SOLIDS FOR EA AND TC/EA

Tin or silver capsules of pre-weighed, homogenized sample should be submitted in 96-well plates. After weighing out your samples, place a piece of parafilm, an index card, or a silicone tray seal between the plate and lid, and secure the lid with several pieces of tape. Once received, samples will be stored in a desiccator cabinet and dried at 50 °C just prior to analysis.

Alternatively, samples can be sent unweighed, and encapsulated by trained technician. We can also homogenize unweighed samples and acid-treat soils and sediments to remove inorganic carbon. Please see the rates page for current costs.

All samples must be accompanied by a paper copy of the IRMS sample submission form. You must also submit a digital copy of the form to isotopes@uky.edu. Work cannot begin on the samples until these materials are received.

Important: if you're planning to submit encapsulated samples for O or H analysis on the TC/EA, you must furnace the silver capsules for a few hours at 300 to 400 °C prior to weighing. We've found that even brand-new silver capsules often have large 'blank' peaks due to oxidation or adsorbed moisture. Ideally the silver capsules should be exposed to atmosphere for as little time as possible after furnacing.

CARBONATES FOR δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C ON GASBENCH

Pre-weighed carbonate samples for δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C analysis using the GasBench II should be submitted as very fine (e.g. powdered sugar) powder in 12 mL Labco Exetainers. We will flush the samples with UHP helium and react them with H₃PO₄ free-of-charge.

Alternatively, carbonate samples can be sent in other containers, to be weighed into our Exetainers by trained technicians. We can also grind/homogenize unweighed samples. See rates page for current costs.

All samples must be accompanied by a paper copy of the IRMS sample submission form. You must also submit a digital copy of the form to isotopes@uky.edu. Work cannot begin on the samples until these materials are received.