National Facility

1500-ton press

Presentation

The 1500 ton Kawai-Type multi-anvil and 1000 ton walker-Type multi-anvil apparatuses at laboratory Magmas et Volcans can generate up to 26 GPa using the 10/4 multi-anvil cell configuration (10 mm edge length Cr₂O₃-doped MgO octahedral pressure medium and 4 mm WC anvil truncation), with 32 mm tungsten carbide (ha 6%-Co, HAWEDIA) second stage anvils. We use a number of different cell configurations (25/17, 25/15, 18/11, 14/8, 14/6, 10/4, 7/3, 7/2.5 and 6/2), where the sample dimensions can vary from 1 mm in diameter in 7/3 assembly to 4 mm in 25/17 assembly. The heating of the sample can be achieved by different types of furnace materials: LaCrO₃, Graphite or Re. The sample temperature (up to 2200 ° C) during the experiments is measured by a W₉₅Re₅–W₇₄Re₂₆ (C type) thermocouple.

Both multi-anvil apparatuses are equipped with independent heating systems. The heating system of the 1500T is powered by a PACIFIC 140AMX power supply. The 140AMX power source supplies a stable AC voltage over the frequency range of 20 to 5,000 Hz, with the maximum output voltages up to 135 V and a power output up to 4000 watts. The fully automated heating system can be controlled via a sophisticated software interface.

Applications

The main applications for Earth sciences concern mantle petrology: mineralogical phase equilibria and transformation depending on the depth and the chemical composition of the system (peridotites, eclogite, others).

 Melting properties: melting and differentiation of the primitive earth, high-pressure melting curves for metal or silicate systems, the temperature profile of the earth.

 Understanding the structure and dynamics of the Earth’s interior using physical properties (elastic, electrical and heat transport) of mantle materials: solid minerals, melts and aqueous fluids at high pressure and temperatures.

 Identification of chemical reservoirs by determining the partition coefficients of the elements between minerals and mineral and melt at equilibrium. Study of volatile elements in the Earth.

1000-ton press

Contacts : Geeth Manthilake, Nathalie Bolfan-Casanova.