GC2 PFT Analysis: User Guide
Rev. 376 | June 2018 – V.Percuoco
Draft 6/7/2011; Rev. 1/2/1014; Rev. 371T | July 2017 – D.Houpt
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The major concern in shipboard microbiological study is whether microbes from the drilling fluid are introduced into the recovered core material during coring. Therefore, it is critical to verify whether recovered cores are contaminated. Perfluorocarbon tracer (PFT) can be used to quantify the amount of contamination due to drilling fluid. It is strongly recommended that this test be routinely conducted when coring for microbiological studies.
PFTs are chemically inert and can be detected with high sensitivity. The JRSO has two chemicals it uses as chemical tracers to monitor potential contamination of sediment and rock samples on the JOIDES Resolution.
Table 1: Physical and chemical properties of perfluorocarbon tracers
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Both PFMCH and PFMD are considered to be non-hazardous by US and EU classifications under normal conditions.
Chemical Hazards:
- Incompatible substances: oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases
- Emits toxic fumes (HF) under fire conditions
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