User fees

 


Use of the iCapQ ICP-MS in either solution or laser-ablation mode is charged per unit time that the plasma is on, including plasma warm-up and stabilization, instrument optimization and final cleaning before shut-down (this adds ~ 30 to 40 minutes to analytical plasma use). There is no charge for method setup or data processing. Semi-quant analyses to determine TDS are charged at $10 per sample for internal and GEOTOP users.


Training is charged at the per hour rate of the Lab Coordinator for a maximum of 3 students per session, and a training session for the ICP-MS is normally one day.


When analyses are to be conducted by the Lab Coordinator, a per hour rate is added to the analysis costs. This same rate will be charged for method and sample protocol development, although there is no charge for advice and users are expected to discuss their analytical needs with the Lab Coordinator.


Any cleaning or repair required as a result of negligence or improper use of these facilities will be automatically added to the analytical bill.

The ICP-MS facility will primarily be run as a user operated facility, where users work independently in the laboratories and run their own analyses on the ICP-MS, with the Lab Coordinator providing overall support and oversight. This model will keep running costs low. For external users and small projects, a full analytical service is also offered, where the Lab Coordinator will prepare samples and standards and conduct the analyses and quality assessment.

Up-to-date pricing for the various components of the facility can be obtained by contacting the Lab Coordinator. These prices will be updated periodically to reflect changes in running costs.

Pricing - Analytical Services

Billing structure - ICP-MS facility


Pricing for the support laboratories and equipment are determined by the costs involved in their maintenance and servicing:


LAMINAR FLOW HOOD (FDA 203): Rental of workspace per day or per week


ULTRA-CLEAN WORKSPACE (FDA 216): Rental of ultra-clean workspace per day or per week with access to laminar flow and extraction fume hoods, and low volume ultra-trace water system. Optional add-ons are available (these are billed separately);

  1. •Use of Savillex sub-boiling acid distillation units for HNO3 or HCl

  2. •Sample centrifuge

  3. •Ultra-trace water can also be purchased directly


PREP LABORATORY: This facility offers a suite of miscellaneous equipment

  1. •Programmable furnace (up to 1100oC); billed per time used

  2. •Microwave digestion system; billed per time used

  3. •BIS flux digester; billed per sample. Users provide their own consumables


The perchloric fume hood is free to use for departmental and GEOTOP users.


Training is charged at the per hour rate of the Lab Coordinator for a maximum of 3 students per session. When work is to be conducted by the Lab Coordinator, a per hour rate is added to the normal cost. This same rate will be charged for method and sample protocol development, although there is no charge for advice and users are expected to discuss their use of the facility with the Lab Coordinator.


Any cleaning or repair required as a result of negligence or improper use of these facilities will be automatically added to the user’s bill.

Billing structure - Support laboratories