I. Pre-Expedition
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- Take a 5 cc headspace sample from every sediment core (non-basement), at the top of a section (try to be consistent). This sample is taken until the total depth objective is met. If doing multiple holes, you do not have to repeat the sampling if a headspace sample has already been taken at that depth but just continue after the prior hole's bottom depth.
- For cores with IW samples, always take the headspace sample adjacent to IW, best from the top of the section immediately below the IW sample. Note the core, section and interval of the headspace sample and write it on the Curator's logsheet. The interval will need to be entered into SampleMaster by the Curator/ALO.
- Make sure nobody sprays acetone on the catwalk before sampling is completed. Acetone will contaminate the sample.
- It is recommended to occasionally take a sample of the air on the core deck, so that any change in the headspace sample analysis can be correlated to changes in volatilized acetone.
- Inject a standard (corresponding to concentrations seen in the recent cores) every fifty injections or so, to check on the instrument calibration.
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- Set the pressure to 3000 lbs and simultaneously push and hold both green (CLOSE) buttons on the hydraulic unit's base until the auto-pressure engages.
- After the first drops flow from the hole in the squeezer's base plate, insert the syringe into the hole. Keep an eye on the syringe to make sure the pressure doesn't push out the syringe or plunger (especially for the first few cores). Keep incrementing the hydraulic unit pressure in steps of 1000 lbs until 10000 lbs; after 10000 lbs, increase in steps of 2000. Do not ever increase the pressure above 30000 lbs.
- Select the correct core, section and sample in SampleMaster. Upload the IW sample splits (using the Excel template) into SampleMaster and distribute the labels.
- When porewater yield is sufficient/no more water is trickling, release the hydraulic unit pressure by pressing the red OPEN button and remove the syringe from the squeezer.
- Start sample distribution (splits).
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- Once a shift, clean glassware. If glassware/plastic is in the acid bath, rinse it three times with DI water and let dry. Rinse dirty glassware/plastic three times with RO water and place in bath for twelve hours. Do not put metal objects in an acid bath.
- Make new acid baths at least twice an Expedition when they get dirty and whenever going from flux to IW ICP analyses, make a new nitric acid bath.
- Check daily the manifold pressures of the helium and argon racks daily.
- Ensure that the active hydrogen generator's water reservoir is full of DI water. Do not let these run empty. Occasionally check the desiccant.
- Coulometer Cathode/Anode solutions: these solutions need changing every 2-3 days or 200 runs. Along with the solutions, you will want to change out the pre- and post-scrubber solutions. Any precipitate in the lines should be removed as well. The solutions will also need to be changed if a 100% CaCO3 standard check does not come within 100 ± 2%.
- Weekly check test the safety shower and eye wash stations.
- Many filters/traps need to be changed on about a weekly basis (check them frequently):
- IC, titrators, SRA - drierite
- EA - (magnesium perchlorate) if hydrogen not being measured.
- The nanopure pre-filters and Barnstead filters need to be changed when an indicator light on the unit comes on. See the manual for how to change these. The nanopure final filters should be changed about every four months.
- Check the freeze-dryer daily for any ice build-up and defrost as necessary.
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- Write the End-of-Expedition lab report and send a copy, via e-mail, to the on-coming Technicianstechnicians.
- Make sure all data is sent to LIMS and all raw data files are copied to the Data1 volume.
- Pack up equipment being returned for repairs and give the ALO the following information: IODP inventory number, value, serial number, model number, vendor's name and country of manufacture.
- Pack up all samples as per Scientistsscientists' requests; work with the Curator/ALOs.
- Give the LO a list for port purchases, if any.
- Clean the lab and assigned area following the cleaning instruction according to LO's list. Bring all the trash to the incinerator. Glass and sharps get disposed of in port call.Fill the Carver presses with oil (if necessary).
- Check the oil in the freeze dryer's vacuum pump.
- Defrost and clean the freeze dryer.
- Clean (defrost if necessary) the fridges; dispose of old reagents.
- Change the hydrogen generators' DI bags and vacuum the back vent filters.
- Check the ovens for debris. Clean them.
- Clean any instrument-specific items.
- Have the lab coats laundered (segregated and tumble dried).
- Check expiration dates on chemicals, notify ALO/LO if there are hazardous chemicals/waste need to be disposed of in port.
VI. Port call – Off Going
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