Services Products Resources FAQ Contact us Search Site High-Precision Isotopic Analysis 217-398-3490 Frequently Asked Questions I want to do isotopic analysis of a gas sample. Do I have to order compositional analysis too? Yes. Accurate GC analysis is required on gases prior to isotope analysis. The concentration of each gas component determines the amount of sample needed for the isotope analysis and is necessary for QA/QC monitoring. What is the difference between off-line and online analysis? Off-line analysis is the traditional method that has been in use for many years. Gas samples are separated into their individual components in a gas chromatograph and each hydrocarbon is then oxidized to CO2 and H2O. These combustion products are then transported to a dual-inlet isotope ratio mass spectrometer (DI-IRMS) for the actual analysis. In the case of the H2O, it must be further reacted to hydrogen gas. In a DI-IRMS, the sample gas is slowly streamed into the instrument and its isotopic composition monitored. Then, via switching valves, a reference gas of precisely known isotopic composition is measured. Measurement of the sample and then the reference gas is repeated several times for a very precise calibration. Online analysis is the newer method, in which the gas chromatograph, combustion system, and IRMS are all connected. Each component is oxidized as it exits the GC and passed directly into the IRMS. Online analysis is faster and cheaper, and it requires much less sample than off-line analysis, but it lacks the precision needed in some applications. Isotech offers both options, depending on customer needs. How do you ensure the accuracy of your analysis? At least 20% of all analyses at Isotech are for quality assurance and quality control (QAQC). In addition to regularly calibrating all instruments with standard materials traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Testing (NIST), or the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), approximately 10% of the analyses are of internal check standards that have compositions similar to those of the samples being analyzed. For example, when analyzing methane in samples that are mostly air, we test our methods and our equipment using standards that are diluted with air, and not with pure gases. An additional 10% of all analyses are duplicates of the customer’s samples. Close attention to detail and constantly testing ourselves results in the high quality data that our customers expect. How do I ship my samples? Cylinders? Gas bags? IsoTubes®? Other? We have shipping instructions in pdf format that you can download from the Customer Support section of this website. Please note that you must be certified to ship hazardous materials, such as flammable gas. Can I take samples on an airplane? We do not recommend hand transport of samples on aircraft. It may be legal to take them on a plane, but we recommend that samples be shipped by courier. Check with the airline to verify if it is possible to take your particular samples on a passenger aircraft. What happens to my samples after the analysis is done? We generally hold samples for a couple of weeks after data is reported, and then dispose of the samples. Client cylinders are returned. Upon request, we can hold samples for longer periods of time, or return your samples to you. Will I get my containers back after the analysis is complete? Yes, in the case of gas cylinders. We normally dispose of or recycle glass or plastic bottles, gas bags, and IsoTubes. If you have special containers or would like your containers returned, please let us know. My company requires a chain-of-custody form. How do I get one? You’ll find a chain-of-custody form in the Customer Support section of this website. The link will take you to a page where you can choose to download a static form to be completed by hand, or an interactive form. Can I buy IsoTubes without using Isotech for analysis? Yes. Although we would prefer that samples in IsoTubes be returned to us for analysis, there is no requirement to return IsoTubes to Isotech. Can I reuse the IsoTubes? IsoTubes are a single-use container and it is this single-use designation that provides for reduced shipping restrictions when compared to traditional cylinders. Can the IsoTubes be pressurized? Yes. The Wellhead Sampling Device used for collection of pressurized samples into IsoTubes can handle inlet pressures up to 3000 psig, and reduces the pressure to approximately 60 psig. Maximum pressure for an IsoTube is limited to 80 psig. How do I order IsoTube® equipment? You can call, fax, or email your orders. Order online or call 217-398-3490. Do I have to be certified to ship hazardous materials (HAZMAT)? Yes, anyone who completes and signs HAZMAT shipping documents MUST have completed a training course. How do I become certified to ship hazardous materials (HAZMAT)? There are a number of companies that offer training courses, either in their facilities or on-site at your company. Alternatively, you can take an online course. Please contact us for information. What happens to the IsoTubes when the analyses are completed? IsoTubes returned to Isotech are disassembled and the materials are then recycled. Nearly every component (>99%) is recycled. Is there an IsoTube® distributor in my area? See the list of distributors in the Links / Resources section of this website. More questions? Give us a call at 217-398-3490. Tell us about our service! Take survey © 2020 Stratum Reservoir (Isotech) 1308 Parkland Court | Champaign Illinois 61821