The Facility for Earth and Environmental Analysis (FEEA)
The Facility for Earth and Environmental Analysis (FEEA) houses the suite of laboratory instrumentation and field equipment that underpins physical science research by our staff and students.
FEEA was singled out as being "world-leading" in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise feedback.
FEEA can determine the chemical composition and structure of a wide array of synthetic and natural materials and also allows researchers to undertake geological, geophysical and environmental field investigations around the world. The capabilities of FEEA are further enhanced by strong reciprocal links to the St Andrews Centre for Advanced Materials.
The equipment and expertise available in FEEA can be accessed on a either a collaborative or fee-for-service basis by:
Techniques available
Materials characterisation
- LA-ICP-MS and Solution ICP-MS
- Wavelength-dispersive EPMA
- XRF and XRD
- Gas source isotope ratio mass spectrometry, with elemental analyser and gasbench
Imaging
- Scanning Electron Microscopy
- Reflected and transmitted light microscopy
- Fluid inclusions
- Grain-size analysis (LS230)
Luminescence
- Luminescence Dating Laboratory (OSL, TL)
- Mineral spectroscopy
- Time-resolved spectroscopy
- Cathodoluminescence
Preparation
- Rock crushing, sawing, grinding, drilling and preparation of powders and fusions
- Franz Magnetic Mineral separator
- Mineral mounts and thin section preparation
- Clean lab and multi-purpose laboratories
Further details of analytical facilites and equipment.
Clients
FEEA has provided services and expertise to a wide range of industry and government clients, including:
Government
- British Geological Survey, Scottish Natural Heritage, English Heritage, English Nature, Historic Scotland, Scottish Water
Oil Industry
- Oil Industry: Conoco-Philips, BP, Amerada Hess, Burlington Resources, Tom Brown Inc., Occidental Petroleum, Shell, Marathon, Thales, Schlumberger, Datalog
Other Industries
- SEA Ltd, Wessex Archaeology, Oxford Archaeology, Giffords and Partners, Curtis Fine Papers, RPS Consulting, Coda Octopus
