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- After removing the supernatant (after the last wash), add ~25 mL of a 1 % Borax solution into to the centrifuge tube (Figure 9, Step #8). Borax prevents the sample from flocculating. Too much Borax however will increase flocculation.
- Put the tube into the bottom clamp inside the dismembrator case Position the sample with the sonicating probe abut half-way into the sample material. Use the clamp to hold the tube in place (Figure 9, Step#9). Put the probe into the top clamp and the sample tube into the bottom clamp. Adjust the positions so the probe goes into the tube. The probe should be about half-way into the sample material without not be touching the sides of the tube . The probe releases a lot of energy, and if it is touches the sides it will heat up the tube and the sample.or the release of energy from the probe will melt the plastic tube.
- When satisfied with the positioning, flip the "ON" Switch (Figure 10, arrow A). The settings are already set to our needs: Mode = Continuous, Amplitude = 65 (Figure 10). To run as is, press the "Test" button (Figure 10, arrow D), the screen will display 'rdy' for 'ready'.then, press the "Start" button (Figure 10, arrow E). If when it is ready for use. If you need to change a setting, press the "Mode" button (Figure 10, arrow B) and then the "Set" button (Figure 10, arrow C). From these two panels, you have access to the power, time, and displayed units. For more information, reference the Manufacturer Manual located in the side pocket of the dismembrator case (Figure 10).
- Press the "Start" button on the probe power supply (Figure 9, Step #10 and Figure 10, arrow E). If the material does not appear to be circulating throughout the whole tube or the tube is heating up, adjust the probe position and start the dismembration over. Allow the sample to circulate for 1 minute, then press the "Stop" button (Figure 10, arrow E). Remove the sample from the clamp. Wipe the probe with a Kimwipe, then clean with isopropyl alcohol and dry with a Kimwipe.
- Leave the sample to settle After the suspension, settle down the tube for about 12 hours on the benchtop (Figure 9, Step #11).
Figure 9. Adding Borax and Suspending Material with the dismembrator. Make sure to adjust the probe half-way into the sample material
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Figure 10. Dismembrator set up and Probe with power source. Dismembrator power source control Panel. (A) On/Off switch (B) Start button (C) Set button (D) Mode button (E) Start/Stop button
Standard IODP Clay Separation Method: Not for Semi-quantitative Analysis
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