Hello all,

I'm hoping someone can shed some light on a problem I am having (GC-IRMS,
MAT252). My background levels for CO2 are elevated, but on masses 45 and 46
only. The source seems to be my Nafion trap, as the 45 (and 46) signal
increases drastically (perhaps 200mV) when I heat the trap, and falls to
normal when the trap is removed. Mass 44 is unaffected throughout all of
this (~9mV).

I replaced the Nafion tubing, but am still getting the same problem.
Another trap in the lab made from the same batch is working fine. Does
anyone have any suggestions? What compound can give masses 45 and 46 but
not 44? Nafion is a fluorinated polymer, but the only fluorine compound I
can dream up that has a mass of 45 is NCF. Doesn't seem very likely....

Paul Eby

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Biogeochemistry Lab
School of Earth and Ocean Science
University of Victoria

phone: 250-721-6183
fax:   250-472-4620