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The USGS Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory in the Geology, Energy & Minerals (GEM) Science Center is located at the National Center building in Reston, VA. The BRInE Lab specializes in the inorganic analysis of produced water samples.

The BRInE Laboratory is a Geology, Energy & Minerals (GEM) Science Center laboratory. Our expertise is analyzing produced water samples and minimizing dilution effects.

The lab has 2 fume hoods, 8 refrigerators, ion chromatography, and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy.

Produced Water Samples
Photo: An example of typical produced water samples.

Analytical Capabilities

  • Specific Gravity
  • Total Dissolved Solids
  • Anions by Ion Chromatography
Brine Lab IC Equipment
Photo: BRInE Ion Chromatography.
  • Major, Trace, and Halogen Elements by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The ICP-OES is equipped with a sample introduction system designed for high-salinity samples reducing the need for sample dilution prior to analysis.
Brine Lab ICP-OES Equipment
Photo: Brine Lab ICP-OES Equipment.

Additional features include a vertical torch for radial viewing of the analytical area, far UV addition, and nitrogen gas purge within the optical chamber and detector for improved sensitivity and halogen detection.

Brine Lab ICP-OES Torch Equipment
Photo: Brine Lab ICP-OES Torch Equipment.