Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS)
An Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS) is a special machine used by scientists to study the composition of different substances in a very precise and detailed way. It helps us understand the different forms, called isotopes, of elements like hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen that make up the world around us.
You may have heard that elements can exist in different types, or isotopes, which have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their atomic structure. An IRMS allows scientists to measure the ratios of these isotopes in a sample and learn more about their characteristics.
Here’s how it works: First, a small amount of the sample is taken and prepared for analysis. Then, it is placed into the IRMS, which is a special machine with delicate instruments. Inside the machine, the sample is transformed into a form that can be measured, such as water or gas.
Once the sample is ready, it goes through a process called mass spectrometry. This means that the IRMS separates the different isotopes based on their masses and measures their abundance. By studying the ratios of these isotopes, scientists can learn important information about the origin, movement, and behavior of the substance.
IRMS has many important applications. It can help scientists understand the sources of water, track the movement of pollutants in the environment, study how plants and animals interact in ecosystems, and even provide insights into human health and nutrition.
In summary, an Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer is a powerful tool that scientists use to study the different forms of elements in a sample. It helps us learn more about the world around us and how everything is interconnected.
Check out a simple example of how a Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer works.
Our Instruments
ThermoFisher Delta V
The ThermoFisher Delta V is an advanced instrument used to measure the ratios of different isotopes in a sample. It provides precise information about the composition of elements like nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen.
The instrument has three different ways to analyze samples. Firstly, a traditional dual inlet is used to analyze gases like nitrogen and carbon dioxide to determine the ratios of isotopes. The samples are placed in small sealed containers that can be attached to the instrument. Gas samples of at least 0.5 milliliters can be analyzed.
Secondly, a Gas bench inlet allows for automated analysis of gas samples. These samples are provided in special tubes with rubber seals. The tubes can be reused if the rubber seal is replaced. Gas mixtures with a small percentage of the sample (between 0.4% and 2%) are used for analysis.
Lastly, an EA (elemental analyzer) combustion inlet is used for organic samples. These samples need to be in a dry form and are converted into carbon dioxide and nitrogen through a special process. The samples are placed in small tin cups for analysis, and a size of 0.5 to 5.0 milligrams is typically used.
The ThermoFisher Delta V provides highly precise measurements. For carbon and oxygen analyses using the Gas bench inlet, the precision is around 0.05 parts per thousand, while for nitrogen and carbon analyses using the EA inlet, the precision is approximately 0.3 and 0.1 parts per thousand, respectively. These measurements help scientists gain detailed insights into the composition and characteristics of different materials.
In summary, the ThermoFisher Delta V is an advanced instrument that uses Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry to analyze samples and determine isotopic ratios. It has different inlet devices for analyzing gases and organic materials, providing precise measurements for various elements.
Thermo Fisher Delta Plus
The Thermo Fisher Delta Plus is an instrument used to measure the ratios of different isotopes in a sample. It helps scientists understand the composition of elements like nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Our instrument is particularly useful for analyzing the ratios of hydrogen isotopes.
The instrument has a special inlet called a dual gas bellows inlet. Samples are provided in small sealed containers that can be attached to the instrument. It’s preferable to use tubes with a diameter of 0.25 inches, but larger tubes can also be used. The instrument can analyze gas samples of at least 0.5 milliliters, but this method takes longer because it requires manual handling.
For analyzing water samples and specifically the ratio of hydrogen isotopes, the instrument has an autoinjector connected to a chromium reduction reactor. This setup allows for the analysis of water samples ranging from 0.2 to 2 grams. Each analysis consumes a very small amount of water, only about 1 microliter. The precision for analyzing the hydrogen isotope ratio is 1.0 parts per thousand.
In simple terms, the Thermo Fisher Delta Plus is a tool that helps scientists measure the ratios of different isotopes in samples. It can analyze gases and water, and it is particularly useful for studying the ratios of hydrogen isotopes. By understanding these ratios, scientists gain insights into the composition and characteristics of different materials and substances.
