SIL Home SIL On-line Manual SIL Personnel Stanford Stable Isotope Lab SIL Analyses
Funding Support Stanford University Home Page GES Home Page Other Links


Stable Isotope Laboratory

Stanford University
Geological and Environmental Sciences, Bldg. 320
Stanford, CA 94305-2115



Finnigan MAT 252 Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS):

 Description: The Finnigan MAT 252 IRMS has a dual micro-volume inlet system, electromagnet, 24X multiport manifold interfaced with a Pentium PC using ISODATTM software.

 Power requirements = 230V (-10%, + 6%), 16A three phase, 50/60Hz. Max permissible voltage between ground and neutral lines < 400mV.

 Compressed air supply = 50 to 75psig. (350 to 500Kpa).

 Reference gases = N2 and CO2.

 Environment = Heat output 2.5kW during normal operation; 4.5kW during system bake-out.

 Ambient temperature range = 64 to 82°F (18-28°C).

 Relative humidity range = 20 to 70%.

 Dimensions = 4.3ft H x 5.3ft W x 4.4ft D (130cm H x 160cm W x 134cm D).

 Weight = 1,430lbs (650kg).

Finnigan MAT 252 IRMS specs:

 Sensitivity = 800 - 1500 molecules CO2/mass 44 ion

 Internal precision 2s 13C @ 1 µl CF = 0.03ppt; @ 3 µl CF = 0.005ppt.

 Internal precision 2s 18O @ 4 µl CF = 0.02ppt; @ 10 µl CF 0.01ppt.

 Internal precision 2s 15N @ 20 µl CF = 0.010ppt.

 Internal precision 2s 32S @ 10 µl CF = 0.006ppt.

 External precision 1s 13C @ 1 µl CF = 0.1ppt; @ 3 µl CF = 0.01ppt.

 External precision 1s 18O @ 4 µl CF = 0.05ppt; @ 10 µl CF 0.03ppt.

 External precision 1s 15N @ 20 µl CF = 0.1ppt

 External precision 1s 32S @ 10 µl CF = 0.01ppt.

 Linearity 0.02 ppt/nA ion current mass 44


A Finnigan Kiel III carbonate device is interfaced with MAT 252 IRMS. For more information refer to the Kiel III specification sheet.


Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences / Stanford University
Last modified on 5/11/05 by David Mucciarone (e-mail address - dam@pangea.stanford.edu).