Laboratory Equipment:
The laboratory has three units. Each unit corresponds to a step of the process
involved :
1. Registering samples and pre-treatment
After the visual examination and computer registration in the laboratory database,
the samples are submitted to an adequate chemical pre-treatment procedure, in
order to eliminate the chronologically polluting elements that might be present.
2. Chemical Conversion
The Laboratory has two identical complete lines for transforming the original
sample into benzene ( which includes the combustion, separation of combustion
products, transformation of CO2 into acetylene, and finally transformation into
benzene). There is also, in that lab, a unit for the acidic attack of carbonates
applicable where necessary.
As of july 2012, a new combustion apparatus for very voluminous and big samples
(for example: sediments) has been installed.
3. Physical measurements (LSC).
Radiometric counting is done by means of two identical liquid scintillation counters,
model TRICARB3100, from PERKIN ELMER , in a dark room.
