Measurement of Helium in Fossil Water

Helium generated deep within the Earth’s mantle eventually reaches the Earth’s crust and surface carried in solution from aquifer-gathered fossil water, the concentration level providing a key indicator of the rate of helium generation and transport. Hiden Analytical (UK) manufacture the HPR-40 DSA mass spectrometer series specifically for analysis of gaseous species in aqueous solution, using membrane separation interfaces to inhibit water vapour transfer and maximise the transmission of the gaseous species of interest. Hiden now develop a new membrane interface specifically optimised for detection of trace levels of helium in aqueous solution, with detection capability down to 10 picomoles of helium per litre of water. The standard interface is configured for flow-through sampling of the studied media, with other configurations available to enable the interface to be immersed directly into the media. Alternative membrane interfaces are available optimised for sampling of gases and vapours with higher molecular weights up the 300 amu. Operation of the mass spectrometer is automated with full manual over-ride, giving user access to all system performance and control functions.

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