Containment system for samples of dangerous goods stored at cryogenic temperatures

摘要

A containment system for samples of dangerous goods stored at cryogenic temperatures includes a bag made of a cryogenically compatible polymer film and a porous structural cartridge made of a polypropylene polymer compound for holding a plurality of sample receptacles separate from one another to comply with the standards of UN Class 6.2 certification. The porous structural cartridge has a cartridge base with a plurality of sample receptacle apertures for holding the plurality of sample receptacles. A cartridge cover mates with the cartridge base to enclose the plurality of sample receptacle apertures. Additional cartridge bases can be included as part of the porous structural cartridge. Each cartridge has sufficient absorbing capacity to absorb the entire contents of all of the sample receptacles held within its sample receptacle apertures. The bag can be a polyimide film or a fluorinated ethylene propylene resin that meets American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Specification D2116-97 for FEP-Fluorocarbon Molding and Extrusion Materials. Specific examples of especially useful polymer films include Kapton(R) polyimide film and Teflon(R) FEP. The bag has a sealing mechanism that will seal the bag when it is actuated. The sealing mechanism can be a mechanical closure constructed of two materials with dissimilar coefficients of thermal expansion, an adhesive joint or a heat seal.