How to Use a Liquid Nitrogen Transfer Pump to Move LN2 from an Aluminum Dewar
Short answer: A liquid nitrogen transfer pump pushes LN2 out of an aluminum dewar using gentle air pressure instead of lifting and pouring. You squeeze the hand bulb or press the foot pump a few times; pressure builds inside the dewar, and liquid nitrogen flows out through the transfer tube automatically. Our pump suits narrow-neck containers of 10 L and above, has an adjustable length for different tank heights, comes standard for 50 mm necks, and can be customized to other opening sizes.
Liquid nitrogen is the coldest thing in your facility and one of the most awkward to handle. Pouring it from an aluminum dewar means lifting a heavy, slippery, top-heavy container, tipping it over a receiving vessel, and hoping the stream lands where you intended. Every pour carries three risks: frostbite from splashes, wasted LN2 from bad aim, and strain injuries from lifting.
There is a much better way to move liquid nitrogen — and it takes about twenty seconds to learn.
Why Pouring Liquid Nitrogen Is a Problem
Physical strain: a 10 L or larger dewar is heavy and awkward to lift, especially when full
Splash risk: liquid nitrogen at -196°C causes instant cold burns on contact with skin
Product loss: pouring spills and vaporizes nitrogen that you paid for
Inconsistent flow: a tipped dewar pours fast and unpredictably, especially into narrow openings
Safety exposure: the operator stands directly over both containers while pouring
For narrow-neck aluminum dewars, the problem is even worse — the opening is small, and the pour is difficult to control.
How the Liquid Nitrogen Transfer Pump Works
The principle is simple and reliable. A pump (hand bulb or foot pump) is connected to the dewar's neck through a sealing cap. Each squeeze or press adds a small amount of air pressure inside the container. That gentle pressure pushes liquid nitrogen up through the transfer tube and out into the receiving vessel.
Key points about the physics:
Low pressure only: it takes just a few bulb squeezes to start the flow — no high-pressure system, no risky pressure vessel
Automatic flow: once pressure builds, the LN2 discharges continuously until you release the pressure
Self-limiting: the small gas volume inside the headspace means flow stops naturally when you stop pumping
Step-by-Step: Transferring LN2 from an Aluminum Dewar with a Pump
Set up safely: work in a well-ventilated area, wear cryogenic gloves, a face shield, and eye protection.
Adjust the pump length so the transfer tube reaches the bottom of your dewar without binding.
Fit the sealing cap onto the dewar neck. Confirm the cap matches your opening size — 50 mm is our standard.
Insert the transfer tube into the receiving vessel, keeping both ends visible.
Squeeze the bulb or press the foot pump a few times. Liquid nitrogen will begin to flow.
Keep pumping gently to maintain steady flow until the receiving vessel reaches the desired level.
Stop pumping to stop the flow; release any residual pressure before removing the cap.
Remove the pump and close the dewar immediately to minimize evaporation.
Features of Our Liquid Nitrogen Transfer Pump
Adjustable length for different container heights
The pump length is adjustable, so the same unit works with dewars of different heights. No need for a dedicated pump per tank size — set the length once, and it fits.
Standard for 50 mm necks, customizable to your opening
Our basic model fits containers with a 50 mm neck opening. If your dewars use a different neck diameter, we can customize the pump to match your requirements.
Highly efficient: a few squeezes and it flows
Efficiency is the point. Just a few gentle bulb squeezes are enough to start automatic discharge. No pumping marathon, no waiting, no wasted effort — the pump does the work that your arms used to do.
Safe: no lifting, no tipping, no splashing
The operator no longer lifts or tilts the dewar. LN2 flows through a closed path into the receiving vessel, which dramatically reduces splash exposure and physical strain. Safer for the operator, safer for the samples, and cleaner for the lab.
Hand pump and foot pump options
Available as a hand-operated bulb pump or a foot pump, so you can choose the format that suits your workstation and your workflow.
Which Containers Is It Suitable For?
Requirement | Specification |
Container type | Aluminum dewars with a narrow neck |
Container capacity | 10 L and above |
Neck opening | 50 mm standard; other sizes customizable |
Length | Adjustable for different container heights |
Operation | Hand bulb pump or foot pump |
Suitable uses | LN2 transfer between dewars, filling small tanks, dispensing into sample vessels |
FAQ
What is the liquid nitrogen transfer pump used for?
It transfers liquid nitrogen from an aluminum dewar into another container using low air pressure, instead of lifting and pouring.
Which dewar capacities does it suit?
It is designed for narrow-neck containers of 10 liters and above, where pouring by hand is awkward and unsafe.
Does it fit any neck opening?
The standard model fits 50 mm neck openings. Other opening sizes can be customized on request.
How much pumping does it take?
Just a few gentle squeezes of the bulb or presses of the foot pump are enough to start automatic discharge.
Is it safe to use?
Yes, when used correctly. The pump keeps LN2 in a closed transfer path, avoiding lifting and pouring. Always wear cryogenic PPE and work in a ventilated area.
Conclusion: Stop Pouring, Start Pumping
Transferring liquid nitrogen does not have to be a heavy, risky, messy job. With a liquid nitrogen transfer pump, a few squeezes replace the lift, the tilt, and the splash — and the LN2 goes exactly where it should.
Our liquid nitrogen transfer pump offers adjustable length, a 50 mm standard neck fit with custom options, high-efficiency automatic discharge, and both hand and foot pump versions. It is the simplest safety upgrade you can make in any lab that handles aluminum dewars.
For sizing advice, customization requests, or technical support, contact us:
Email: heyilabs@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +86-15236623992
Website: www.heyilabs.com
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