At COIL we preform all isotopic analyses on Thermo Scientific Delta V Advantage Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometers (IRMS). The original unit was purchased in 2006 and second in 2012.
These IRMS are coupled to a several peripheral units which allow us to measure a variety of samples matrices. Carbon and nitrogen solid samples are introduced from the PN150 autosampler (Costech, CA, USA) into the Carlo Erba NC2500 (Italy) elemental analyzer for combustion analysis. Hydrogen and oxygen solid samples are introduced from a Zero Blank (Costech, CA USA) autosampler into a Thermo Scientific TC/EA for pyrolysis analysis. Liquid hydrogen and oxygen samples are introduced into the TC/EA using a GC-PAL autosampler. These units are coupled to the IRMS via either a ConFlo III or a ConFlo IV (Thermo Scientific, Bremen, Germany) to allow for continuous flow measurements.
To measure gaseous samples we have coupled a Gas Bench II (Thermo Scientific Bremen, Germany) to our IRMS. Using this instrument we can measure carbon dioxide from atmospheric and breath experiments as well as hydrogen and oxygen from water samples using the equilibration technique and carbonate carbon and oxygen analysis. Samples are introduced into the Gas Bench II using a GC-PAL autosampler.