Mass Spec Lab

Solid bulk ¹³C and ¹⁵N samples are analyzed with elementar’s varioPyro cube (thermoconductivity detection) combined with their preciION IRMS. The system can return dual isotope analyses for both ¹³C, ¹⁵N, C%, and N% on most samples. C and N analyses are combusted with copper oxide at 950°C and reduced using copper wires at 600°C. The system has a large analyses range for isotopes and C and N mass fraction. Samples are normalized to the international scales via bracketed normalization using two calibrated standards. Natural abundance and if needed enriched control (QA/QC) are run with every batch of samples to ensure data quality.

The lab can be contacted if clients are needing assistance with sample prep, drying, grinding, ball milling and encapsulation. We are not alway able to take on this work in-house but are happy to share SOPs and discuss special handling that might be needed.

Analysis	Price
Solid 13C and 15N	$20/sample
Sample drying	$75 flat rate
Grinding	$5/sample
Ball milling	$5/sample
Encapsulation	$5/sample

Before shipping or submitting samples, please contact the lab via email. Please provide the sample type and analyses needed. Do not encapsulate samples before contacting the lab.

In order to determine needed sample weights approximate mass fraction values (N% & or C%) will be needed. If you don’t know what the approximate mass fraction(s) of your samples are, then 1 mg test samples can be submitted to the lab for mass fraction estimates. Please contact the lab before submitting test samples.

• Samples need to be dried, ground and encapsulated in tin (SN) capsules.
• Ball milled samples should pass through a 0.25 mm (US #60 mesh) sieve to be considered totally homogenized
• Samples cannot be leaking!
• Leaking samples will have errors in the mass fraction results.
• Leaking samples have the potential to contaminated other samples.
• Samples need to be 3 dimensional (not flat or long and thin)
• Flat samples will get stuck in the carousel and be lost.
• Samples need to be shipped in 96-well tray plates. Ensure that samples are packed to so they can’t jostle out of their “well” spot.
• Paper or index cards may have to be placed on top of samples between the tray and the lid to ensure all sample remain in place.
• All trays must be taped shut.
• All samples and sample weights must be submitted to the lab using our supplied submission sheet (obtained by requests).
• Three decimal place balance (in mg) should be used.

 

Examples of good sample encapsulation

Small Sample (1-8 mg)

Large Sample (9-75 mg)

 

Examples of unacceptable encapsulation or packaging

Flat sample. Small or large, this sample will get pinched in the carousel — Unacceptable

Long thin samples. These will not fit in the carousel — Unacceptable

 

For inquires and/or submissions, contact: 

Kim Janzen, lab manager

kim.janzen@usask.ca