----- Original Message -----
From: "Jennifer McKay" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2004 11:54 AM
Subject: [ISOGEOCHEM] Cracking reaction columns


> Hello Everyone,
>
> We have a Carlo Erba elemental analyzer attached to our mass
> spectrometer and are analyzing the d13C and d15N composition of
> organic samples.  Over the past month we have had reaction columns
> (translucent silica type) cracking at an incredible rate.  In one
> case the column cracked after only 20 samples.  When we look at the
> column it is easy to see what is happening.  It appears that the tin
> cups are eating into the column reducing the column wall to half its
> original thickness and thus weakening it.  We are not running unusual
> samples or big samples and generally only use the thin-walled tin
> cups.  However, when we use the thick-walled tin cups the columns
> seems to die faster.  Has anyone else seen this problem?  More
> importantly, does anyone know why it is happening and how I can solve
> it?
>
> Yours truly,
> Jennifer
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------
> Jennifer Mckay
> Agente de Recherche / Research Associate
> GEOTOP - Universite du Quebec a Montreal
> C.P. 8888, succursale Centre-Ville
> Montreal, Quebec, Canada
> H3C 3P8
>
> Telephone bureau/office: 514-987-3000 (poste/ext 2413)
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> ------------------------------------------------------
>