Thermodynamic Correlation between Actual Temperature and Cryogenic Flow Rate in an Empty Cryosauna

Abstract

The objective of this study was to monitor the actual temperature in an empty partial body cryotherapy cabin throughout the cooling phase that precedes the cryotherapy session. It was shown that after 9 minutes of cooling, the minimum temperature recorded inside the empty cryosauna was −66 °C while the temperature was set to −140 °C. To further investigate the relationship between the use of nitrogen as a cryogenic fluid and the actual temperature inside the cabin, we used a numerical method and modeled the convective heat transfer for 3 different flow rates (0.01, 0.03 and 0.05 kg/s). According to the simulations, a temperature of about −100 °C may be reached after 3 minutes with a flow rate of 0.05 kg/s against 5 minutes with a flow rate of 0.03 kg/s. With the lowest flow rate, it would be possible to reach −60 °C after 10 minutes. A key assumption is that a too low nitrogen flow does not provide a thermal gradient able to induce the drop in skin temperature required to achieve therapeutic effectiveness.

Acknowledgment

The authors wish to thank the Châlonnais Research Center for technical help and the Communauté de l’Agglomération de Châlons-en-Champagne for financial support.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Fabien Beaumont

Fabien Beaumont is a research engineer at the University of Reims-Champagne-Ardenne. He received his Ph.D. degree in fluid mechanics from Reims Champagne-Ardenne University, France in 2014. His extensive knowledge of various experimental and numerical methods allows him to work on different projects with applications in the fields of sports, engineering, health, or enology.

Fabien Bogard

Fabien Bogard is a full professor at the University of Reims-Champagne-Ardenne. He completed his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, France, in 2000. His research focuses on sustainable development with direct applications to the design and study of innovative agro-materials. He is also active in related fields where his expertise is highly valued.

Sébastien Murer

Sébastien Murer is a lecturer at the University of Reims-Champagne-Ardenne. He holds his Ph.D. degree in mechanics from Pierre et Marie Curie (PARIS 6) University, France in 2009. His research activities in engineering sciences are based on a broad expertise in numerical methods, especially in finite element modeling. He is particularly involved in research projects related to health and sport.

Amélie Langlois

Amélie Langlois is a certified osteopath practicing in Château-Thierry. She received her degree in osteopathy from the high school of osteopathy (ESO) of Paris Marne-la-Vallée, France. Scientifically minded, she is particularly interested in alternative therapeutic methods to classical medicine.

Guillaume Polidori

Guillaume Polidori is a full professor at the University of Reims-Champagne-Ardenne. He completed his Ph.D. in fluid mechanics at the University of Poitiers, France, in 1994. His scientific work is based on a broad experience in academic research. His technical expertise allows him to cover a large variety of topics ranging from fluid mechanics to thermal sciences with specific applications in the health, sports, sustainable development, and enology areas.