entering it. The sample chamber is preferably made of a cryogenically compatible open-celled porous thermoplastic material, particularly preferably an aerated polypropylene foam. This plastic foam is preferably an open-cell plastic foam, particularly preferably a phenolic resin foam.
[0014]
In a first distinct group of features of the present invention, the plastic foam can maintain a regular charge of liquid cryogen in a dry vapor state regardless of the spatial orientation of the container. This plastic foam consists of a number of foam segments having a maximum thickness less than the critical height, each segment being separated by a capillary separation layer. The thickness of the foam segment is preferably selected so that the head pressure of the plurality of foam segments does not seep or flow liquid cryogen out of the foam segment when its orientation is changed. This thickness can be less than about 4 inches. The foam may occupy substantially the entire volume between the inner wall of the inner container and the sample chamber. Materials suitable for use as the capillary separation layer include water resistant treated paper products and spunbonded olefin films.
[0015]
In another separate aspect of the invention, a self-venting cap is used to limit access to the sample chamber when forming a pressure seal with the inner circumference of the neck of the dewar. . The cap creates one or more curved passages therethrough when it is in a pressurized seal. The cap is formed from a lower component having a first plurality of openings, an upper component having a second plurality of openings, a seal held between the lower and upper components, and a third component secured to the upper component. Is done. It is particularly preferred that said component of the cap in the steam passage is formed of a non-metallic, non-conductive, cryogenically compatible material. A first chamber is formed between the lower and upper components, while a second chamber is formed between the upper and third components. Steam begins in the first plurality of openings and then continues through the first chamber, the second plurality of openings, the second chamber, and then any of the multiple curved steam passages exiting from the ventilation openings. You can proceed through the cap at One or more semi-permeable membranes are used to prevent moisture (water vapor) from entering the dewar, while allowing vaporous cryogen to exit the dewar. I have.
[0016]
In yet another separate aspect of the present invention, the cargo container has a reservoir formed in the dewar when the container is placed on its side, and gravity causes the gas-phase liquid cryogen in the reservoir to disperse. It is configured not to be pushed out of the dewar. The reservoir is a cross section of the flat surface and the sample chamber, with the side wall of the container lying on a flat surface, proceeding from the upper end closest to the top and through the lower end closest to the base. It is formed by configuring the container such that there is an angle of about 6 degrees or greater between the downwardly extending cross section. The reservoir is also defined by a plane substantially parallel to the flat plane intersecting the base of the sample chamber and a first opening of a self-venting cap that forms a pressure seal with the neck of the dewar. Can be formed.
[0017]
In yet another separate aspect of the invention, a cargo container has a funnel-shaped container plate attached to the dewar. The cargo container is formed of a rigid thermoplastic material having a base, side walls and a top wall. The top wall is coupled to the side wall by a movable access assembly, such as a hinge or latch mechanism, and the latch mechanism is held in a locked position by a lock. The sidewall includes a top sidewall with a pocket for holding a document and a top opening for accessing a dewar opening in the dewar bottle, the top sidewall being covered by the top wall. A safety strap with a locking mechanism, such as an adjustable buckle, is attached to the bottom of the dewar and surrounds the dewar in a closed state, which also secures the self-venting cap. Hold in place. An internal plug of cryogenically compatible insulated plastic foam with a handle is retained in the neck between the self-venting cap and the sample chamber. The support assembly is a single piece, such as a material having multiple parts or being poured or poured into the outer shell of a cargo container to fill available space.
[0018]
In a further separate aspect of the invention, the portable cargo container is made to meet the Dangerous Goods Regulations of the United States Department of Transportation / International Air Transport Agreement (DOT / IATA).
[0019]
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved, portable, insulated shipping container filled with a liquid cryogen.
[0020]
This and further objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art in connection with the figures and detailed description of the preferred embodiments set forth below.
[0021]
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
The preferred embodiments of the present invention are used as part of a general system utilizing several inventions. Broadly speaking, there is an overall cryogenic cargo container system. Inside this cargo container is a dewar. The dewar has a sample chamber for holding a sample. And, in some applications, such as dangerous goods shipments, the sample is held in a containment system. While FIGS. 1-6 are described mostly below, a glossary of the elements identified in the figures follows.
[0022]
1 Portable thermal insulation cargo container
2 Jewer Bottle
3 External casing of Jewer bottle 2
3a Upper half of outer casing 3
3b Lower half of outer casing 3
4 Top opening of outer casing 3
5 Suctionable space between outer casing 3 and inner casing 13
6 Getter Pack
7 Desiccant
8 nipples
10 Super insulation layer
11 Dewar opening to inner container 13
13 Inner container of Jewer bottle 2
13a Upper half of inner container 13
13b Lower half of inner container 13
14 Top opening of inner container 13
15 Inner wall of inner container 13
21 Jewer Bottle 2 Neck
30 plastic foam
31 Plastic foam 30 foam segment
32 Capillary separation layer of foam 30
40 Cargo container outer shell
41 Base of cargo container shell 40
42 Side wall of cargo container outer shell 40
42a Top side wall of side wall 42
42b Top opening formed in top side wall 42a
43 Top wall of cargo container outer shell 40
44 Handle formed on cargo container outer shell 40
45 Document pockets formed in the cargo container outer shell 40
46 Hinge mechanism
47 Latch mechanism
48 certification plate assembly
48a certification plate
48b Rivets for certification plate assembly 48
48c Indentation for certification plate in cargo container outer shell 40
50 Support Assembly for Jewer Bottle 2
51 Bottom of support assembly 50
52 Side rib of support assembly 50
53 Top of support assembly 50
55 Safety Strap
56 Safety strap adjustment buckle
57 External Bottom of Jewer Bottle 2
60 Funnel-shaped container plate
61 Support for plate 60
62 spray foam
70 Sample room
71 Side wall of sample chamber 70
72 Base of sample chamber 70
73 Top Opening of Sample Chamber 70
80 Containment system
81 Bag of containment system 80
82 Handle of containment system 80
83 Porous structural cartridge for containment system 80
84 Sample container for containment system 80
85 Cartridge Base for Storage System 80
86 Sample container opening of containment system 80
87 Cartridge Cover of Storage System 80
88 Additional Cartridge Base for Storage System 80
90 internal plug
91 Handle of internal plug 90
100 Self ventilation cap
101 Lower component of self-venting cap 100
102 Top component of self-venting cap 100
102a Lower surface of upper component 102
103 Self-venting cap 100 seal
104 Third component of self-venting cap 100
105 plate
106 screw (screw not shown)
107 cover plate
108 female screw of lower component 101
111 Male thread
112 female screw
113 Positioning device
114 second positioning device
115 rib
121 first plurality of openings in lower component 101
122 second plurality of openings in upper component 102
131 First Chamber of Self-venting Cap 100
132 Second chamber of self-venting cap 100
133 Vent opening of self-ventilated cap 100
[0023]
FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing all components of the cryogenic cargo container, generally indicated at 1, in an exploded state, and FIG. 2 shows how all of these components are assembled together. Indicates that it can be mounted. FIG. 3 is an assembly diagram showing how the dewar bottle 2 is assembled.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 1, a dewar generally designated 2 has a sample chamber 70 accessed by a dewar opening 11. When the cargo container 1 is ready for use after it has been sufficiently filled with liquid cryogen, the sample container is placed in the sample chamber 70 via the dewar opening 11. As shown in FIG. 1 and as described in greater detail in connection with FIG. 6, one form that a sample container can take is a containment system 80 in which a porous structural cartridge 83 includes a handle 82 Is held in a bag 81 provided with After the containment system 80 has been placed in the sample chamber 70, the internal plug 90 is placed in the dewar opening 11 along with the handle 91. (The inner plug 90, which may be formed of a cryogenically compatible polyurethane foam, acts as both a spacer and a thermal insulator.) The self-venting cap 100 is then inserted into the dewar opening 11 through the funnel-shaped container plate 60. Inserted and tightened to create a pressure seal (this is shown in FIGS. 5A-5C). After this pressure seal is formed, the adjustment buckle 56 of the safety strap 55 is closed and tightened (if desired, any suitable alternative connection mechanism can be substituted for the buckle). The safety strap 55 can be made of webbing material, which is affixed to the outer bottom 57 of the dewar 2 by adhesive tape or some other affixation means. The safety strap 55, when properly closed and securely fastened, provides additional integrity to the dewar 2 and prevents the self-venting cap 100 and containment system 80 from being destroyed or separated. help.
[0025]
The dewar assembly is held in a cargo container shell 40 made of a lightweight but rigid material that helps provide seismic and impact resistance, such as low density polyethylene. The cargo container shell 40 has a "base 41", a "side wall 42", and a "top wall 43" that surround and surround the dewar 2 while it is in cargo. From a definition point of view, the container 2 is placed on its flat surface (eg, on the ground or the floor of a transportation vehicle) on its intended, desired (in other words, When stationary in the (non-reversed) orientation, the base 41 is that part of the shell 40 that rests on a flat plane and the top wall 43 is separated from the base 41 that is somewhat movable to allow access into the container. At the outermost portion of the remote shell 40 (eg, the top lid of the box), a side wall 42 connects the base 41 to the top wall 43 anyway (eg, a box or square with a square cross section forms the four sides forming the side wall). Has a flat surface).
[0026]
The dewar 2 is inserted into the shell 40 via a base 41, and the base 41 is attached to the side wall 42 by a suitable sealing means such as a screw. Mechanisms for tampering with the hull 40 during loading and providing evidence of improper orientation of the container 1 or means for tracking the container 1 during loading (eg, a global positioning system) It may be contained in an outer shell 40 at or near the base 41. In the preferred embodiment of the cargo container 1 depicted in FIG. 1, the top wall 43 is a cover attached to the side wall 42 by a hinge mechanism 46 (consisting of two hinges) and a latch mechanism 47. During loading, the latch mechanism 47 may be kept locked by a security lock (not shown) to protect against tampering. (In this context, a "safety device" is not only a conventional safety device that may require a key or combination to open, but also a secured band or a tamperproof device or a tampering device. The top wall 43 in a closed state covers the top side wall 42a of the side wall 42. The top side wall 42a includes a top opening 42b with the top wall 43 open, the latch mechanism 47 unlocked, and the dewar opening 11 accessible when the self-venting cap 100 is removed. The top side wall 42a also includes a pocket 45 for documents (eg, item list checklist, shipping documents or operating instructions). The pocket 45 can be accessed if the top wall 43 is not hooked in place on the side wall 42, and cannot be accessed if it is hooked in place. Handle 44 may be molded into sidewall 42. The side wall 42 is provided with an authentication plate assembly 48 (an authentication plate 48a held in a recess 48c by rivets 48b) for attaching and displaying important information such as, for example, a container serial number, certificate, warning, bar code, and the like. ).
[0027]
The support assembly 50 holds the dewar 2 in the outer shell 40. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support assembly 50 is lightweight and made of several different pieces of shock absorbing foam material. The support assembly 50 includes a bottom 51 in contact with the base 41 to protect the bottom of the dewar 2 and a side rib 52 in contact with the side wall 42 to protect the side of the dewar 2. , And a top 53 for protecting the tip of the dewar 2. The side ribs 52 are attached to the side wall 42 with an adhesive or a tape. The top 53 of the support assembly 50 is held in place by a rib 52.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 1, the cargo container 1 includes a funnel-shaped container plate 60. The funnel shape of plate 60 makes it easier to pour the liquid cryogen into dewar 2. It also helps to restrict access to the interior of shell 40 through top opening 42b. It also includes a positioning device 114, which locks it in place with a self-venting cap 100 and three knobs used to help form a pressure seal around the neck 21 of the dewar 2 It is. (From the beginning to the end of this description, and in the appended claims, "circumference" or "circumferential" is used to refer to the perimeter or perimeter of a planar figure. Used, they may or may not be circular; therefore, by way of example, the inner perimeter of a square neck would have a square shape.) It is held in place by sealing it to neck 21 with an adhesive so that there is no liquid or vapor gap between 60 and neck 21. Additional stability of the seal is provided by the spray foam 61, and the support 61 assists in positioning and supporting the plate 60 inside the shell 40. Container plate 60 should be made from a cryogenically compatible material.
[0029]
Once the cargo container 1 is fully assembled, the dewar 2 should be securely held in the fixed outer shell 40, and the outer shell 40 and the support 50 impact the dewar 2 in any orientation. Should provide resistance and protection against The sample chamber 71 is substantially perpendicular to the base 41 when it is in its normal, upright position, ie, when its weight is on the base 41. This is the optimal condition for the container 1 due to the physical properties of the vapor cryogen, for example nitrogen. Gas-phase liquid nitrogen has a greater density than air and therefore will behave like a liquid when it is confined in a container. As long as gaseous liquid nitrogen is retained in the dewar, it will help maintain the cryogenic temperature in the dewar required for cryopreservation of biologicals. This is because the temperature of gas-phase liquid nitrogen is extremely low (100 K). However, if the dewar is placed upside down, gaseous liquid nitrogen will exit the dewar, much like a liquid, because gaseous liquid nitrogen is denser than air. Would. Thus, when the dewar is placed upright, gas phase liquid nitrogen will accumulate in the dewar until a sufficient pressure buildup pushes excess gas phase liquid nitrogen out of the dewar.
[0030]
When the cargo container 1 is filled with liquid cryogen, it is highly desirable that it be stored upright and transported by ship, but the reality associated with modern cargo does not always guarantee such results. The preferred embodiment of the cargo container shown in FIG. 1 seeks to address this reality simply and economically. The outer shell 40 is designed such that if the container 1 is stored on its side and is to be transported by ship, the sample chamber 70 and the dewar opening 11 are still held at an angle that creates a reservoir. I have. This reservoir will have the effect of retaining the gas-phase liquid cryogen. In contrast, if no reservoir was present, sample chamber 70 and dewar opening 11 would be positioned substantially parallel to the ground. Such a parallel situation would upset and result in the outflow of gas-phase liquid nitrogen from the container as well as the glass water spilling its contents.
[0031]
To create the reservoir, the side wall 42 has an angle formed by the intersection of the flat cross-section of the sample chamber 70 with the flat plane, when it is on a flat plane, of about 6 degrees or greater. It is designed to be. This means that for the container 1 shown in FIG. 1, the six flat parts of the side walls 41 gradually increase as they extend away from the base 41 until they reach a maximum thickness near the top wall 43. Achieved by widening. The exact angle is a matter of design and will depend on the general shape of the container and the desired result. However, the angle should be sufficient to create a functioning reservoir. In addition, the use of a self-venting cap 100 that forms a pressure seal around the inner periphery of the neck 21 will increase the volume of the reservoir.
[0032]
The basic design and function of a "Jewer bottle" are well known and long established. In fact, the term "Jewer bottle" is described in Webster's third international dictionary of the English language, unbridged (1981) as "usually preventing vacuum from transferring heat. It has a space between the walls that have been eroded and may have a coating inside (such as silver plating) to reduce radiation, especially for storing liquefied gas (such as liquid air), or It is defined as a glass or metal container with at least two walls that is used for low temperature studies. Examples of various U.S. patents that teach the use of Jewer bottles with liquid cryogens for use in cargo containers are 2,396,459, 3,298,185, 4,481,779 and No. 495,775. The dewars disclosed in these patents and the dewars used in cargo containers today share certain common characteristics. These properties, which will be clarified below as being present in the dewar, are combined by the neck forming an evacuable space between the outer casing and the inner vessel and a dewar opening into the inner vessel. An outer casing and an inner vessel, each coupled with an opening at the top.
[0033]
A preferred embodiment of the dewar 2 according to the present invention is configured as follows. The neck 21 is sealed in the sample chamber 70 by epoxy. A plastic foam 30 holding liquid cryogen (not shown) is formed in several segments 31 separated by a capillary separation layer 32. The plastic foam 30 surrounds the sample chamber 70, and this assembly is located inside the upper half 13a and the lower half 13b which are joined together to form the inner container 13 with the opening 14 at the top. The gator pack 6 and the desiccant 7 are fixed to the outside of the top of the inner container 13 by epoxy and metal tape, respectively. (The use of getter packs and desiccants is well known in the industry and is not an inventive feature of the present invention.) Next, a super-insulating layer 10 is used to surround the assembly. For ease of manufacture and savings, it is particularly preferred that the super-insulating layer 10 is helically wound, and that it is composed of a single component (eg, a polymer film metalized on one side only). . The top of the neck 21 is made of an opening 4 in the upper half 3a by an epoxy which is then joined together with the lower half 3b to form an outer casing 3 and an evacuable space 5 between the outer casing and the inner container 13. It fits in. Once the dewar 2 has been assembled, the evacuable space 5 can only be accessed via the nipple 8 and the sample chamber 70 can only be accessed via the dewar opening 11 and the cryogen is not available on the side wall 71 and the sample. Except through the base 72 of the chamber 70 (whether liquid or gaseous), it cannot pass between the sample chamber 70 and the plastic foam 30. Details regarding particularly preferred materials useful for constructing dewars are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,119,465.
[0034]
The plastic foam 30 is preferably a cryogenically compatible open-celled plastic foam. It is particularly preferred that the plastic foam 30 is a phenolic foam (such materials are inexpensive and are commonly used as water retention bases for ikebana). The plastic foam 30 is foamed in place or prefabricated into a block, then sectioned into pieces and inserted into the space surrounding the sample chamber 70. It is particularly preferred that the plastic foam 30 occupies substantially all of the volume between the inner wall 15 of the inner container 13 and the sample chamber 70.
[0035]
The open cell structure of the plastic foam 30 retains the liquid cryogen, such as liquid nitrogen, as it saturates the foam 30 by absorption, adsorption and surface tension. The physical properties of liquid cryogen (such as liquid nitrogen) and plastic foam 30 consist of correctly sized segments 31 in which liquid cryogen stays within plastic foam 30 and is properly filled with plastic foam 30. When moving, it does not move into the sample chamber 70 and does not return. Plastic foam 30 can absorb liquid nitrogen up to six times faster than previously used materials. This feature accelerates the process of filling the dewar 2 with liquid cryogen. It is particularly preferred that the plastic foam 30 has a porosity between about 85% and about 95%. The plastic foam 30 can trap and retain the liquid nitrogen cryogen in place because of the high surface tension that exists between the liquid nitrogen (or, if applicable and another liquid cryogen) and the foam. Preferably, it is an "azotophilic" absorbent. ("Azotophilic" means nitrogen that is faithful to, or compatible with, any valence state of nitrogen.) As a result, the cargo container 1 of the present invention spills liquid nitrogen, It can be loaded in any orientation, including upside down, without the danger of direct contact with the sample vial.
[0036]
The multiple segments 31 of the plastic foam 30 have a thickness or height, measured in any dimension, for a given type of foam material and cryogen, and are retained in the selected foam. It is particularly preferred that the liquid cryogen does not exude or flow out of the foam when the orientation of the foam is changed. In other words, the length dimension of at least one of the segments will be exceeded if the segments can hold the liquid cryogen in one spatial orientation, but exude the cryogen in any other orientation. Also, the length dimension of the foam segments 31 optimizes the amount of liquid cryogen retained within the plastic foam 30 (ie, all of the combined foam segments 31), while required to separate the foam segments 31. It is particularly preferred that it be selected to minimize the capillary separation layer 32.
[0037]
The preferred embodiment of the plastic foam is believed to be superior because it has a microporous structure that promotes capillary action, or capillary action. Capillary action is the result of adhesion (adsorption) and surface tension. The attachment of liquid to the wall of a uniform circular container (or tube or micropore) causes an upward force on the liquid at the edge of the container. Surface tension protects the surface, so that instead of the edge moving upward, the entire liquid surface is pulled upward. Capillary action occurs when the liquid adheres to the wall more strongly than the cohesive forces between the liquid molecules. The height at which the capillary action holds the liquid in a uniform circular tube is limited by surface tension. The height at which capillary action will lift the fluid depends on the weight of the fluid. At some point, the capillary force in one direction is counteracted by gravity in the opposite direction (the weight of the fluid), and the suspended fluid falls due to its own weight. For circular capillaries, this height is determined by the formula h = 2Trrg, where h is equal to the maximum height, T is equal to the surface tension of the liquid, and ρ is the density (ie, mass / volume) of the liquid. And r is equal to the radius of the capillary, and "g" is required to change the mass to force (gram density).
[0038]
It is not always necessary that the plastic foam of the present invention is formed by a perfect capillary (ie, a circular tube), or that the maximum height of the segment of the plastic foam used in the present invention is determined by the above formula. Although not required, an important feature is that the plastic foam exhibits strong capillary action. Capillary action is limited by the maximum dimensional height, which means that a given liquid cryogen will reach within a capillary, such as the micropores of an absorbent plastic foam in a given spatial orientation, the "critical height". height) ". If the plastic foam exceeds this height, any added plastic foam above the critical height will not be able to physically hold the additional liquid cryogen in place as a result of capillary action . If the plastic foam cannot physically hold the liquid cryogen by capillary action, it fails to maximize the amount of liquid cryogen retained in the occupied volumetric space. Therefore, it is desirable that the height of a given segment of plastic foam be equal to or less than its critical height for the liquid cryogen of interest, which is usually liquid nitrogen. The same rule is that if the plastic foam is held in a container, where it has another orientation that would cause the height of the plastic foam in a given orientation to exceed the critical height, other Applicable to dimensions.
[0039]
The capillary separation layer 32 does not need to be particularly thick. Instead, their thickness depends on the thickness required to perform their intended function for a given plastic foam and liquid cryogen of interest. The capillary separation layer 32 functions to confine the plastic foam to limit the effective height of the capillary, such as micropores, so that segments of the plastic foam have a height less than the critical height. And thereby prevent liquid cryogens from seeping out of the segments, i.e., flowing out, even if their spatial orientation is changed. The capillary separation layer 32 should be made of a cryogenically compatible material such as, for example, surface-treated paper, spunbonded olefin Tyvek® or fluoroethylene propylene (FEP) Teflon®. It is. A 3 mm layer of Tyvek® has been found to perform this function well. Experimental results indicate that about 4 inches is appropriate for the type of plastic foam described herein, and is the maximum critical height, and that a number of segments 31 may have more than about 3 inches. It is particularly preferred to have a large thickness, particularly preferably about 3.5 inches.
[0040]
It is particularly preferred that the sample chamber 70 be made of a cryogenically compatible open cell porous thermoplastic material, such as, for example, aerated polypropylene foam. The sample chamber 70 may be formed in a single piece structure with a base 72 coupled to a cylindrical side wall 71 having a top opening 73. The outer periphery of the side wall 71 at the top opening 73 is sealed by the neck 21 or the inner wall of the inner container 13. The sample chamber 70 should allow liquid cryogen to pass therethrough to the plastic foam 30 and vapor phase cryogen to pass from the absorbent foam 30 to it. The thermoplastic material in the sample chamber 70 acts as a filter to prevent particles or fragments of the plastic foam 30 from entering the sample chamber 70, and it also allows rapid transfer of liquid cryogen into the plastic foam 30. Acts as a wicking device for the In addition to its excellent physical properties, sample chamber 70 is lighter and less expensive to manufacture than previous sample chambers made of metals or alloys.
[0041]
The combination of the sample chamber 70 and the plastic foam 30 in the preferred embodiment of the dewar 2 results in a more efficient utilization of the volume of the inner container 13 with greatly reduced filling times. Unlike many previous dewar bottles, the plastic foam 30 occupies substantially the entire volume between the inner wall 15 of the inner container 13 and the sample chamber 70, and the liquid cryogen runs along the entire length of the side wall 71. It is possible to quickly pass from the sample chamber 70 into the plastic foam 30. The shortened time required to completely fill the dewar with liquid cryogen is due to the physical properties of the sample chamber 70 and the plastic foam 30. These properties are demonstrated by pouring up to about 50% of the complete filling of the liquid cryogen into the sample compartment 70 of the cargo container 1 and then turning the container 1 upside down. Until the cargo container 1 turns upside down, all of the liquid cryogen will be retained by the plastic foam 30 and virtually no liquid cryogen will be released.
[0042]
4A and 4B show a particularly preferred self-venting cap 100 for use with the dewar 2. The manner in which such a cap works in a particularly preferred application of the cargo container 1 is shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C. The self-venting cap 100 comprises four main components--a lower component 101 with a first plurality of openings 121, an upper component 102 with a second plurality of openings 122, a seal 103 and a third component 104. Have. It is particularly preferred that all four of these major components are composed of a cryogenically compatible material that is non-metallic and non-conductive. The first, second and fourth components can be formed from an injection moldable material such as acetyl. The outer circumference of the lower component 101 is smaller than the inner circumference of the neck portion 21 and the first plurality of openings 121 are located inside the outer circumference of the lower component, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0043]
When the self-venting cap 100 is assembled, a seal 103, preferably formed of silicone rubber, is attached to the lower component 101 by a snap, friction fit. The lower component 101 is fixed to the upper component 102 and the third component 104 by two different means.
[0044]
First, screws (screw not shown) 106 are screwed into female threads 108 in lower component 101 and held in place by plate 105. A cover plate 107 (shown with the Cryoport trademark) covers and seals the chamber in the third component 104 where the top of the plate 105 and the head of the screw 106 are held. Screw 106 holds all four major components together in a cap assembly in which the individual major components are still movable relative to one another. In this assembly, the second component 102 is held between the first component 101 and the third component 104, and the seal 103 is held between the first component 101 and the second component 102. .
[0045]
Second, the lower component 101 has an external thread 111 that is screwed into an internal thread 112 of the third component 103. If the male screw 111 is not completely screwed into the female screw 112, the seal 103 will be in a pressure sealed condition, relative to the position where it is retained when fully screwed into the female screw 112 (see FIG. 5C). It is held in a clamped state (see FIG. 5B). The seal 103 is rotated in the direction in which the third component 104, which functions as a crank top, tightens and forms a seal 103 between the lower and upper components 101, 102 so as to form a pressure seal with the neck 21. 5B and 5C as they are squeezed. (FIG. 5B shows the cap 100 before the pressure seal, while FIG. 5C shows the cap 100 just after the pressure seal.) The rib 115 of the third component 104 is the upper component 102. , Which serves as a stop and thereby creates a plurality of ventilation openings in a pressurized seal. (The left half of FIG. 5C has been slightly rotated to show a clear vapor path instead of such a top.) On the lower surface 102a of the upper component 102 (shown as a depression in FIG. 4B). ) Positioning device 113 engages second positioning device 114 (shown as a small chunk in FIG. 1) to prevent cap 100 from spinning during the tightening process.
[0046]
When the self-venting cap 100 forms a pressure seal with the neck 21 of the dewar 2 (as shown in FIG. 5C), the steam flow between the inner container 13 and the outside of the dewar 2 Must flow through the ventilation openings 133. FIG. 5C shows one such steam passage. This passage includes flow through a first chamber 131 located between the lower and upper components 101 and 102 and a second chamber 132 located between the second component 102 and the third component 104. The ventilation opening 133 may be a single opening or a plurality of openings. In FIG. 5C, the ventilation opening 133 is located between the third component 104 and the plate 60, but it may be located between the third component 104 and the neck 21 if the plate 60 is not used. . The ventilation opening 133 is located outside the inner circumference of the neck 21 because the upper component 102 has an upper outer circumference located outside the inner circumference of the neck 21.
[0047]
The self-venting cap 100 has many advantages over conventional caps for dewars.
[0048]
One advantage of the self-venting cap 100 is the strength of the pressure seal it forms with the neck 21 of the dewar 2. This seal may be strong enough or even stronger to support the weight of the bottle 2 when the bottle 2 is not filled with cryogen. This degree of strength is important when the container 1 is exposed to hits or impacts, because the cap 100 limits access to the contents of the sample chamber 70 and the sample storage system inside the dewar 2. And effectively block access.
[0049]
Another advantage of the self-venting cap 100 is that it creates a plurality of bent steam passages for evacuating the dewar 2. The bent steam path increases the thermal length over which the gas discharged from the dewar must travel. Increasing the thermal length increases the thermal efficiency of the dewar, thereby increasing the hold time for the shipping container. Multiple ventilation paths increase safety because it eliminates the possibility of a single ventilation path clogging, leading to a dangerous build-up of gas.
[0050]
In a preferred embodiment of the cap 100, each of the first plurality of openings 121 extends into the first chamber 131 and each of the second plurality of openings 122 extends from the first chamber 131 to the second chamber 132. Accordingly, the steam inside the dewar 2 can travel through the plurality of curved passages when the cap 100 is in the pressure sealed state. The plurality of bent passages begin in the neck 21 and then upward through the first plurality of openings 121, the first chamber 131, the second plurality of openings 132, the second chamber 132, and then the ventilation openings 133. Go out sequentially from. Further, because of the volumes of chambers 131 and 132, the gas need not necessarily leave the chamber at the same point or points. This means that there are also a plurality of shorter bent passages starting within the first plurality of openings 121, proceeding through the first chamber 131, and then rising through the second plurality of openings 122. I have.
[0051]
Because the first and second chambers 131 and 132 provide empty space that can be accessed by a plurality of openings, they create many different steam passages, as already noted. However, they also provide free space where gases can accumulate and mix. This is because the chambers can have different temperature gradients, and the gases entering and leaving these chambers can have different temperature gradients as a result of mixing with the gases contained within these chambers. , Creating additional benefits. The chambers 131 and 132 also act as a buffer zone between the gas flowing from outside the cap 100 into the internal container 13 and the gas flowing from inside the internal container 13 to the outside of the cap 100.
[0052]
The cap 100 also prevents one or more semi-permeable membranes (not shown) from preventing moisture (water vapor) from entering the dewar while still allowing vapor cryogen to exit the dewar. Also included. For example, such a film is used to cover either or both of the first and second plurality of openings 121 and 122. (Alternatively or additionally, the semi-permeable membrane may be located at any other convenient location in the vapor passageway shown in FIG. 5C, which is conveniently included as part of cap 100 or inner cap 90). Including a semi-permeable membrane in the cap minimizes the portion of the vapor passage limited by the membrane, and provides the membrane with convenient structural components for incorporation and structural integrity.)
[0053]
FIG. 6 is designed and configured (eg, potential biohazard, ie, infectious disease agents) to well withstand the standards of UN Class 6.2 certification. A particularly useful containment system for hazardous materials (such as. When this containment system is used with the self-ventilated cap 100 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B in a particularly preferred cargo container as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the consequence is a dangerous (contagious) ) It is an economical and excellent cargo container that meets the strict regulations on material cargo containers.
[0054]
The containment system 80 is based on a basic porous structural cartridge 83 and a bag 81. As shown in steps 1 to 4 of FIG. 4, structural cartridge 83 is placed in bag 81, bag 81 is sealed to complete containment system 80, and containment system 80 is then It is lowered into the sample chamber 70 through the dewar opening 11. Handle 82 is formed from a loop of polymer film used to make bag 81.
[0055]
The bag 81 is made of a cryogenically compatible polymer film with a sealing mechanism that ensures a hermetic seal against liquids and vapors when activated. Fluorinated ethylene propylene resins or polyimide films have been found suitable for this purpose, and Teflon® FEP grade 160 or Kapton® FN films are particularly preferred.
[0056]
Teflon® FEP is a fluorinated ethylene propylene resin that meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (“ASTM”) Standard Specification D2116-97 for FEP-Fluorocarbon Molding and Extrusion materials. Kapton® FN is a commercially useful high quality plastic film from DuPont. Tyvek® spunbonded olefins, and especially DuPont® medical grade Tyvek® types S-1059-B and S-1073B, are also suitable for use as bag 81. . The sealing mechanism should create a seal that prevents liquids or vapors from entering and leaving the interior of bag 81. The sealing mechanism may be a mechanical closure (in this case it is particularly preferred that it is composed of two materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion), an adhesive joint or a heat seal.
[0057]
It is particularly preferred that the structural cartridge 83 contains more than one cartridge. Each cartridge has a plurality of sample openings for holding a plurality of sample containers separated from each other. The top cartridge of the structural cartridge 83 includes a base 85 and a plurality of sample container openings 86 and a cover that mates with the cartridge base 85 to surround the sample containers 84 (vials) held in the plurality of sample container openings. 87. The bottom of the cartridge base 85 is designed such that it can function as a cover 87 for mating with a further cartridge base 88. Stacking additional cartridge bases in the same manner increases the size of the cartridge 83. The components of the structural cartridge 83 (ie, the cover 87, the base 85, and any further bases 88) are formed from a polypropylene polymer compound. Each cartridge has sufficient absorption capacity to absorb all of the contents of the plurality of sample containers held in the plurality of sample container openings. It is particularly preferred that each cartridge has sufficient absorption capacity to absorb twice the entire contents of the plurality of sample containers held in the plurality of sample container openings.
[0058]
The structural cartridge 83 fulfills two basic requirements of Dangerous Goods Regulations. The first requirement, separation of main containers, states that "multiple main containers placed in a single secondary transport container are individually packaged or transported in liquid nitrogen to reduce infectious material. On the other hand, must be separated and supported to ensure that contact between them is prevented ". Cartridge 83 clearly fulfills this need, and is just an advance over current practice in the art where it is common to loosely wrap containers in sheets of absorbent cloth. The second requirement states that IATA 602 states that "absorbing material such as, for example, cotton wool must be sufficient to absorb the entire contents of all major containers." Is found in Again, the cartridge 83 accomplishes this with added security and represents a significant advance in the current state of the art.
[0059]
While the foregoing detailed description is illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that further embodiments thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Further modifications are also possible in other embodiments without departing from the inventive concept.
[0060]
Therefore, further changes and modifications in the actual concepts described herein may be easily made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed invention as defined by the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a portable insulated cargo container according to the invention with a hazardous material storage system.
FIG. 2 is a partially cut away, flat, cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a portable insulated cargo container.
FIG. 3 is an assembly view of a preferred embodiment of the dewar bottle assembly.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the self-venting cap drawn from the opposite direction.
FIG. 5A is a flat cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a portable, insulated cargo container showing the preferred self-venting cap coupling.
FIG. 5B is a flat cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the portable insulated cargo container showing the preferred self-venting cap coupling.
FIG. 5C is a flat cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a portable, insulated cargo container showing the preferred self-venting cap coupling.
FIG. 6 shows the assembly of the preferred embodiment of the containment system.

Claims (26)

An outer casing and an inner container, each having an opening at their top joined together by a neck forming an evacuable space between the outer casing and the inner container and a dewar opening to the inner container Jewer bottle and
A base, a sample chamber having a side wall attached to the base, and a sample chamber held in the internal container having a top opening to allow access to the sample chamber through the dewar opening; ,
A plastic foam held in the inner container between the inner wall of the inner container and the sample chamber,
A self-venting cap that restricts access to the sample chamber when engaged.
A cargo container shell having a base, a side wall attached to the base and extending upwardly from the base, and a top container attached to the side wall, the top wall facing the base, wherein the top wall is movable. Having an assembly for accessing the sample chamber from outside the cargo container shell when the self-venting cap is not engaged and the movable access assembly is open. A cargo container shell for refusing access to the self-ventilated cap engaged when the movable access assembly is closed,
And a support assembly for holding the dewar in the cargo container outer shell and providing the dewar with impact resistance and vibration resistance,
The sample chamber allows liquid cryogen to pass through the sample chamber into the plastic foam, and allows liquid cryogen in a gaseous liquid state to pass from the plastic foam to the sample chamber. Portable insulated cargo container. When the base is on a flat plane in an upright position, it proceeds from the top end closest to the top wall, extends down through the bottom end closest to the base, and extends into the flat surface of the sample chamber following the flat plane. The sample chamber is held so that its cross section is substantially perpendicular to the flat plane, but when the side wall lies on the flat plane, the intersection of the flat cross section with the flat plane. The insulated cargo container of claim 1, wherein the cargo container is formed such that the angle formed is about 6 degrees or greater. A reservoir is formed in the dewar below a plane substantially parallel to the first opening and the plane that intersects the base when the sidewall is on the plane, and the reservoir is formed in the reservoir. The heat-insulating cargo container according to claim 1, wherein the cargo container is formed so that the gas-phase liquid cryogen held in the cargo container is not pushed out of the dewar by gravity. The chamber of claim 1, wherein the sample chamber has a chamber wall made of an open-cell porous thermoplastic material that is cryogenically compatible and acts as a filter to prevent particles or fragments of the plastic foam from entering the sample chamber. A portable insulated cargo container according to claim 1. 2. The portable insulated cargo container according to claim 1, wherein the plastic foam is an open-cell plastic foam. The plastic foam comprises a plurality of foam segments, each foam segment being separated from other foam segments by a capillary separation layer, each foam segment having a thickness less than a critical height when the container is in an upright position. Item 2. A portable insulated cargo container according to item 1. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the thickness is selected so that the head pressure of the plurality of foam segments does not cause liquid cryogen to leak or flow out of the foam segments when their spatial orientation changes. Portable insulated cargo container. When the self-venting cap is in a pressure-sealed state forming a pressure seal with the inner periphery of the neck, it limits access to the sample chamber, and when the cap is in the pressure-sealed state, The vapors within can pass through a plurality of curved passages, which begin in the dewar, and then a first plurality of openings, a first chamber, a second plurality of openings, a second plurality of openings. 2. The portable insulated cargo container of claim 1, wherein the container sequentially proceeds upwardly through the chamber and then exits through a ventilation opening. When the self-venting cap is in the pressurized and sealed state, it creates a bent passage, the bent passage starting with the first opening, passing through the cap, and reaching the ventilation opening in the bent passage. When the first opening is located in the inner cap of the inner periphery of the neck and the cargo container is in a flat plane with the base upright. The flat cross section of the sample chamber is configured to be held, so that it proceeds from the upper end closest to the top, extends downward through the lower end closest to the base, and continues to the flat plane, where the flat cross section of the sample chamber is substantially vertical 9. The portable insulated cargo container of claim 8, wherein: 2. A funnel-shaped container attached to said dewar and extending outwardly from said neck to create a liquid-tight and airtight funnel with respect to the dewar opening, and comprising a cryogenically compatible material. A portable insulated cargo container according to claim 1. And a safety strap with a coupling that forms a closed loop when closed and an open loop when opened, wherein the safety strap is affixed to the outer bottom of the dewar, Is oriented to enclose the dewar, container plate and self-venting cap when closed and the coupling mechanism is accessed through the top opening when the top wall is open. Possible,
2. The portable insulated shipping container of claim 1, wherein the side wall includes a top side wall opening smaller than the outermost periphery of the container plate. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said plastic foam retains a regular charge of liquid cryogen such that once it passes through the sample chamber into the plastic foam, it does not return to the sample chamber in a liquid state in any spatial orientation of the container. A portable insulated cargo container according to claim 1. A lower component having a first plurality of openings;
An upper component having a second plurality of openings, a second chamber and a ventilation opening;
A seal retained between the lower and upper components forming a pressure seal about the neck when the lower and upper components are mated and engaged in a pressure seal;
A first chamber disposed between the lower and upper components;
The vapor in the dewar can travel through a plurality of bent passages when the cap is in a pressurized seal, wherein the plurality of bent passages begin in the neck and then a first passage. A self-venting cap for the neck of a dewar via which a plurality of openings, a first chamber, a second plurality of openings, a second chamber, are sequentially advanced upwardly, and then exit through a vent opening. A third component fixed to the upper component, the third component defining the second chamber and the ventilation opening between the upper and third components;
The upper component includes a locating device on a lower surface that can engage a second locating device disposed in a fixed position with respect to the neck, once the first and second locating devices are engaged. 14. The self-venting cap of claim 13, wherein rotation of the third component in a tightening direction causes the seal squeezed between the lower and upper components to form a pressure seal. A lower component having an outer periphery smaller than the inner periphery of the neck and a first plurality of openings disposed inside the outer periphery;
An upper component having an upper outer periphery and a second plurality of openings, wherein the upper outer periphery is disposed outside the inner periphery;
A seal retained between the lower and upper components forming a pressurized seal with the neck when the lower and upper components are mated and engaged in a pressurized seal;
A third component fixed to the upper component,
A first chamber is formed between the lower and upper components when the lower and upper components are mated and engaged in a pressure seal;
When the lower and upper components are engaged in pairs and are in a pressure-sealed state, a second chamber and a ventilation opening disposed outside the upper periphery are formed between the upper and third components,
The vapor in the dewar can travel through a plurality of bent passages when the cap is in a pressurized seal, wherein the plurality of bent passages begin in the neck and then a first passage. A self-venting cap for the neck of a dewar via a plurality of openings, a first chamber, a second plurality of openings, a sequential upward through the second chamber, and then exiting through the vent opening. 16. The semi-permeable membrane of claim 15, further comprising a semi-permeable membrane that prevents moisture from passing through the first plurality of openings while still allowing vaporous cryogen to pass through the first plurality of openings. Self-venting cap. At the top, having an outer casing and an inner casing, each of which is joined together by a neck forming a vacuum evacuable space between the outer casing and the inner casing and a dewar opening into the inner container. A dewar having an opening;
A sample chamber coupled to the inner container, extending into the inner container, and accessed through the dewar opening;
A self-venting cap for restricting access to the sample chamber when in a pressure seal state forming a pressure seal with the inner periphery of the neck portion,
The vapor in the dewar can travel through a plurality of bent passages when the cap is in a pressurized seal, wherein the plurality of bent passages begin within the dewar opening and then a first A plurality of openings, a first chamber, a second plurality of openings, a capped dewar assembly that proceeds upwardly through the second chamber and then exits through the ventilation opening. At the top, having an outer casing and an inner casing, each of which is joined together by a neck forming a vacuum evacuable space between the outer casing and the inner casing and a dewar opening into the inner container. A dewar having an opening;
A sample chamber held in the inner container, extending into the inner container, and accessed through the dewar opening;
With a plastic foam held in the inner container between the inner wall of the inner container and the sample chamber,
The sample chamber acts as a filter to prevent particles or fragments of the plastic foam from entering the sample chamber, while allowing liquid cryogen to pass through the sample chamber into the plastic foam; and A dewar assembly that allows liquid cryogen in a gaseous liquid state to pass from the plastic foam to the sample chamber. 19. The dewar assembly of claim 18, wherein said plastic foam is an open cell plastic foam. 19. The dewar assembly of claim 18, wherein said sample chamber acts as a wicking device for rapid transfer of liquid cryogen to said plastic foam. 19. The dewar assembly of claim 18, wherein said sample chamber is comprised of a cryogenically compatible open cell porous thermoplastic material. The sample chamber is sealed to the neck, the liquid cryogen must pass through the sample chamber to reach the plastic foam from the dewar opening, and the liquid cryogen in the gaseous liquid state is 19. The dewar assembly of claim 18, wherein the dewar must pass through the sample chamber to reach the dewar opening from plastic foam. A bag comprising a cryogenically compatible polymer film with a sealing mechanism, said sealing mechanism sealing said bag when said bag is activated;
A porous structural cartridge holding a plurality of sample containers and separated from each other;
This porous structural cartridge
A plurality of sample container openings for holding a plurality of sample containers,
A plurality of sample container openings and a cartridge cover that is paired with the cartridge base to store all the sample containers held in the plurality of sample container openings,
A storage system for samples of dangerous goods, wherein the porous structural cartridge is stored at a cryogenic temperature held in a bag. 24. The containment system of claim 23, wherein said polymer film is selected from the group consisting of Teflon (R) FEP and Kapton (R) polyimide film. 24. The containment system according to claim 23, wherein the polymer film is a fluorinated ethylene propylene resin. 24. The containment system of claim 23, wherein the structural cartridge has sufficient absorption capacity to absorb all the contents of all of the plurality of sample containers held in the plurality of sample container openings.

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