Stable Isotope Facility

Tips for Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) in Water by Trace Gas-IRMS

1) Avoid over-tightening exetainer caps. Vials will leak when caps are over-tightened, causing the septa to pucker and pull away from the vial. Turn caps until snug, but not so far that the septa start to pucker.

2) Do not apply silicone grease, adhesives, or sealant to the tops of the vials. These materials clog the autosampler needle. The process of removing these sealants increases the risk of losing your gas sample due to dislodged septum.

3) Avoid thick labels (e.g. wrapped tape) or stacks of labels (e.g. new labels over old labels), as these will have top be removed for the samples to fit into our autosampler trays.

Shipping
Carefully package groups of exetainers in ziplock bags, small boxes, or their original boxes with a coolant (e.g. dry ice or blue ice). Then package these sets in a larger sturdy box with styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap. Make sure the samples are very secure; loose vials can break during shipping. Coolers will not be returned.
Please complete and submit the online Analysis Order Form and Sample List for your samples. Also, be sure to include a printed copy with your samples. The SIF uses this form to track your samples and to contact you regarding receipt of samples, data, and invoicing. For mixed analysis requests, we require completing a separate form for each type of analysis.