scope

Polarizing Petrographic Microscope and Cameras

  • Nikon Optiphot polarizing petrographic microscope
  • Transmitted and reflected light capabilities
  • Lumenera Infinity 2 digital camera and Infinity Analyze software
  • Sony color CCD camera and monitor for demonstrations

Rigaku

Rigaku Supermini200

  • Benchtop WDXRF with 3 crystals, 2 detectors, 12 position sample holder and sample spinning capability

xrf

X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

  • Jordan Valley Applied Radiation EX-6500 EDXRF with primary and secondary excitation using Rh anode tubes
  • Quantitative and qualitative elemental analysis of solids, powders, slurries and liquids
  • Analysis of geological, chemical, archeological, industrial, and biological samples

bench

X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer Sample Preparation Bench

  • Pressed pellet (X-Press) and borate fusion (Katanax K-1) sample preparation

press

Pellet Press

  • Spex 3624B X-press for pressed pellets
  • Pellets pressed at 25 tons of pressure

k1

Katanax K1 electric fluxer for XRF glass disks

  • ~ 2:1 Lithium tetraborate:lithium metaborate flux + lithium bromide
  • 95% platinum + 5 % gold crucibles
  • Fusion performed at 1025 degrees C

melt

Sample Melting in the Fluxer

tilt

Tilting of the Fluxer for Pouring

  • Red-hot disk at bottom is the mold

pour

Molten Sample Being Poured Into Mold

disk

The Cooled Glass Disk

xrd

X-ray Diffractometer

  • Philips PW1729 automated powder diffractometer (Cu tube)
  • Phase identification and characterization

clay

Millipore Filter Setup

  • Produces oriented clay samples for XRD analysis

Waterchem

Water Chemistry Testing

  • Electrochemical and colormetric test equipment for testing drinking and environmental waters