Susan Boehm
Summary
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.
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.
Replaced gaskets in the slurry drum and on the polisher drum, no more leaking.
Petrothin
PM5 Polisher
Works well but squeaky when WG2 is rotating.
Samples and methods
Miscellaneous
Two Welch vacuum pumps (on Petro Thin and Freeze Dryer) and one Edwards Pump (LP50) were drained, cleaned and refilled with oil. I ran them for a few minutes, and flushed out the oil two more times because there was significant build up.
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.