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Susan Boehm

Summary


18 thin section requests from on shore scientists.  2 large format used to see transition areas, and 1 sediment sample that needed to be fully impregnated, all others were basalt.  The on shore staff scientist communicated the requests by emailing the section half images with colored squares around the areas where a thin section is requested. 

New batteries put in both digital micrometers- handheld and petrothin.  I will remove the batteries at end of expedition so that they last longer.

All three vacuum pumps cleaned and oil replaced.

Experimented with procedure to impregnate laminated sediment samples to determine if this is feasible to do on board.  Could be possible when the Petropoxy arrives to the ship.


LP-50

Used for slide frosting and lapping.  Very consistent and reliable.  I used one jig for both settings and adjusted the chuck face up or down when needed.  The picture shows where I preferred the chuck face to be set when lapping, the large needle inbetween 2 and 3. This leaves the face slightly lower which means less material will be lapped away out of caution.  I prefer thinning the sample down more after lapping by using the 1000 grit by hand, this gives me more control and makes a much better/faster polish on the PM5.

Replaced large and small gaskets in the slurry drum and on the polisher drum, no more leaking. 

Petrothin

Saw and vacuum worked well.  On some practice thin sections it was getting a lot of water in the VS2 trap.  At least one slide needed silicone lubricant on the vacuum face to get the slide to suction.  The majority of slides worked fine with little to no water getting in the trap.  The black tubing may need to be replaced soon but I was still getting a strong vacuum.  The black tubing is part number LS0142. 

PM5 Polisher

Works well but squeaky when WG2 is rotating.

Samples and methods


Ordering Supplies

I checked out one TS0079, diamond powder, only to trigger the reordering.  There are still 3 unopened jars in the drawer but I wanted to order more in case it takes a very long time to arrive.  There is still plenty of 600 grit and glycol.  The Epotek epoxy will expire in October but should be good to use for any requests on the Oct/Nov expedition.  I purposely delayed ordering more since it expires so quickly and there is always too much.  This is the 1000 grit that I find works well and it is the last container we have.  Since the upcoming expeditions are uncertain I have not ordered more because I think the amount left will still last quite a while.

Miscellaneous


Two Welch vacuum pumps (on Petro Thin and Freeze Dryer) and one Edwards Pump (LP50) were drained, cleaned and refilled with oil. 

On the Edwards Pump, take care with the fill cap on the top, it is very brittle and already chewed up from previous attempts at opening and closing.  The best thing is to leave it just finger tight, and it can be removed by putting a rag over it and turning the outer portion with just your hand.  Any tools will break the plastic further and I don't think we have any spares of this cap. 



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