Instrumentation

The Purdue Stable Isotope Facility houses 4 isotope ratio mass spectrometers (IRMS), each accompanied by peripheral devices for conversion of various compounds into analyzable gases. We also operate some standalone instrumentation for both concentration and isotopic analysis.

Sercon 20-20 IRMS

• Gilson Trace Gas Analyzer: Headspace analysis of gases for δ¹³C and %C values
• Thermalox Total Organic Carbon Analyzer: Analysis of aqueous samples for δ¹³C values

Sercon 20-22 IRMS

• Gilson Gas Chromatograph: Compound-specific analysis of δ¹³C values
• PDZ Europa Elemental Analyzer (EA): Combustion of solid samples for δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, %C, and %N values

Delta V Plus IRMS

• Temperature Conversion Elemental Analyzer (TCEA): Pyrolysis of solids for δ¹⁸O values
• Costech ECS 4010 Elemental Analyzer (EA): Combustion of solid samples for δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, %C, and %N values

Delta V Advantage IRMS

• Analyses of δ¹⁵N, δ¹⁸O, and Δ¹⁷O on solid samples and organic (bacterial) respiration
• Gilson Trace Gas Analyzer: headspace extraction of denitrifiers and gold tube thermal decomposition for δ¹⁵N, δ¹⁸O, and Δ¹⁷O