2013-01-31
Lab Working Group – Geochemistry and Microbiology Meeting Minutes
Date: Jan 31, 2013
Attendants: Houpt, Peng, Peters, Gray, Banta, Petronotis, Morgan, Alvarez-Zarikian
Discussion:
1. Chemistry lab floor plan. There is a major traffic bottle neck at the entrance of the lab, where organic chemists, porewater chemists, and the chemistry techs will have to pass through from catwalk sampling to the GCs and porewater squeezing station.
A proposal was submitted during EXP344 to move the Carver presses to the center bench, and remove the bench where the presses are. This will create a 5-6 ft walk space at the entrance area and alleviate the traffic issue.
However, a concern was raised that by locating the presses on the same bench with other analytical instrument can be problematic (e.g., hammering on the same bench housing an instrument).
ACTION:
Nothing will be done until Lisa B and Mike B are back from the ship. Chieh will discuss this with all 4 chemtechs and come up with a solution/proposal
2. There are many chemicals purchased for specific expeditions specific in chemistry and MBIO labs. Often these chemicals are not in inventory and therefore the quantity was not maintained. A thorough inventory physical count was conducted during EXP344. All chemicals are now entered in AMS. All specific chemicals have were given a reorder point of zero, so it will not be supplied on a regulated regular basebasis. But the information are is in AMS, so this should be easier to track.
The sSame issues are was brought out up for many small pieces of equipment, such as pipettors. In the beginning of EXP344, we found several pipets pipettors were put in a box and stuffed in the corner of the lab. The conditions of these pipets pipetors are is unknown. The chem tech calibrated these pipets pipettors to be used during EXP344, but most of the pipets pipettors turned out to have problems and didn’t not last the entire cruise.
ACTIONS:
a. All small equipment should be entered in AMS under property and assigned a tag number, so we can keep track of these items. The tag number will probably have to be engraved on the side.
b. In the case of pipetspipettors, a specific pipet pipettor should be assigned to a specific analysis and used only for that purpose; we should have a few extra on hand for general use, with a few extra for general use.
c. Pipettor calibration and maintenance should be included in the routine maintenance in Chemistry SOP.
3. Computer upgrades, David updated the group on the status of each instrument host for upgrading to Window 7 (include ACTIONS)
a. CHNS – Thermo provided us a free software upgrade. Rachael will download has downloaded the software here on shore, make a dvd and send to ship and a copy will go to the ship for the Instrument Host Refresh project.
This change will affect the data uploader to LIMS and the balance program, programmers will need to revisit the uploader applications
SRA – Weatherford also provided a free upgrade software, which we have already received from them.. Rachael will download the software
This change will affect the data uploader to LIMS and the balance program, programmers will need to revisit the uploader applications
b. TOC – Not sure if Chemstation is compatible with Window 7, still waiting for vendor; Lisa B. to follow up when she gets back in the office if we haven’t heard back.
c. XRD – Kristin has received a quote from Bruker on upgrading software for Window 7. There are 2 options on how to install the software:
1. Purchase the software, send the host computer to Bruker and have them install the software. Our IT can finish and verify once the host is re-connected to the instrument
2. Purchase the software and do installation in-house. Bruker can always remote desk top into the computer on the ship for trouble shooting.
After some discussion, the LWG recommend doing installation in house in order to ensure that the IT group is fully capable of reinstalling and configuring the software at sea..
Uploader will need to be updated also.
d. DA – The current software is not Window 7 compatible, and we have the latest software. It is recommended to ship the instrument home due to lack of usage.
e. IC – The computer is already upgraded to Window 7
4. Operational protocols have changed since SODV to the point the method is no longer correct, how do we avoid this in the future
ACTIONS:
a. For changes requested by expedition scientists. This These need to go through the “Change management Notification” procedure. An email needs to be sent to shipboard managers, including Ops Sup, EPM (staff scientist) and LO, to request permission for any deviation from our standard sample preparation, analytical measurement, and result processing procedure.
b. For new instruments and method development, an external review is required. LWG can/will recommend external reviewer(s).
c. Our staff needs to be more assertive in following this our protocols, but not to the point of conflict – let the EPM handle that sort of problem!.
5. Not enough press for EXP344
ACTIONS: Please see 6.
6. Bill Mills has proposed to design an electronic press to reduce the foot print of the current Carver Press motorpack. The Carver Press motorpack has been problematic since Singapore, especially on high IW sampling cruises. Most of the member in the LWGgroup, and as well as scientists from EXP344 are opposed to this idea for the following reasons:, the reasons are as follow
a. Carver Press is a reliable company, and has been manufacturinge hydraulic presses for over 100 years. There These are known products which does the job and satisfiesy our needs
b. The current motorpack design has been modified and improved. New motorpack is available for purchase. EXP344 scienitsts have used the new motorpack and are satisfied with its performance
c. The proposed new in in-house design is to use a computer to control the press. This can be a major maintenance issue, may require MCS and programmers. Hydraulic press is all mechanical, can be used manually by hand pump if all things everything else breaks down. Which the , so operations can continue.
d. Safety for hydraulic is known, oil leak, versus electromechanicalnic press is relatively unknown.
ACTION:
The LWG recommend purchase of new Carver motorpacks, instead of developing new in in-house electronic press.
7. IC was not used during EXP344. The instrument is still has preform performing inconsistently. After consulting the vendor, it is suggested that maybe we have microbial contamination in the system.s
ACTIONS:
Schedule a service call during tie-up. We should replace all tubing every 1-2 years, schedule into a routine maintenance. The instrument should be run continuously, not shut down over maintenance periods.y.
8. Hydrocarbon safety protocol onboard is not easy to find and bit confusing to follow. Tech Note 30 for shipboard organic chemists have has the most information.
ACTIONS:
LWG recommends the development of a guideline flow chart for instruction in the case of encountering elevated hydrocarbon concentrationlevels. This flow chart should indicate where (such as Tech Note 30) to find more detailed information, and what action should be taken.
Mitch Malone has already indicated that he plans to update the Tech Note, and will be discussing that with the Environmental Protection and Safety Panel (EPSP), one of whom is George Claypool, at the meeting in April 2013.
9. EXP344 scientists are satisfied with the data upload work flow
ACTIONS: None
10. Ampulator failed during EXP344, Chieh explained to the group as what had happened. We currently have the old style acetylene torch setup onboard. EXP344 scientists didn’t like the setup due because to the flame size is too big, also the flame is not stable as it is located inside a fume hood. One scientist recommended the use of a portable butane torch. However, it can be a safety issue if the torch is not used under a heat hood.
ACTIONS:
The butane torch is purchased and will be tested here on shore before send out to ship. Other options is are being explored.
11. Chlorinity titrator worked nicely during EXP344, a modified method was developed for high concentration of Chloride.
ACTIONS: None
12. Cary Spectrophotometer worked fine during EXP344. Methods had to be re-developed based on Gieskes et al to get correct results.
ACTIONS: Please see 4.
13. ICP performed fine, except IW minor method was changed and resulted in bad standard results. After some investigation and research, a new method was developed and acidification of standard and samples was added. This has resulted in good repeatable results.
ACTIONS: Please see 4.
Note: Tech Note 29 is in agreement with our shipboard IW method – the IW standards are not acidified until the final dilution before ICP analysis. If we are going to change the method to match what the Exp. 344 scientists’ request, it needs to be vetted by other IW scientists (e.g., Murray, Ferdelman).
14. New balances, replacing Cahn, are being tested on shore. They will go out to the ship during tie-up. Cahn is no longer being manufactured and supported. Cahn balances will remain on the ship until the new balances are tested and produced satisfying results onboard.
ACTIONS:
The gimbal gimbal tables should remain onboard until the test is complete. Also a test for the Cahn balance with and without the gimbal gimbal table need to be done and documented during the transit at end of EXP345.
15. New coulometers are were purchased and are being tested on shore. New methods are being developed, along with the balance program and data uploader. All glassware should remain the same.
ACTIONS: Installation and testing will be done during Instrument Host Refresh project in Victoriatest continue
16. New GCs are being purchased. Vendor installation and training will be conducted here at IODP on Feb 26thMarch 4th. Method development is scheduled for March 18. The GC will be fully functioned functional and tested before being send sent out to ship, possibly after EXP346 Asian Monsoon.
ACTIONS: test continue