PIAMS System Specifications
Gas Sample Hub
The Gas Sample Hub (GSH) is NEC’s latest development in efficient and reliable sample processing. The GSH uses the output of an elemental analyzer and filters out the carrier gas leaving only CO2. The GSH then uses custom designed, vacuum compatible syringes to pressurize the sample. This pressurized sample will be released into the source at a controlled pressure range to optimize beam output. The output pressure is customizable in order to accommodate every customer’s needs.
Stable Isotope Sample Flow
When the GSH processes a sample from the Thermo Fisher EA Isolink Solid or Isolink Liquid elementar analyser, it will also siphon off a volume of gas to be used by the Conflo IV and subsequently the Delta V IRMS. This small sample of gas has been optimized for Thermo Fisher equipment and allows for simultaneous measurements of stable isotopes as well as rare isotopes.
Run Times and Measuring Capacity
Lower output pressures mean longer run times, but a standard sample run can be estimated to take around 25 minutes. The sample prep and loading stages take 10 minutes and the PIAMS can produce a statistically significant run in 15 minutes. The dual path design of the GSH means that while one sample is being analyzed, another can be processed at the same time. This allows the GSH to run upwards of 50 samples in a 24hr period.
Beam Currents
Based on the programmable nature of the pressurizing syringes, the GSH can accommodate many different sample sizes and still provide the PIAMS with a stable flow of gas. This is beneficial for users who are uncertain about the amount of CO2 a sample will produce. A smaller sample will have a shorter run time but will still produce comparable beams to larger samples. Figure 5 shows the current readouts from an example sample run at NEC, here it is shown that PIAMS will produce greater than 5 μA of negative ion current.
Accelerator Voltages
The PIAMS comes equipped with an 85 kV power supply to provide ample acceleration potential. In most cases the full potential will not be needed. On site beam tests will be run at approximately 75 kV.
