More Na-Poly-T problems

[cwright@xxxxxxx (Cindy Wright)]

Hi:  with the help of many people we have solved the previous problem with
Na polytungstate....residual calcium build up, but we now have another
problem that we aren't sure how to deal with.  We are processing some rocks
for conodonts using the typical method of 10% acetic acid, followed, after
much washing, by heavy mineral separation using Na poly-T.  The problem is
that some of the rocks are very "oily" and although we wash samples well
before separation, it doesn't seem to get rid of all the oil.  The problem
is that this oil has somehow gotten around all of the filters that we use
and gotten INTO the poly-T.  As a result, our separatory funnels and
glassware end up coated and recoated in this stuff and they don't dry
properly.  THE QUESTION:  How do we get the oil OUT of the poly-T.  It
doesn't seem to affect the separation capacity but it is making quite a
mess.

Thank you all once again,

Cindy

Cindy Wright
School of Earth and Ocean Science
Box 1700
University of Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 2Y2