EGU24-18925, updated on 20 Mar 2024
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-18925
EGU General Assembly 2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

μGraphiline: a high-throughput, low-maintenance, fully automated 14C graphitization system

Konrad Tudyka1,2, Kacper Kłosok1,2, Maksymilian Jedrzejowski1,2, Andrzej Rakowski1, Sławomira Pawełczyk1, Alicja Ustrzycka1, Sebastian Miłosz2, and Aleksander Kolarczyk2
Konrad Tudyka et al.
  • 1Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Physics – Centre for Science and Education, Division of Geochronology and Environmental Isotopes, ul. S. Konarskiego 22B, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
  • 2miDose Solutions, ul. Wolności 234b/4, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland (konrad.tudyka@udose.eu)

μGraphiline is an innovative, fully automated graphitization system designed for radiocarbon dating using accelerator mass spectrometry. This system streamlines the conversion of samples into CO2 and subsequently into graphite. The standard configuration of μGraphiline is capable of preparing 24 targets daily, demonstrating its high throughput. It achieves a graphitization efficiency of over 95% for 1 mg graphite targets. μGraphiline also offers additional modules for stepped combustion, ramped pyrolysis, and oxidation, all of which can be operated at user-defined temperatures. Furthermore, its design ensures a low background and reproducibility, significantly enhancing the accuracy and reliability of radiocarbon measurements.

 

One of the notable advantages of the system is its low maintenance requirements. It operates efficiently without the need for working gasses such as helium (He), argon (Ar), oxygen (O2), explosive hydrogen (H2) or liquid nitrogen, which simplifies its operation and enhances safety. This feature, coupled with its modular design and high efficiency, virtually no cross-contamination between modules and samples makes μGraphiline an advanced solution for radiocarbon dating. Lastly, the system's repeatability and reliability are backed by reference materials measurements from the International Atomic Energy Agency, demonstrating good repeatability. 

 

This demonstrates μGraphiline's capability to deliver fast, consistent and accurate results, making it a valuable tool for various scientific and research applications.

How to cite: Tudyka, K., Kłosok, K., Jedrzejowski, M., Rakowski, A., Pawełczyk, S., Ustrzycka, A., Miłosz, S., and Kolarczyk, A.: μGraphiline: a high-throughput, low-maintenance, fully automated 14C graphitization system, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-18925, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-18925, 2024.