Magnetic Susceptibility System

The MS2 system is the international standard for the measurement of magnetic susceptibility in environmental sciences. The MS2 meter is a portable instrument with sensors for field and laboratory use. The system is used in geomorphology, geophysics, archaeology and mineral exploration.

The MS2 is a versatile system with a range of individually calibrated sensors. It has a high resolution and accuracy, excellent temperature stability and very low measurement drift. It provides non destructive measurements and has a low operating frequency so measurements are not affected by sample conductivity. Readings are taken in around 1 second.

MS2 Meter - The meter has a sensitivity of 2x10^-6 SI (2x10^-7 CGS) with a 4 digit display in SI or CGS units and an RS232 serial interface. Software and a field data logger are available for PC compatibles. The meter can be used with any of the following sensors:

MS2B - Laboratory sensor for dual frequency measurements on 25.4mm cores or 10ml samples.

MS2C - Range of core logging sensors with diameters from 36 to 162mm for measurements on sediment cores with no metal cladding. Automated core analysis systems are available.

MS2D - Field survey loop with 185mm diameter for surface measurements.

MS2E1 - Sensors with 3.8x10.5mm area of response for high resolution surface measurements of split cores.

MS2E2 - Similar to MS2E1 but with different geometry for magnetic component screening.

MS2F - Probe with 15mm diameter for high resolution surface measurements.

MS2G - Single frequency sensor for 1ml samples.

MS2 Handle - With integral electronics for MS2D and MS2F probes.

Equipment Carrying Case - For maximum protection of the equipment.

MULTISUS - Software for laboratory measurements with MS2B, MS2C, MS2E or MS2G sensors.

AMS-BAR - Software for for the measurement of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility in conjunction with the MS2B sensor.

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Magnetic Susceptibility Meter Model MS2

Features of the MS2 meter include a choice of SI or CGS units, single or continuous measurements, 4 digit plus sign LCD, RS232 interface and an optional analog output. Internal batteries are rechargeable from the mains or a vehicle dashboard.

Specification
Display - x1 range x0.1 range	1-9999 0.1-999.9
Display exponent - volume specific mass specific	10^-6 CGS or 10^-5 SI 10^-6 CGS or 10^-8 SI
Operating temperature range	-10°C to 40°C
Enclosure	high impact ABS
Weight	1.3kg
Dimensions	255 x 158 x 50mm
Sensor cable	50 ohms TNC to TNC, 1 metre length, alternative lengths to 100 metres available on request
Internal batteries	14 x 0.45Ah sealed Nickel/Cadmium batteries in removable cassette, 8 hours continuous use without recharge
Battery charger inlet	2.1mm socket, dc polarity protected, 6-14V, 100mA maximum
RS232 interface	standard baud rate 1200. (9600 baud rate available on request)
Interface connector	4-way rear panel Fischer socket

Accessories
Instrument stand, vehicle dashboard connector 12V dc, carrying bag, RS232 interface cable (2m)
Mains adaptor/battery charger - 110V or 220V (as requested)
Options - Service manual, equipment carrying case, 10cc polystyrene sample bottles
Booklet - Environmental Magnetic Susceptibility - Using The Bartington MS2 System - © Prof. J. A. Dearing 1994

Sensor Type MS2B

This sensor accepts 10ml and 20ml cylindrical bottles, 25.4mm and 23mm cubic boxes, 35mm pots and 25.4mm cylindrical cores. A manually operated platen allows the sample to be inserted and positioned centrally within the sample cavity.

The sensor is used for mass or volume specific susceptibility measurements of standard paleomagnetic samples in studies of rock and mineral magnetism. It is also used in conjunction with the AMS-BAR software and sample adaptor for measurements of the anisotropy of susceptibility.

The unique dual frequency facility permits identification of ferrimagnetic grains close to the superparamagnetic stable single domain transition. This information is critical to many aspects of interpretation, for example in studies of weathering and soil formation, fossil soil identification and characterisation, and sediment or dust source investigations.

In archaeology, precise measurements with this sensor confirm and enhance the evidence of ancient human occupation and land use obtained with the MS2 field sensors.

Calibration accuracy	1% (10ml calibration sample provided)
Measurement period	1.2 seconds on 1.0 range
	12 seconds on 0.1 range
Operating frequencies	0.465kHz and 4.65kHz
Drift - at room temperature	<2 x 10^-6 CGS in 3 minutes after 5 minutes operation
Enclosure	ABS
Weight	0.8kg
Dimensions	200 x 110 x 110mm

Sensor Type MS2C

A series of loop sensors, ranging from 36 to 162mm in diameter, is available for high resolution volume susceptibility measurements on whole cores. They are suitable for measuring any type of peat, lake or marine sediment core, provided it is not metal clad.  As a result of their rugged construction these sensors are ideally suited for laboratory, field or shipboard use.

Data obtained with these sensors are of great value in prospection, core correlation and multiple core studies and in identification of paleoclimatic sequences.

Optimum measurement accuracy is achieved with 5-10mm core clearance. Calibration graphs are provided for intermediate core sizes.

These sensors can be used with automated core analysis systems - details on request.

Internal diameter of loop	36, 40, 45, 60, 72, 80, 90, 100, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 160 or 162mm standard (other sizes between 40 and 200mm are available at an additional cost)
Calibration accuracy	5%
Measurement period	0.9 seconds on 1.0 range
	9 seconds on 0.1 range
Operating frequency	0.565kHz
Drift - at room temperature	<2 x 10^-6 CGS in 10 minutes after 5 minutes operation
Enclosure	white polyacetal
Weight	2-2.65kg depending on loop diameter
External dimensions	290 x 200 x 144mm

Search Loop Type MS2D

Depth of response	50% at 15mm, 10% at 60mm
Measurement period	0.5 seconds on 1.0 range
	5 seconds on 0.1 range
Operating frequency	0.958kHz
Drift - at room temperature	<20 x 10^-6 CGS in 20 minutes after 20 minutes operation
Enclosure	reinforced epoxy
Weight	0.5kg
Dimensions	Mean diameter 185mm
	Overall height 100mm
See also the MS2 probe handle with electronics unit

Sensor Type MS2E1

This sensor is designed for high spatial resolution measurements of magnetic susceptibility along flat surfaces with a roughness of <1mm, particularly for split drill or soft sediment cores with no metal cladding.
The sensitive area of the probe, as defined by 50% maximum response is in the form of a rectangle 3.8mm x 10.5mm. The position of the long axis is identified by marks on the circumference of the ceramic cylinder. Soft or wet cores may be protected by a thin (<0.05mm) plastic film during the measurement to avoid smearing. The sensor is connected directly to the MS2 meter by a cable which may be up to 30m (standard 5m) in length.

Area of response	3.8mm x 10.5mm at the end of the ceramic cylinder
Depth of response	50% at 1mm, 10% at 3.5mm
Measurement period	1.2 seconds on 1.0 range
	12 seconds on 0.1 range
Operating frequency	2kHz
Drift - at room temperature	<2 x 10^-6 CGS in 10 minutes after 5 minutes operation
Enclosure	aluminium and ceramic
Weight	0.22kg
Dimensions	64 x 25 x 140mm

Sensor Type MS2E2

This sensor is identical to the MS2E1 except that the ceramic tube housing the sensor is set in the face of the metal enclosure. It is designed for magnetic screening of small parts such as aneurism clips or other implant components. Due to the high measuring frequency the sensor is very sensitive to conductors, and is therefore not suitable for solid metal samples except where they have a cross section of less than about 1 square mm. The specification is identical to the MS2E1 except the dimensions which are 64 x 50 x 100mm.

Probe Type MS2F

This miniature probe is ideal for the stratigraphic study of exposed geological and archaeological sections. It is also used where difficult surface conditions prevent good contact with the MS2D loop. The probe can only be operated in conjunction with the MS2 probe handle.