Cox Analytical Systems of Gothenburg, Sweden, produce the Itrax Sediment Scanner. With this instrument, you can scan sediments for density using a digital radiographic technique with 50 micrometers image resolution. The scanner provides quick and non-destructive analyses. Density data are delivered as high quality images (see right). Density variations down to the single percent level can be determined, making the instrument very useful for age determination of sediment layers. Applications include sediment quality checks and selection of specific intervals for further analysis. Software support includes phase separations etc.

The Sediment Scanner can also be equipped for elemental analysis, when sediments are not too soupy. The scanner can produce multi-element data, analysing all metals and some lighter elements too, measuring metals concentrations down to the trace element level.  The instrument can be installed onboard a ship. 

For more details, please contact:

Bengt Stocklassa , Director of Technology Support
Cox Analytical Systems AB, Teatergatan 36, 
S- 411 35,Gothenburg, SWEDEN 
Phone:  +46 31 708 36 60
Fax:    +46 31 708 36 67
E-mail: bengt@coxsys.se

If you are having difficulty in finding a source for polyethylene foam plugs to fill holes in cores after sampling, BOSCOR has discovered a source in the UK, Preservation Equipment Ltd., http://www.preservationequipment.com, produce a catalogue of conservation equipment, mostly for the museum trade. They can provide inert, closed-cell polyethylene foam rods in 2 diameters, 20mm and 30mm. The rods are 30 metres long, slightly compressible, can easily be cut into plugs with a sharp knife or scissors. Rods are around 16 euro each and the company brochure states that it supplies world-wide.