IODP Expedition 379 Per-fluorocarbon tracers (PFT)

Perfluorocarbon tracers (PFT) can be used to quantify the amount of core contamination due to drilling fluid. PFT is continuously pumped into the stream of drilling fluid to maintain a consistent concentration. Core subsamples are then measured in triplicate using µECD gas chromatography. Measured levels of PFT of the core outer surface, the outer core surface after undergoing a decontamination procedure, and the inner core are then compared to determine the degree of contamination.