It may not be as much of an issue in your area, but watch for fluctuations in humidity as well. Temperature changes aren't as scary as when water starts condensing on the metal objects in the lab (like the mass specs). 
Cheers.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Matthew S. Lachniet" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 12:09 pm
Subject: [ISOGEOCHEM] Climate Control Renovation Nightmare
To: [log in to unmask]

> Hi all,
> 
> Our University, through a contractor, recently "renovated" a lab 
> space for 
> the Las Vegas Isotope Science Lab at UNLV. As a result of this 
> renovation, 
> we were gifted with a thirty degree (F) temperature fluctuation 
> throughout 
> the year, from 65*F (18C) in the winter, to peaks above 95*F (35C) 
> during 
> the summer. We're having a very hard time convincing the facilities 
> to fix 
> the problematic HVAC system and I need some horror stories to spur 
> them 
> into action.
> 
> My question is: What deleterious effects are likely to arise from 
> such 
> extreme temperature variations? Does anyone have firsthand 
> experience of 
> this on their mass spec? We has a Thermo Delta V advantage, Kiel 
> IV, TC/EA, 
> and EA.
> 
> Fortunately, we are moving the lab to a brand-new building, but it 
> is 
> unclear if we will be able to move in before the Las Vegas summer 
> begins to 
> melt our electronics.
> 
> Thanks in advance, and I hope your temperatures are more stable!
> 
> Matt
> 
> 
> 
> Matthew S. Lachniet
> Department of Geoscience
> University of Nevada, Las Vegas
> 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 4010
> Las Vegas, Nevada 89154
> [log in to unmask]
> http://geoscience.unlv.edu/matthewslachniet.htm
> 702.895.4388 office; 702.895-4064 fax
>