For more information, contact Professor Ulrich Wortmann.
We routinely analyze the following substances:
- Solids: Bulk analysis of solids (and some fluids) for δ13C, δ15N, δ34S via thermal decomposition, including soil and rock samples, organic substances, and inorganic substances like sulfates, nitrates, or sulfides. Using our high temperature pyrolysis system, we also routinely measure δ18O on nitrates, sulfates, and silicates. These measurements typically requires 10 to 20 mug of e.g. N or C. The achievable precision depends on the actual material. Typical σ-values range from 0.1 to 0.4 per mil.
- Gases: Our mass spectrometer is equipped with a 6 cup collector, enabling us to measure the isotopic composition of the following gas-species: CO2, CO, SO2, O2, N2, SF6,
- Extractions and TC/TOC determinations: Upon request, we perform sulfur extraction and conversion to BaSO4 and Ag2S. We also perform total carbon (TC) and total organic carbon (TOC) determinations, on samples with less than 20wt% CaCO3 content. Please contact Professor Ulrich Wortmann for a quote.
The following table gives an indication of our pricing. Note however that certain conditions may apply (e.g., internal and NSERC pricing), and that it is assumed that the samples are delivered in a format suitable for measurement (e.g., already ground up and dried, etc.) Please contact us to inquire about the specific requirements:
Material | Isotope | Method | Academic Collaborative | Academic Non-Collaborative | Commercial |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bulk Solids | δ13C & δ15N | EA-IRMS | $55 | $75 | $105 |
Sulfates & Sulfides | δ34S | EA-IRMS | $55 | $60 | $75 |
Carbonates | δ18O & δ13C | Gasbench-IRMS | $30 | $45 | $55 |
Water | δ18O | Gasbench-IRMS | $30 | $45 | $55 |
Sulfates & Nitrates | δ18O | TCEA-IRMS | $65 | $75 | $150 |
Sample Preparation Solids | $25 | $40 | $60 |
We currently have the following equipment housed in our lab:
We currently operate a Finnigan MAT 253, equipped with a Finnigan Conflo-III, a dual-inlet system, and a manifold serving 10 manual breakers. Our inlet systems include a Eurovector Elemental Analyzer, a Hekatech high temperature pyrolysis furnace,and a Finnigan Gas Bench with two cryo-concentrators.
The Thermo-Finnigan MAT253 gas source isotope ratio monitoring mass spectrometer. The Conflo III is visible on the far left, followed by the ion-source housing, deflection magnet and the detectors (using a 6 cup configuration). The dual inlet system is visible on the front cover, and the manifold stubs on the top cover.
The high temperature pyrolysis system. On the left the power supply, and on the right the furnace. Samples are introduced through the autosampler on top. This system is used for oxygen isotope work on solids and µl amounts of fluids.
The Eurovector Elemental Analyzer. This system is used to determine the CNS contents and isotopic ratios of solid samples. The grey box on the left is the switchover valve controlling which system feeds into the mass-spec.
Gas Bench
Weighing Station