The Clean Chemistry Laboratory at the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) is a dedicated ultra-clean analytical facility established for high-pure trace element separation and high-precision radiogenic isotope measurements involving Sr, Nd, and Hf isotope systems using Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICPMS).

The facility houses a state-of-the-art clean laboratory operating within a Class 10000 (ISO 7) clean room environment equipped with HEPA-filtered positive-pressure air handling systems. Sample digestion, evaporation, ion-exchange chromatography, and element purification are carried out within Class 100 (ISO 5) laminar flow workstations and Class 100 fume hoods to ensure ultra-low procedural blanks and minimal contamination during chemical processing.

The laboratory is specifically designed for low-blank preparation and purification of geological and environmental materials including silicate rocks, minerals, sediments, ores, and accessory phases for radiogenic isotope investigations. Ultra-trace elemental separations are performed using dedicated ion-exchange chromatography systems equipped with high-purity polypropylene and fluoropolymer columns for purification of Sr, Nd, Hf, and rare earth element fractions prior to isotopic analysis.

High-purity reagent preparation is supported through Savillex^TM Teflon sub-boiling distillation systems and Milestone quartz sub-boiling acid distillation units for in-house purification of ultrapure HCl, HNO₃, and HF acids required for ultra-trace analytical applications. Sample dissolution and chemical processing are carried out using Savillex^TM graphite-topped hot plates optimized for clean laboratory operations and high-temperature acid digestion procedures.

The clean laboratory is supported by Milli-Q^TM ultrapure water purification system delivering 18.2 MΩ·cm resistivity water for reagent preparation, chromatographic separations, and analytical dilution procedures. Additional infrastructure includes high-precision microanalytical balances and ultraclean cleaning systems for preparation and decontamination of Teflon and quartz labware used in isotope geochemistry workflows.