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March 2018
The Paleomagnetics Lab technician shares his/her duties between the Core Lab and the Paleomagnetics Lab. For details on the Core Lab duties, refer to the Core Lab SOP.
I. PRE EXPEDITION
- See General JRSO Shipboard Technical Staff SOP
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- Measure the interior field of the magnetometer using the 3-axis fluxgate ("field profile"). Use the DAFI utility in the IMS-SRM software. Save the excel file to IODP Share: Pmag_Documents: SRM: Field Profiles. Each file should be labeled with the date of measurement.
- If it is necessary to heat the SQUIDs to release a trapped field, follow the field trapping procedure in the user guide.
- Check the field produced by the degauss coils within the SRM using the axial and transverse Hall probes
- Introduce scientists to the cryomagnetometer and run basic measurements, such as:
- Clean the tray and demagnetize at a field of 30 mT or higher and measure the tray. Measure the tray as a fake sample and compare results to ensure corrections are done properly. This should be done with the section half and, if applicable, the discrete tray.
- Conduct positioning tests along the track with a section half tray. Testing should be done with an empty, light tray and a weighted, heavy tray. Check discrete boat positioning as well.
- Measure a split core or play core.
- Check to see if any regular maintenance projects need to be completed. Specifically check if the adsorber in the Cryomech compressor is due for replacement. If the bi-annual replacement of the adsorber is required, swap the entire Cryomech compressor with the spare compressor. Record the date of the change (place sticker on compressor).
- Provide safety tour to all scientists who work in the Paleomagnetic lab area. Ensure all scientists understand the safety concern and sign document required
III. SITE PREPARATION - Prior to arrival on site and core on deck
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- Continue processing cores through the lab as described above
VI. DURING EXPEDITIONS
A. MAINTENANCE
In the Paleomagnetics Lab, a lot of the maintenance takes place on a daily or weekly basis during the expeditions as partially listed in the section above. However, for some instruments, maintenance is only required on a monthly or quarterly or yearly basis. The end of expedition maintenance is a must.
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