User Fee Structure for ICP-ES, ICP-MS and Laser Labs

User Fee Structure for ICP-ES, ICP-MS and Laser Labs The Department of Earth Sciences has developed the following user fee structure for the ICPES, ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS laboratories in order to cover basic operating costs such as consumables and service calls. We aim to be flexible in our analytical capabilities, and welcome users of all levels of experience and needs. We have extensive experience with earth materials (rocks, sediments, volcanic glasses, crystals, seawater and other waters). Feel free to contact us to discuss which of the below fee structures best fits your needs. User External User Non-NSF user Major and trace element packages Major Element Package (ICP-ES) Trace Element Package (ICP-MS) Combo Package (ICP-ES/ICP-MS) $40 $40 $70 $70 $70 $120 $140 $140 $240 Prices per hour of instrument time ICP-ES cost per hour ICP-MS cost per hour LA-ICP-MS cost per hour $30 $30 $40 $40 $40 $60 $80 $80 $120 Prices per sample ICP-ES cost per sample ICP-MS cost per sample LA-ICP-MS cost per sample $20 $20 $30 $30 $30 $45 $60 $60 $90 Minimum cost of analyses Minimum cost on ICP-ES Minimum cost on ICP-MS Minimum cost of LA-ICP-MS $90 $90 $120 $120 $120 $180 $240 $240 $360 Determination of concentration range of samples for standardization Determining concentration for standards on ICP-ES/ICP-MS $90 $120 $240 Sample digestions per sample $5 $15 $30 Major and Trace element packages These packages only apply to geological, oceanographic, and environmental materials that have been provided as powders. There is an additional charge of $5 per sample for powdering. The packages include digestions of the samples as well as their analyses on the instruments. Options for digestions protocols include flux fusions, microwave digestions, and open vial digestions. Standardization is performed using a minimum of four rock standards (certified reference materials) of known concentration which are digested along with the samples. Prices per hour of instrument time Hourly costs apply to those who come to BU and run their samples on the instruments with sufficient training. Training is given only to those who plan to use the instruments on a routine basis. Prices per sample Per sample costs apply to those who send samples to BU for analysis. A minimum cost for analyses on either instrument is based on the minimum time to tune each instrument and set up a run. Prices include blanks and standards sent to be run along with the samples. Standardization If standards are not supplied, they can be made at BU. There is an additional cost for standard preparation of $2 per element in the standard curve (e.g., 10 elements = $20, 30 elements = $60…). Standard curves consist of four points, which will add an additional four items to the total cost of the run. If the concentration range of the samples are not well constrained (within an order of magnitude), a quick analyses must be conducted to determine the concentration ranges needed for the standards. Sample Digestions per sample Digestion costs apply to those who come to BU and digest their samples in our labs with sufficient training. Laser-ICP-MS cost per sample Cost per sample by laser ablation includes three spots on a sample plus an additional three spots on a standard(s). Sample notes All solutions provided must be filtered/free of particulates and organic compounds. All sample solutions should be in 2% to 5% HNO3. Sample solutions can be in HCl, but interferences may become an issue on some elements particularly on the ICP-MS (e.g., 40Ar35Cl on 75As). There is an additional charge of $5 per sample, for samples that have trace amounts of HF (< 0.5%). Once again, interference issues may arise on the ICP-MS (e.g. 40Ar19F on 59Co). We require a minimum of 10 to 15 ml of solution for analysis. Smaller volumes can be analyzed but require different introduction systems, and therefore an additional charge of $5 per sample. Laser mounts should be polished, free of coatings, and > 30 microns thick. Please contact us for advice regarding your specific analytical needs.