A continuous-flow crushing device for on-line delta2H analysis of fluid inclusion water in speleothems.

A method for the isotope analysis of fluid inclusion water in speleothem calcite is presented. The technique is based on a commercially available continuous-flow pyrolysis furnace (ThermoFinnigan TC-EA). The main adaptation made to the standard TC-EA configuration is the addition of a crusher and cold trap unit, which is connected to the carrier gas inlet at the top of the TC-EA reactor tube.