TGIF

Today we were met with many new challenges. The goal was to re-plumb the GC helium and nitrogen gas lines and insert working traps. Before this could happen we notice the pressure regulator on the helium was not functioning correctly and leaked. I removed it and took it apart. The regulator was very corroded (rusted shut) on the inside. I pieced together and cleaned another regulator from old ones and it seems to be working properly and hold pressure well. We relocated the helium tank, which was previously kept outside, into the lab. I am positive this is why the regulator was functioning so poorly (sea air). We were successful in re-plumbing both gas systems and the nitrogen generator seems to being working well at the moment. I hope that next Monday i can bring the GC online and start trouble shooting potential contamination issues.