Electric-or-nitrogen

Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) is rapidly growing as a popular modality for various applications, ranging from athletic recovery and pain management to potential wellness and cosmetic benefits. This involves exposing the body to extremely low temperatures, typically between -100°C and -140°C, for a brief duration, triggering a range of physiological responses.

The effectiveness and safety of WBC are intrinsically linked to the technology employed to achieve these frigid conditions. Currently, two primary methods dominate the market: liquid nitrogen cooling and electrical refrigeration. While both aim to deliver the therapeutic cold, they differ significantly in their operational principles, advantages, disadvantages, and overall implications for cryotherapy practitioners and their clients.

Let's explore!

Electrical refrigeration cooling

Electric cryochambers utilize powerful and complex refrigeration systems, similar in principle to large-scale air conditioning units or industrial freezers, to cool the air within the treatment chamber. These systems circulate a refrigerant through a closed loop, compressing and expanding it to extract heat from the air inside the chamber and expel it outside.

Electrical refrigeration advantages

1

Extended daily usage

As the only consumable is energy, the electric cryochambers typically can be left operational throughout the day.

2

Lower operational expense

Although initial investment is often higher, ongoing operational costs are much lower, comprising energy and service expenses.

3

Superior temperature stability

Electric cryochambers incorporate sophisticated control systems that allow for very precise and stable temperature regulation throughout the duration of the session. .

Electrical refrigeration disadvantages

1

Slower temperature reduction

Electric cryochambers generally take longer to reach the target cryogenic temperatures compared to the rapid cooling achieved with liquid nitrogen.

2

Achieving temperatures

Some electric cryochambers have limitations in reaching the lowest temperatures achievable with nitrogen, relying on windchill to mimic temperatures

3

Essential maintenance

Like any highly complex electrical and mechanical equipment, electric cryochambers require regular professional maintenance to ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency, and longevity

Liquid Nitrogen cooling

Liquid nitrogen has been used since the inception of whole body cryotherapy as it has an extremely low boiling point (-196°C). When introduced into a specially designed chamber through a heat exchanger, the liquid nitrogen rapidly vaporizes, absorbing a significant amount of heat from the surrounding environment and thus dramatically lowering the temperature inside the chamber. Once the liquid nitrogen has served its purpose, it is then safely vented into the outside air.

Liquid Nitrogen advantages

1

Rapid cooling

Even at low pressure, liquid nitrogen cooling achieves a rapid descent into ultra-low temperatures inside the chamber.

2

Ultra-low temperatures

Nitrogen cooling achieves a level of cooling as low as -135°C in most cryotherapy chambers.

3

Long standing & understood technology

For over 20 years, liquid nitrogen systems have delivered cryotherapy sessions with knowledge and expertise being widely available.

Liquid Nitrogen disadvantages

1

Safety concerns

Liquid nitrogen is an asphyxiant. Stringent safety factors are vitally important and built into every CryoAction chambers

2

Supply issues

Liquid Nitrogen requires infrastructure as well as periodic refills with supply costs, transport and supplier contracts required on an ongoing basis.

3

Compliance & legal constraints

To comply with safety and insurer requirements, may require additional investment over and above the purchase of the cryotherapy chamber.

Your choice

The decision between liquid nitrogen cooling and electrical refrigeration for whole body cryotherapy is a multifaceted one, demanding a careful evaluation of numerous factors.

Liquid nitrogen systems offer the distinct advantages of rapid cooling and the ability to reach extremely low temperatures, which may be preferred in specific therapeutic protocols or high-throughput environments. However, these benefits do come with responsibilities related to safety, and ongoing operational costs.

Electrical refrigeration systems present a compelling alternative, prioritizing safety and environmentalFriendliness while offering stable temperature control and potentially lower long-term operational expenses. Their drawbacks include slower cooling times and a higher initial investment, which must be weighed against the long-term benefits.

Ultimately, the optimal choice for a cryotherapy facility will depend on a comprehensive assessment of its specific priorities, budgetary constraints, commitment to safety and environmental sustainability, the anticipated volume of clients, the specific therapeutic goals, and the available infrastructure.

We are here to help you through your due diligence process, offering you guidance to make an informed decision that aligns with the long-term success and responsible operation of the cryotherapy business.

Comparing Electric & Liquid Nitrogen