a dozen days

That's right, after 16 months of "research", I have achieved a mere 12 days in the pilot actually doing some practical work.

By now I was expecting to write my first journal article after collecting the initial set of experimental results. I've also written an application for a fellowship, postponing my "research" for three months if successful. However I needed to obtain departmental permission, which was rejected because of a preference to concentrate on completing the "research". As soon as questions were asked about experimental data and thesis structure, I knew my application was doomed. Admitting such a pitifully low level of actual "research" was almost certain to open a Pandora's box, so it seemed to me the best option was to withdraw from making my application. Goodbye bursary and useful experience.

I forgot to add to my previous post, this time last week my fellow students and I were in possession, for the first time, of a key to access to the laboratories! All we need now is equipment that is in operation!

Could not continue

Last week I was more positive for the future; at last, some progress! For the first time, the combustion equipment was in continuous operation for 4 days (Friday reserved for equipment shutdown), in order to test the thermocouples (which were not well documented but that another story) and install the necessary software. I decided to use my previous desktop computer because it had 4 usb ports for the data logger (and surprise surprise, the existing computer doesn't).

So, entering this week I was expecting to be able to test the sample dioxin analysis collection apparutus (see photograph). My hopes were crushed by the regular review meeting, to be told that yet again, the equipment will be off operation for two weeks; new duct work for the additional oxy-firing functionality, but more importantly the environmental management audit (iso14001 accreditation). I'll be amazed if our departmental labs pass this audit: the places are a complete mess. Unlabelled samples, tools ALWAYS randomly left all over the area, redundant 'equipment' (i.e. non-functional ancient junk), etc. Time will tell. Whilst that is going on, I shall keep a low profile off campus...