Procedure for sample loading
1. Preparation
- Add new samples via the internet
- Contact us and request for holders
- Tools and materials
- The weighing papers is VWR Scientific Products, CAT no. 12578-201
- A4 paper
- Removable Magic Tape
- For 10Be and 129I, Niobium powder is -325 mesh, Puratronic, 99.99%, from Alfa Aesar. Stock # 40510
- For 26Al, Silver powder is -325 mesh, 99.99+% from Aldrich Chem Co
- Microtubestorage boxes 1.5 (Natural), catalog No.16-8240-06, from PGC SCIENTIFICS
- 1.15MM*1-3/4 HSS DRILL Blank, Part Number 501304650 (Vermont Gage), from McMaster Carr
- For 36Cl only, #47*2HSS Drill Blank, Part Number 501307850 (Vermont Gage)
- Spatula
- 2.0 ml. Shell Vial, PP & Plug Conv Pack, catalog # 12-W225125 from KSE Scientific.
- ultrasonic cleaning solution (UCS soap): 1% of Alconox
- To prevent sample cross contamination use one set of loading tools for one sample
- load samples with low isotope abundances first if estimated abundances available
- Since many materials are toxic take proper precautions such as wearing gloves, masks, working coat etc.
Table 1 Holders for 10Be, 26Al, 36Cl and 129I
| Nuclide |
10Be | 26Al | 36Cl | 129I |
|---|
| Holder | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Cu covered by AgBr | Pure Al |
Table 2: Sample Material, binder, Mix ratio
| Nuclide | Material | Material Weight mg | Binder | Mix ratio of Binder to Material (by wight) |
|---|
| 10Be | BeO | 1 - 3 mg | Nb | 3.5 |
| 26Al | Al2O3 | 1 - 3 mg | Ag | 3 |
| 36Cl | AgCl | 5 - 10mg | | |
| 129I | AgI | 1 - 3mg |
Nb |
3 |
2. Loading
- Prepare the loading area
- Clean the loading desk by AccuWipe paper
- Put a piece of A3 paper in the desk and fix it by removable tape
- Put a piece of 6" X 6" weighing paper over it
- Prepare the loading reocords document, including:
- holder number
- PRIME Lab sample ID
- loaded sample material weight in mg
- Loading
- Refer to table 2, weigh the sample material, weigh the binder material
- Mix the weighed materials uniformly using spatula
- Pour the mixture into top of the holder
- Pound in place with the drill blank
- Add more mixture and pound. Repeat until full of center hole
- Put the loaded holder into vial, with the laser marked side up, cover it with the lid
- Write on the holder number on the outside of vial
- record the holder number, sample PRIMELab ID, sample name in your notebook
- Put the holder in microtubestorage box in its proper position
- Clean the loading area and prepare for the next loading
- * Note: for 129I, to avoid water moisture,
- the holder should be preheated in the 110 oC oven for 20 mins.
- start heating vials at 110o C in oven at the begining of loading
- loaded holder should be kept in the preheated vial
- * Note: for 36Cl, to reduce 36S,
- the holder should be preheated at 110 oC in oven for 20 mins.
- start heating vials at 110o C in oven at the begining of loading
- Pound sample AgCl at center with 2mm blank drill
- Bake loaded holder at 110 oC in oven for 10 mins.
- Loaded holder should be kept in the preheated vial and covered with vial lid.
- Enter the loading records to PRIME Lab sample management system
- login in the webpage under the sample related scientific investigator's account
- click the "loading records" page and enter the loading information
3. Clean all used tools
- put the used tools in HDPE bottle
- pour in ultrasonic cleaning solution (UCS soap) to cover the used tools
- put bottle into ultrasoic cleaner and run for one hour
- when finished, rinse these tools with DIW till the soap is gone
- pour these tools out of bottle onto a large kimwipe, dry, and then rinse with alcohl, drying with the kimwipe
- using silicon carbide sandpaper to clear those corroded till corrosion-free, and sand both ends
- wash the tools in alcohol, dry with a kimwipe
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