Date: Sat, 27 Nov 93 23:50:57 CST
Subject: dewars; standards; AGU
From: johnf@ice

Three things: some info on do-it-yourself dewar pumping; request for
standards; and the upcoming AGU meeting.
-------------------------------------------------------------

From: des@earthsci.UCSC.EDU (Dan Sampson)
Subject: A cold detector is a happy detector...

I just wanted to drop a line to let you know
that I finally did figure out how to pump out the vacuum jacket
on the EDS detector dewar. I got no help whatsoever from Noran,
though I am sure they were quite capable of giving me more information
than they did. They claimed that I would have to send the unit back
to them and have them pump it out for $1500! I knew that all I needed
was the proper fitting and that I could handle the rest. I got a
bit lucky and found something very similar on a much smaller detector,
there was a company name on the fitting so I called and got some
literature.
Before I knew it (and $150 dollars later) I was pumping that jacket
out to 10e-8 Torr. I filled the dewar up with LN2 last Wednesday, and today
(1 week later) there is still LN2 in the dewar. I think it may go for
another 3 to 4 days yet. Needless to say, I am pleased with the way
things turned out, but I have lost any faith I might have had in Noran.
Their littany of excuses was pitiful ("Gee, I don't know, there are so many
different kinds. Even if you describe it to me I can't tell you which
one you might have." Yea, right.).

So if you ever need to do this on any of your detector dewars (i.e. if
any of them are holding LN2 for less than a week it might be a good idea),
send me the dewar and I'll pump it out for $500! No, really, I'd be happy
to send you the info on the valve/fitting.


-Dan Sampson, Earth Science Dept, Univ of Calif Santa Cruz

=========================================================

From: gmorgan@GEOADM.GCN.uoknor.edu
Subject: standards

We have developed a need to analyze Ce, U, and Th in both "exotic"
phases such as euxenite, monazite, and others, as well as in silicate
glasses. What do you, or anyone else out there on the list, use as
standard
materials for these elements, and what are there availabilities? If anyone
is interested and has extra material, perhaps we can arrange an exchange of
standards.

Thanks.

George Morgan
Electron Microprobe Operator
University of Oklahoma
gmorgan@geoadm.gcn.uoknor.edu

===========================================================================

Regarding the AGU meeting, I know of individuals from 3 SX50 sites
attending; nothing formal has been organized, but perhaps those folks
attending may want to
try to contact each other ....
Hopefully by the next national meeting (AGU, GSA, MAS), we should aim at
having an SX50 users get together.
....................

Mike Drake:
From: drake@lpl.arizona.edu (Mike Drake x6952)

I will be at the AGU from Sunday evening until Wednesday afternoon. I will
be staying at the Holiday Inn Union Square [(415) 227-2600 voice; 2631
FAX].
.................................

Tom Hulsebosch and Mike Garcia
From: "Tom Hulsebosch"

I will be at AGU and would really like to see the SX-50 users get
together.
Mike Garcia will also be at the meeting and would like to
participate in a meeting. Both of us are flexable, but Tues. or
Wed. evening look good at this point (preferably somewhere
with beer!).
....................................

Roger Nielsen:
From: "Roger Nielsen"

I just wanted to pass out the word that we have gone with the SAMX Windows
based upgrade, largely because of uncertainty in the future of CAMECA
supported
(and I use the term in the most general sense) upgrades. In addition, it
was
significantly cheaper. I will be at AGU and am willing to talk about our
upgrade options.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++











John Fournelle
Electron Microprobe Lab Internet:johnf@geology.wisc.edu
Dept of Geology & Geophysics Telephone: (608) 262-7964
University of Wisconsin Fax: (608) 262-0693
1215 West Dayton Street Amateur radio: WA3BTA/9
Madison, WI 53706 (14.030, 21.030 mHz)