Methods and devices for the management of cryogenic agents within analytical systems using freeze thaw valving having an expansion chamber (101) that limits the flow of the cryogenic agent. The expansion chamber (101) is fitted with an expansion nozzle (106) through which a cryogen flows and a porous frit (105) that allows the cryogen to be exhausted. The porous frit (105) initially allows a rapid flow of cryogen into the expansion chamber (101) . This rapid flow lowers the temperature of the expansion chamber (101) causing fluid contents within a freeze thaw segment (103) to freeze. As the cryogen expands into the expansion chamber (101) and turns into a solid, the porous frit (105) is occluded causing the rapid flow to be restricted. The restriction of the cryogen flow by the occlusion of the porous frit (105) allows the freeze thaw valve to use significantly less cryogen. Sublimation of the cryogen trapped within the porous frit (105) provides sufficient cooling to maintain the valve in its closed position.
