1. Purpose
This policy establishes the framework governing analytical fee-for-service activities conducted by the research facility. The objective is to define scope, pricing structure, user responsibilities, project approval procedures, data ownership, and operational limitations to ensure transparency, cost recovery, and high-quality analytical services.
2. Scope of Services
The facility provides analytical services on a fee-for-service basis to:
- Internal academic users
- External academic collaborators
- Government laboratories
- Industrial partners
Services may include routine analytical measurements, advanced characterization, method development, data processing, and technical consultation.
3. Facility Overview
The Elemental & Material Analysis Facility is equipped to analyze a wide range of samples, using different equipment:
- Perkin Elmer MPS 320 microwave digestion
- Perkin Elmer ICP-MS NexION 2000 including Single nanoparticles ICP-MS
- Perkin Elmer ICP-OES Avio 550
- Trace Elemental Instruments Combustion IC for liquid and solid
- Costech CHNS/O Organic elemental analyzer for liquid and solid
- Thermo Fisher Smart Flash CHNS/O Organic elemental analyzer for liquid and solid
- Mettler Toledo DSC5+ with chiller for liquid and solid
- Bruker Magnettech ESR5000 benchtop EPR with electro- / photo- capabilities
Since 2023, the facility has supported researchers from various departments at Rice University and external institutions within the Greater Houston Area.
4. Applications and Sample Submission
For detailed information on analytical services and submission guidelines, please refer to the Applications Page. Services currently offered include:
- Routine analytical series
- Custom projects
- Method development
- Sample preparation
5. Cost Structure and Billing
5.1 Cost Recovery Model
The facility operates under a cost-recovery model. Fees are established to recover:
- Labor and technical staff time
- Instrument usage and maintenance
- Consumables and supplies
- Service contracts and operational overhead
5.2 Fee Categories
Analytical services may be billed under the following categories:
a. Standard Analytical Measurements
Routine measurements performed under established, validated methods billed at published instrument or service rates.
Sample preparation: Base fee for ICP analysis
This includes weighing or diluting/filtering samples as appropriate for the measurements and making adapted standards for the requested analytical techniques.
| Internal User | Non-Profit User | For-profit User |
|---|---|---|
| $12/sample | $18/sample | $20/sample |
Advanced Sample preparation: Base fee for ICP analysis for complex samples
Microwave digestion is a rapid sample preparation technique that uses microwave energy and acid reagents in closed, high-pressure vessels to dissolve solid samples into an aqueous solution for elemental analysis (ICP-OES and ICP-MS). It significantly reduces digestion time to 20-40 minutes compared to hours for conventional methods, while eliminating volatile loss and minimizing contamination. Sample loading per instrument analysis is 4, 8 or 16 vessels.
| Internal User | Non-Profit User | For-profit User | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 samples | $20/sample | $31/sample | $92/sample |
| 8 samples | $11/sample | $17/sample | $48/sample |
| 16 samples | $7/sample | $11/sample | $26/sample |
Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy:
ICP-OES is a high-sensitivity, multi-element analytical technique that identifies and quantifies trace to major elements (metals, metalloids, some non-metals) in liquid or digested samples which permits to determine concentrations as low as parts-per-billion (ppb) levels.
Note: Sample preparation charge will be applied if users are not providing validated sample solutions.
| Internal User | Non-Profit User | For-profit User | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard mode | $7/sample | $11/sample | $20/sample |
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry:
ICP-MS is a highly sensitive analytical technique used to detect and quantify trace elements and isotopes in various, mostly liquid, samples at concentrations as low as parts per trillion (ppt).
Note: Sample preparation charge will be applied if users are not providing validated sample solutions.
| Internal User | Non-Profit User | For-profit User | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard mode | $9/sample | $14/sample | $27/sample |
| KED or DRC mode | $13/sample | $20/sample | $37/sample |
| KED and DRC modes | $17/sample | $26/sample | $48/sample |
Organic Elemental Analyzer (CHNS/O):
OEA is a destructive, high-temperature flash combustion technique used to quantitatively determine the mass percentage of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen in organic compounds. It is essential for characterizing raw materials, verifying molecular formulas, and ensuring quality control in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, petrochemicals, and environmental samples.
| Internal User | Non-Profit User | For-profit User | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base charge | $54 | $84 | $250 |
| + sample for CHNS | $14/sample | $22/sample | $50/sample |
| + sample for O | $14/sample | $22/sample | $50/sample |
Combustion Ion Chromatography:
C-IC is an automated technique that combines high-temperature sample oxidation with ion chromatography to analyze halogens (F, Cl, Br, I) and sulfur (S) in difficult matrices, such as petrochemicals, plastics, and environmental samples.
| Internal User | Non-Profit User | For-profit User | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base charge | $48 | $75 | $220 |
| + liquid sample | $21/sample | $33/sample | $99/sample |
| + solid sample | $24/sample | $37/sample | $103/sample |
b. Method Development and Custom Projects
Complex or non-standard analyses requiring additional technical effort, including but not limited to:
- Isotopic ratio analysis
- Trace element detection
- Concentration calibration
- Advanced sample preparation
- Assay or protocol development
These activities are billed at an hourly rate for staff time and instrument usage. Scope, estimated cost, and deliverables must be agreed upon prior to initiation.
c. Extended Data Analysis
Routine data processing assistance is included when performed during scheduled analysis time. Projects requiring extensive staff-led data analysis beyond routine support are billed at an hourly rate.
5.3 Rate Adjustments
All rates are subject to change without notice. Users are responsible for confirming current pricing prior to project approval.
6. Project Consultation and Approval
6.1 Pre-Submission Consultation
Users must consult facility staff before submitting samples for:
- Non-standard analyses
- Method development projects
- Large or multi-phase studies
- Samples with uncertain compatibility
Consultation is free of charge and permits us to define the scope of work
6.2 Project Authorization
No analytical work will begin until:
- A valid financial account is provided under SEA policy with a proper FOM account setup
- Scope of work is defined
- Estimated cost is reviewed and accepted by the requester
- Required safety documentation is completed
For external users, additional service agreement or institutional contract may be required.
7. Sample Submission and Compatibility
7.1 Sample Requirements
Users are responsible for:
- Proper labeling and documentation
- Safe packaging and transport
- Disclosure of chemical, biological, or radiological hazards
7.2 Instrument Compatibility
Not all samples are compatible with instrument-specific constraints. Users must confirm compatibility with facility personnel prior to submission. The facility reserves the right to reject samples deemed incompatible or unsafe.
8. Data Management and Deliverables
8.1 Data Delivery
Deliverables may include raw data files, processed data, reports, or summary documents as defined in the project scope.
8.2 Data Retention
The facility does not guarantee long-term archival storage of data. Users are responsible for downloading and securely storing all delivered data.
8.3 Data Ownership
Unless otherwise specified by contractual agreement:
- Data generated under fee-for-service work belongs to the paying research group or organization.
- The facility retains the right to use anonymized, non-proprietary data for internal training or method validation purposes.
9. Turnaround Time
Turnaround time depends on:
- Project complexity
- Instrument availability
- Staff workload
- Sample preparation requirements
Estimated timelines will be provided during project consultation but are not guaranteed. In most cases, expect 7-10 business days for samples to be analyzed. Results will be sent by email.
10. Acknowledgment
For routine fee-for-service work, acknowledgment of the facility in publications is expected.
Please add us to your acknowledgement section of your communications if you use SEA facilities and/or instrumentation:
“This work conducted in part using resources of the Shared Equipment Authority at Rice University.”
This practice enables more successful grant applications for future research funding at Rice, especially for proposals involving shared instrumentation and better monitoring of our research activities.
11. Liability and Limitations
- The facility is not responsible for sample degradation inherent to analytical techniques.
- The facility is not liable for indirect or consequential damage resulting from analytical outcomes.
- Analytical results are provided based on best scientific practices but without warranty beyond stated specifications.
12. Enforcement and Discretion
The facility reserves the right to:
- Decline projects outside its technical capabilities
- Require additional safety documentation
- Terminate service in cases of policy non-compliance
Adherence to this policy ensures operational sustainability, transparency in billing, and maintenance of high scientific standards.