Hatch Series: Automated Cryogenic System -150°C - Liquid Nitrogen Repository

The Hatch Series is a revolutionary automated cryogenic system capable of picking vials and managing racks directly at -150°C inside the tank , ensuring that samples remain at safe cryogenic temperatures while significantly reducing liquid nitrogen consumption. Recognized with the ISBER 2019 New Product Award , the technology represents the state of the art in cryogenic automation.

Developed by Genepoint, the Hatch automated cryogenic system seamlessly integrates with information management systems, allowing remote sample management and data synchronization in a fully automated environment.

• Complete automated cryogenic system with picking at -150°C
• Capacity up to 67,500 samples (2mL, Cryo Box)
• Reduced liquid nitrogen consumption: 12-22L/day
• Integrated UPS for operational continuity
• Real-time intelligent vision recognition
• Wide compatibility with standard consumables
• Plug-and-play operation without pre-cooling
• Integration with AGVs for fully automated biobanks

What is the Hatch Automated Cryogenic System

The Hatch Series is a next-generation automated cryogenic system that uses Genepoint's advanced low-temperature automation technology. The equipment operates with an innovative design that incorporates the vial-picking platform directly inside the cryogenic tank.

The revolutionary differential is the ability to perform automated operations:

This functionality preserves sample integrity superiorly compared to conventional systems, where samples are exposed to temperature variations during handling. Studies demonstrate that maintaining temperatures below -135°C is crucial for indefinite preservation , since temperatures above this point can cause gradual sample degradation ¹ , especially during handling processes.

Available Models of the Cryogenic System

The Hatch automated cryogenic system offers four configurations for different capacity needs:

Hatch (ACF-1000-C)

Cryogenic system with automated vial-picking, gross volume of 1,100L and capacity for 21,840 samples (2mL, SBS Rack). Storage temperature ≤-180°C and picking at ≤-150°C.

Hatch L (ACF-2000-C)

Expanded version of the cryogenic system with 2,200L volume, offering maximum capacity of 60,672 samples (2mL, SBS Rack) with the same advanced picking functionalities.

Hatch - Lite (ACF-1000-S)

Automated rack-based cryogenic system with 925L volume and capacity for 28,600 cryo boxes (2mL), ideal for medium-scale operations.

Hatch - Lite L (ACF-2000-S)

The highest capacity version in the Lite line, with 1,887L volume and capacity for up to 67,500 cryo boxes (2mL), perfect for large-scale biobanks.

Technical Specifications of the Cryogenic System

All models of the Hatch automated cryogenic system operate with a storage temperature ≤-180°C , ensuring ideal conditions for long-term preservation of biological samples.

This efficiency in liquid nitrogen consumption represents substantial savings in operational costs. With liquid nitrogen costing between $0.70-$1.33 per liter and conventional systems losing 5-7 liters per day just from static evaporation, in addition to significant losses during dispensing, the Hatch system's optimized consumption of 12-22L/day offers drastic reduction in operational costs compared to traditional technologies.

Optimized compact dimensions: - Hatch: 1,440 x 1,935 x 2,470 mm - Hatch L: 1,780 x 2,364 x 2,790 mm - Hatch Lite: 1,420 x 1,815 x 2,480 mm - Hatch Lite L: 1,700 x 2,220 x 2,760 mm

Safety and Operational Continuity

This operational redundancy is essential considering the risks in cryogenic storage. The backup system ensures that samples remain protected even during power failures or need for emergency maintenance.

Intelligent Cryogenic Vision System

The Hatch automated cryogenic system incorporates an intelligent vision recognition system that provides real-time monitoring of internal operations and precise intervention during the picking process at -150°C.

This advanced technology allows continuous supervision of the cryogenic environment, ensuring that all automated operations are executed with precision and safety, even under the extreme temperature conditions of liquid nitrogen.

Intelligent Management and Flexible Operations

The cryogenic system offers multiple operation patterns for maximum flexibility:

• Vial storage with rack retrieval
• Rack storage with vial retrieval
• Batch retrieval for operational efficiency
• Automated inventory defragmentation

The hierarchical authority management system ensures complete traceability of sample storage and retrieval procedures , essential for compliance in regulated environments.

Wide Compatibility with Consumables

This versatility makes the Hatch automated cryogenic system suitable for various applications in:

• Biobanks for research and clinical purposes
• Hemotherapy centers and blood banks
• Cell therapy laboratories
• Pharmaceutical research institutions
• Cord blood banks

Effortless Operation and Integration

The cryogenic system offers easy operation with instant response, eliminating the need for pre-cooling and providing real-time liquid nitrogen supply. This plug-and-play functionality significantly reduces operational requirements and setup time.

This integration capability allows modular expansion as storage needs grow, offering a truly scalable solution for biobanks of any size.

CryoPak: Intelligent Cryogenic Transport

The Hatch automated cryogenic system includes CryoPak, a cryogenic carrier with vacuum-insulated design that offers long-lasting protection at cryogenic temperatures.

The CryoPak allows real-time monitoring and display of internal temperature to ensure sample safety during transport. The system can maintain temperatures below -150°C for extended periods , ideal for transfers between facilities or procedures requiring sample mobility.

Applications of the Cryogenic System in Biobanks

The Hatch automated cryogenic system is especially suitable for applications requiring:

• Long-term preservation of stem cells
• Storage of genetic material (DNA/RNA)
• Blood and derivative biobanks
• Samples for cell therapy and regenerative medicine
• Longitudinal research collections
• Tissue banks for transplantation

Frequently Asked Questions about the Hatch Cryogenic System

What is the difference between Hatch and Hatch Lite models?

Hatch models offer automated picking of individual vials at -150°C, while Hatch Lite are rack-based systems without individual vial picking function.

How does the system reduce liquid nitrogen consumption?

Through advanced evacuation, adiabatic, and high vacuum retention technology, the system minimizes evaporation losses, consuming only 12-22L/day.

Does the system work during power outages?

Yes, the integrated UPS ensures uninterrupted operation during power failures, keeping samples safe.

Is it possible to integrate with other equipment?

Yes, the system can integrate with other Hatch units and AGVs to create fully automated and scalable biobanks.

What types of samples can be stored?

The system supports a wide variety including stem cells, DNA, RNA, blood, plasma, tissues, and any material requiring cryogenic preservation.

How does the intelligent vision system work?

The system monitors all internal operations in real time, allowing precise intervention and ensuring correct execution of automated procedures.

What is the temperature maintenance time without nitrogen?

The system maintains temperatures below -135°C for 10-20 days without liquid nitrogen supply (static holding time).

Related Readings

To deepen knowledge about automated cryogenic storage:

• LIMS systems for biobanks
• Laboratory cryogenic automation
• Liquid nitrogen for biopreservation

References

¹ Kilbride P, Meneghel J, Fonseca F, Morris J. The transfer temperature from slow cooling to cryogenic storage is critical for optimal recovery of cryopreserved mammalian cells. PLoS One. 2021;16(11):e0259571. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259571

This product is intended only for industrial or scientific research purposes, not for medical use. It should not be used directly or indirectly for clinical diagnosis or other unauthorized clinical medical purposes.