Analysis Title:Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA)
Instrumentation: Trace GC Ultra/GC IsoLink/ConFlo IV/Delta V Advantage Isotope Ratio MS
Theory of Operation:
• Isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is a specialization of mass spectrometry, in which mass spectrometric methods are used to measure the relative abundance of non-radioactive isotopes in a given sample.
• Coupled with the Trace GC Ultra, GC IsoLink, and ConFlo IV, the Delta V Advantage Isotope Ratio MS can measure the isotope ratios of a complex mixture of n-alkanes after they have been separated and then converted into simple gases.
• For carbon isotopic analysis, the analysis requires the separation of the n-alkanes on a gas chromatograph followed by combustion of products, which are then sent to the isotope ratio mass spectrometer for ionization, separation, and detection.
• For hydrogen isotopic analysis, the analysis depends on the separation of the n-alkanes on a gas chromatograph followed by pyrolysis of products, which are then sent to the isotope ratio mass spectrometer for ionization, separation, and detection.
Analytical Procedure:
1. Inject 0.7-2.0 µl Diluted Saturate Fraction with Cyclohexane in Trace GC Ultra.
Start the analysis using the software.
Quality assurance program:
• Before every sequence, stability tests then blank, standards and samples of known isotope values are run.
• After every 5 samples, reruns of any abnormal isotope values are performed.