Industrial, Scientific & Laboratory Cryogenics | UK Manufactured DILVAC® Solutions

Precision Temperature Management for Life Sciences, Research, and High-Tech Industry

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DILVAC SS333 Lidded Stainless Steel Dewar Flask with Clamp

For over 50 years, Day-Impex has been the trusted UK manufacturer and national supplier of premium cryogenic storage vessels, laboratory dewars, and solid carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) production equipment. Anchored by our world-renowned DILVAC® brand, our vacuum-insulated storage solutions are engineered to withstand the rigorous demands of modern ultra-low temperature environments.

From NHS clinical trusts and university research laboratories to aerospace engineering facilities, we supply high-performance, British-manufactured cryogenic hardware that ensures total sample integrity and uncompromising operational safety.

DILVAC Glass Refill 470-100SH

High-Performance Cryogenic Applications Across UK Industry

To maintain a secure cold chain and ensure precise thermal stability, leading UK organisations rely on DILVAC® and Day-Impex Ultra Low Temperature (ULT) solutions for critical applications. We have set out some of the use-cases below to help you understand more about the DILVAC® range.

DILVAC MS111 Lidded Enamelled Steel Dewar Flask

Clinical & Life Sciences Biobanking


Preserving high-value biological assets, including stem cells, cord blood, bone marrow, genetic materials, and fragile cell lines within NHS trusts, private biobanks, and pharmaceutical research facilities.

DILVAC SS150SH Shallow Stainless Steel Shallow Dewar Flask

Aerospace & Advanced Engineering

Utilising liquid nitrogen (LN2) for industrial shrink-fitting of mechanical components, materials testing under extreme thermal stress, and cold-trapping inside high-vacuum systems.

Collection of Enamelled Steel and Stainless Steel Dewar Flasks used for the storage of cryogenic liquid nitrogen

Pharmaceutical R&D and Biotech

Securing the ultra-low temperature (ULT) storage infrastructure required for advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs), temperature-sensitive vaccines, and complex chemical syntheses.

DILVAC Dry-Ice Maker for production of solid CO2 on site

On-Demand Solid CO2 Generation

Providing laboratories, clinical couriers, and tissue preservation teams with the ability to produce low-cost dry ice blocks instantly on-site, eliminating reliance on external supply chains.

The Engineering Behind DILVAC® Vacuum-Insulated Dewar Flasks

Unlike standard commercial containers, genuine DILVAC® dewars are engineered to rigorous scientific standards to ensure minimum evaporation rates and maximum thermal efficiency.

Premium Borosilicate Glass

Every inner vessel is blown from ultra-clear, highly durable borosilicate glass. This material possesses an exceptionally low coefficient of thermal expansion, making it inherently resistant to acute thermal shock when transitioning rapidly from ambient temperatures down to -196 degrees celcius

Advanced Silvered Vacuum Insulation

Our flasks feature a high-vacuum chamber between twin borosilicate walls, heavily silvered to minimize radiative heat transfer. This achieves superior thermal isolation for liquid nitrogen, liquid argon, and dry ice compounds.

Robust External Housings

To match your specific working environment, DILVAC® flasks are available in two vessel materials:

Blue Enamelled Steel

Heavy-duty protection for industrial workshops and engineering environments

Stainless Steel

Corrosive-resistant, easily sanitised surface ideal for hygienic laboratory and clinical settings.

Sustainable Refill System

To support laboratory cost-efficiency and minimise environmental waste, we supply a complete range of genuine DILVAC® glass inner refills. If an inner flask is compromised, the outer protective casing can be completely reused, restoring full thermal performance at a fraction of the cost of a new system.

Directions for Safe Use, Decanting, and Maintenance of DILVAC® Dewars

Visual Inspection and Thermal Conditioning

Pre-Use Check

Before introducing any cryogenic liquid, thoroughly inspect the DILVAC® borosilicate glass inner vessel for hairline cracks, deep scratches, or degradation of the silvering layer. To prevent acute thermal shock and reduce initial boil-off rates, pre-cool the flask by adding a small volume of liquid nitrogen, allowing the internal glass temperature to stabilise before filling completely.

Safe Decanting and Transfer Procedures

Filling Protocol

Ensure operators are equipped with mandatory cryogenic PPE, including a full-face safety shield, loose-fitting insulated cryogenic gloves, and closed-toe footwear. Pour the liquid slowly down the inner side of the flask using a phase separator or a dedicated low-pressure transfer siphon. Do not overfill the dewar; leave a minimum 30mm vapour space between the liquid line and the rim.

Pressure Venting and Secure Transport

Storage Rules

Never seal a cryogenic vessel with a tight-fitting, unvented bung, cork, or solid screw-cap. Rapid gas expansion will cause catastrophic pressure build-up and explode the vessel. Use only loose-fitting lids or genuine, vented DILVAC® stoppers that allow boil-off gas to escape safely while minimising ambient heat intrusion.

Cleaning, Defrosting, and Refilling

Maintenance

Allow frozen moisture or residual gases to evaporate completely in a well-ventilated room before cleaning. Clean the borosilicate inner with mild laboratory detergents and dry thoroughly. If the vacuum insulation degrades over time, unscrew the top ring of the outer housing, remove the spent glass core, replace it with a genuine DILVAC® replacement inner refill, and secure the housing to restore original factory specification.