Week 5-6: Mass Spec Runs: Sanchit Kumar

For this week we really focused on running our Mass Spec machine in order to get a bulk of our filtered water samples processed so that we could move on to running other data that had been collected in the field.


The figures above show what our Mass Spec machine looked like. It really consists of 2 components. One, the "EA" or Elemental Analyser, and the second part, the actual Mass Spec machine. These two components work together to give us the data that is needed

To run these machines, however, tons of preparation and tiny details must fall into place.  First, the EA needs to be brought up to temperature to ensure that each capsule we place will combust. Second, we must pump oxygen for a multitude of reasons in order to keep the EA functioning. And third, helium must be running through the system to ensure that the combusted CO2 and N2 reach the Mass Spec machine and get processed. 

Other than these details, each furnace of the EA must be packed with specific elements and items. 


On the left you can see each furnace, and what it should be packed with to ensure prime results.















After all this preparation, running takes around 6-8 hours depending on sample size and a number of safety blanks we decide to include. Although a lengthy process, it ensures that we have accurate data and nitrogen/carbon ratios that are believable.

For my last week of EXP, I will show what data from the Mass Spec usually looks like, and what the software for the Mass Spec consists of.

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