Liquid Nitrogen
Liquid Nitrogen: Filling and Transport (updated 2026)
1. Small, Self-Serve Dewars (not on wheeled carts)
Access to the self-serve liquid N2 tank is behind BRWN 1182, which connects to the outside cage (locked). Using the self-serve tank requires the following:
a) Complete and sign "Liquid Nitrogen Safety Worksheet" (PDF). Use the Purdue's module for Liquid Nitrogen Training on the HSI platform to answer the questions.
Answer to questions must be handwritten (not computer generated) and submitted to the Safety Coordinator in WTHR 121 or Safety TA (Ahmed Kangmennaa).
--> NOTE: All required Safety Trainings must be up to date for LN2 access.
Successfully completed worksheets will enable users to access the self-serve tank with their Digital Purdue ID card (names and Purdue ID numbers will be sent to the Main Office and Purdue IT).
NOTE: The door unlocks with a TAP from the Digital ID card; the electronic swipe no longer functions. Opening the electronic lock will generate an automatic log entry, but does not record the amount of LN2 dispensed. Please ensure that you record the amount of LN2 collected during your visit.
Approved students, faculty and staff in Chemistry will have 24/7 access to the self-serve LN2 tank. For users outside of Chemistry, access is available Mon-Fri, 7:30 a-4:30 p; everyone goes through the same approval process.
Large Dewars (on wheels)
BRWN & WTHR Only: Drop off your large dewars at the back of BRWN 1182. Fill time is at 2:00 pm.
1. Bring dewar to the dock area (BRWN 1182) before 2 pm on the day you need it filled. Note: BRWN 1182 is not a storeroom, polease do not stash your dewars there.
2. Complete a tag with the room number and contact information of the person responsible for the dewar.
3. Retrieval of Filled Dewars: To use the BRWN Freight Elevator, you must have two people to retrieve your dewar. One person wearing PPE eyewear and cryogenic gloves will collect the filled dewar from BRWN 1182, and bring it to the freight elevator. Once the dewar is placed inside, pull the yellow retractable strap (which says "Do Not Enter") and connect to the right-side strap holder. The person then pushes button for the destination floor and steps outisde the elevator. The 2nd person (receiver) needs to wait at the destination floor and be ready to remove the dewar as soon as it arrives. The primary transporter must wear PPE eyewear and cryogenic gloves until the tank is safely and securely installed at its final location.
NOTE: Retrieve your refilled dewars prior to 4:00 PM of the day of fill-up. After 4:00 PM, large LN2 dewars will be placed outside of BRWN 1182 in the storage cage. After-hours pickup is possible, but will require pre-approved access to the locked storage area (see above for instructions on how to get electronic access using your Purdue ID).
Transport of LN2 to other campus buildings: Users must be physically present before and after dewar filling, and have proper transportation to move the tank out of BRWN immediately afterwards. Again, all users must be wearing PPE eyewear and cryogenic gloves while transporting filled LN2 tanks. We will not fill for outside users if they are not present to remove the filled dewar, or missing required PPE.