Earth Surface Science Institute (ESSI)

Other laboratory techniques

We have lots of standard laboratory techniques. Here are some of these with our Standard Operating procedures and some training videos prepared my Cohen members. These documents are for reference only and training will also be needed within the laboratories.

Acid washing glassware and plasticware

Kegs used for acid washing.
Kegs used for acid washing.

Our glassware cleaning guidelines are really important to keep our work uncontaminated. In general, all glassware should be acid washed and rinsed with deionised water prior to being put back on the shelf. This means you can assume that all glassware in the labs is clean unless labelled otherwise.

We also try to reduce plastic waste by treating HDPE plastic sample containers ("Nalgene" type) in the same way as glass vessels so they can be reused.

Autoclaves

We have two portable autoclaves available within the Cohen laboratories. These can be used for sterilising materials and equipment. They are not used for sterilisation of waste.

3-place balance on balance bench.
3-place balance on balance bench.

Balances

We have a wide array of balances available within the Cohen laboratories. We can measure down to 0.001 mg (6 place). These are calibrated annually.

Centrifuges

Tim loading up a centrifuge.
Tim loading up a centrifuge.

We have a wide range of different types of centrifuges available within the Cohen laboratories. These are regularly maintained and serviced annually.

Using cryogens

25L Dewar for liquid nitrogen.
25L Dewar for liquid nitrogen.

We have the facilities to use limited quantities of liquid nitrogen and dry ice.

Cryogens

Degassing Liquids

We have facilities for degassing liquids in various ways. This is particularly important for our anaerobic work.

Ashing furnace.
Ashing furnace.

Furnaces and ovens

In the Cohen laboratories we have lots of ovens and furnaces available for use.

Gas cylinders

Gas cylinders and regulators.
Gas cylinders and regulators.

We have a wide range of gas cylinders already in use in the laboratories.

HF handling

General Laboratory

This is the risk and CoSHH assessment for the Cohen laboratory.

Vacuum Filtration

Vacuum filtration set-up.
Vacuum filtration set-up.

All of our labs have the facilities available for various types of filtration including vacuum filtration.

Mechanical pipettes

We have a wide array of mechanical pipettes available for all volumes. These are calibrated annually.

Volumetric flask
Volumetric flask

Preparation of standard solutions

We have all the facilities required to prepare standard solutions. Including DI water on tap and milli-Q water available.

Total (in)organic carbon

pH measurements

pH set-up
pH set-up

We have a wide variety of pH meters and probes available within Cohen laboratories.

Vacuum pump maintenance

Written by Andy Connelly (2/9/2016)

Last updated by Andy Connelly (12/10/2016)

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