Cryogenic Monitoring System

Cryogenic Monitoring System

Cryogenic monitoring systems are specialized solutions for monitoring and regulating cryogenic temperatures which are extremely low (beneath -150oC/ -238oF). The primary function of such a system is to help maintain the temperature of  cryogenic substances like liquid nitrogen or helium at constant levels. 

Also, cryogenic monitoring solutions are designed to monitor temperature, pressure along with other related parameters of cryogenic systems. Should the parameters  fall or rise beyond the prescribed range, these systems then provide alerts and alarms to help guarantee the safety and efficiency of the cryogenic system. 

Cryogenic monitoring solutions are employed in diverse applications including:

• Cryogenic monitoring systems are used in the monitoring and regulation of temperature levels of cryogenic storage containers including Dewars and cryogenic freezers  that store biological samples, vaccines along with other materials at low temperatures.
• Cryogenic monitoring solutions are used in scientific research to help  in the maintenance of temperatures levels of experimental setups and materials including superconductors at cryogenic temperatures.
• Cryogenic monitoring systems may be used in medical applications like cryogenic surgery, cryopreservation, cryogenic therapy to guarantee that cryogenic temperatures can be maintained within the desired range.
• Cryogenic monitoring solutions are used in industrial processes including the liquefaction of natural gas and air separation when cryogenic temperatures are required by cryogenic monitoring systems.

Typically, a cryogenic monitoring system comprises a number of components such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, controllers, alarms and data loggers. These different components work seamlessly together to carry out both the primary and secondary functions of the solution.

As it was earlier noted, the key function of these systems is to help maintain the temperature of cryogenic substances at constant levels. To do this, the system employs temperature sensors to take temperature readings of the cryogenic substances and controllers to adjust the cooling or heating rate of the system in response to the temperature readings taken. 

The controllers are designed to adjust the flow rate of the cryogenic fluid, adjust the heater power or execute other functions to maintain the desired temperature levels. In turn, the cryogenic substances can remain at a consistent temperature to prevent any damage to the stored samples or other materials.

The secondary function of cryogenic monitoring solutions is to help monitor and take readings of temperature, pressure together with other related parameters of a cryogenic system. To do this, these systems utilize sensors that take readings and data loggers that record them at regular intervals.

The data loggers may store this data in a database or a cloud-based service for easy access and analysis. Should any deviation from the proper temperatures occur, the system will trigger an alarm to notify the users to take corrective action. Overall, cryogenic monitoring solutions offer a closed-loop feedback control of the cooling or heating process and collect and log data on the system parameters.

You can learn more about how our software helps compliance professionals in these case studies: 

Discount Drug Mart: Power Outage Protection + Compliance Automation

Problem: Transitioning from manual temperature logs and reactive power outage management

Solution: Adopting Sonicu's advanced system for seamless temperature monitoring and real-time power outage alerts across its 77 locations.

Hendricks Health: From Nutrition to the OR

Problem: The need to improve compliance and safety across various departments, starting from nutrition to the operating rooms.

Solution: Upgraded monitoring systems to enhance patient safety and streamline compliance across multiple facilities, including local YMCA rehabilitation facilities.

IU Health: Enterprise Monitoring

Problem: Challenges of using a locally based server and multiple monitoring solutions across departments.

Solution: Transitioned to a single, cloud-based solution with Sonicu to enhance monitoring capabilities across more than a dozen locations and the IU School of Medicine.

Cloud-Based Cryogenic Monitoring System

Cloud-based cryogenic monitoring solutions use cloud computing technology to store and analyze the data collected by the system. The data collected by the sensors and data loggers is uploaded to a cloud-based server or database where it is remotely accessible to authorized personnel via a web browser or mobile app. 

One of the highlights of using cloud-based cryogenic monitoring systems is they come with real-time monitoring and remote access to the system’s data. This may be particularly useful for systems that are spread across multiple locations. Operators and maintenance staff can monitor the system from virtually anywhere globally, receive alerts in the event of deviations from set parameters and take corrective action if necessary. 

Additionally, these varieties of cryogenic monitoring solutions can deliver analytics  tools to visualize and analyze data.In turn, users can effortlessly identify patterns or anomalies in the system’s behavior and facilitate more efficient maintenance and troubleshooting. Sonicu customers regularly cite our system as a new and powerful data source that can illuminate potential mechanical issues before they become full-blown malfunctions. 

Yet another benefit of cloud-based cryogenic monitoring systems is they deliver improved data security and reliability upon comparison with traditional on-premises solutions. Data is stored on the cloud and is backed to multiple locations. 

This ensures that the data is safeguarded from data loss attributable to equipment failure, power outages or other disasters. Also, these systems may be designed with advanced security features including multi-factor authentication and encryption to protect data against unauthorized access.

Comparisons of cryogenic monitoring system

Cryogenic monitoring solutions are usually categorized into two classes: the wired and the wireless varieties. The first uses physical cables to connect sensors, controllers and data loggers to a central monitoring unit. 

A wireless system removes significant time and cost associated with installation and can allow for greater flexibility in where and how the sensors are installed. The central unit is normally a computer or server which collects and analyzes data and triggers alarms if needed. Wired systems may offer high data reliability and security as the physical cables can deliver a stable connection between the components. 

However, a wired cryogenic monitoring system can be very difficult to install and maintain and less flexible when it comes to system scalability and remote access. 

Wireless solutions, on their part, utilize wireless communication technologies including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or even cellular networks to relay data between sensors, controllers and data loggers and the central monitoring unit. The central unit is usually a computer or a cloud-based service that can receive data and trigger alarms when needed. Wireless solutions deliver greater flexibility in the context of system scalability and remote access since they don’t require physical cables to link the various components.

Affordable and Reliable Cryogenic Monitoring System

When it comes to affordability, wired cryogenic monitoring solutions are generally considered the least expensive option as they can work without wireless communication technology or cloud-based data storage.  Yet, the installation and upkeep costs are definitely higher for wired systems because they require extensive physical cables to link the components. 

In terms of cost-effectiveness, cloud-based cryogenic monitoring systems are deemed to be the best option, particularly for those applications which require real-time monitoring and remote access capabilities. This is because they deliver scalability, flexibility and analytics tools that can help identify patterns or anomalies in the system’s behavior.

Best Cryogenic monitoring system

Cloud-based cryogenic monitoring systems are a reliable and cost-effective solution  which can deliver substantial benefits for companies looking to purchase such systems. Besides offering real-time monitoring and remote access, they deliver analytics tools to visualize and analyze the data collected and help identify patterns and anomalies in the system’s behavior and facilitate more efficient maintenance and troubleshooting. 

They also offer improved data security and reliability when compared to traditional on-premises solutions. Additionally, the most advanced of these systems come complete with enhanced security functionalities including multi-factor authentication and encryption that protects data collected from unauthorized access. 

They also deliver many cost-savings over most other alternatives. With a cloud-based cryogenic monitoring solution, you won’t need to invest in costly IT infrastructure including servers and storage devices and the cost of ongoing maintenance and upgrades are significantly reduced. 

Cloud-based systems also deliver scalability, enabling companies to easily add or remove sensors and data loggers whenever necessary without the need for additional hardware. Lastly, these solutions deliver improved data accuracy and quality since they may collect and analyze data in real-time, providing a more complete picture of their behavior. This can help determine potential issues before they become major problems, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.

You can learn more about how our software helps compliance professionals in these case studies: 

SUNY Downstate: Protecting Children's Vaccines

Problem: The need for a simple, reliable, and cost-effective monitoring solution after an incident involving an open fridge door nearly costing a clinic a batch of vaccines.

Solution: Adopt a new monitoring system that is easy to install and use, ensuring the safety of vaccine supplies.

Cryopoint: Mission-Critical Monitoring

Problem: Cryopoint faced calibration challenges with their legacy monitoring system and issues with a server-based system, putting critical samples at risk.

Solution: Transitioned to Sonicu's SoniCloud and its mobile-first solution, enhancing reliability in monitoring and easing operations.

Ohio University Innovation Center

Problem: Tech and tech-enabled startups at the Innovation Center needed reliable support systems for temperature and environmental monitoring due to the requirements of grant-funded projects.

Solution: Implement Sonicu for comprehensive monitoring of temperature, ambient humidity, and air pressure differential, ensuring necessary protection and compliance.

“Sonicu has been a powerful tool to identify which units are behaving out of spec and get our team
to fix them before we have a serious issue.”
Tim Livesay, Director, Hancock Regional Hospital Pharmacy Director