Dear Birck Researchers, For some reason (unknown at this time, we're investigating) our Argon usage rate doubled last Wednesday, January 19th. Our typical usage is about 0.2 inches per hour but starting on the 19th we increased to 0.4 inches per hour and it stayed at that rate. The end result was it ran our microbulk tank to zero, and since Linde doesn't refill on weekends we have been at zero for the last 24 hours. The engineering staff is shutting down all recharge equipment that uses Argon until we can refill the tank and purge the lines. If there are any faculty-owned instruments we recommend you not run until the Argon is restored and you do an appropriate purge. The Argon truck from Linde is on the way to Birck now to refill the tank. We're working with Linde to enhance our refill notifications that will include not only tank level but also usage rate. If anyone knows why the rate increased last Wednesday we would appreciate you sharing your insight with us. The Engineering Staff