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From: James Keating <jameskeating1944**At_Symbol_Here**GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Liquid nitrogen storage
Date: Mar 8, 2013 09:27 UTC
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DCHAS-L
In-Reply-To:
I have used liquid nitrogen to provide cooling for the GeLi crystal detector in multichannel analyzers for 30 years using a 300 pound tank located in the laboratory. The design basis for laboratory room ventilation is high capacity already because of the fume hoods located there.
Thanks for everyone for their responses on my liquid nitrogen storage question. I admit that I framed it a bit simplistically, as the type and size of cylinders will clearly impact the specific answer, but that was how the question was posed to me, and I thought I would ask it without embellishment.
It appears that the only design criteria that the person interested in storing the nitrogen in this room had in mind was that there needed to be a window in the room. It's not clear why they thought that would help in a room without mechanical ventilation…
So, yes, we are recommending that if the room involved is used for liquid nitrogen storage that an oxygen alarm be provided, if not mechanical ventilation.
Thanks again to everyone who responded.
- Ralph
Ralph Stuart CIH
Chemical Hygiene Officer
Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Cornell University
rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**cornell.edu