Total quantity or scope of tender
Specifications for an Ion Chromatography (IC) instrument for the analysis of carbohydrates and organic acids
Sample size and integrations:
The system(s) is intended for use in a standard research laboratory and should be capable of being manoeuvred through standard sized doors.
The system should be suitable for installation on a typical laboratory bench with typical electrical, gas and water supplies and services.
The system(s) should be mobile and capable of being moved with minimum disassembly / reassembly / recommissioning requirements.
An autosampler should be capable of accommodating at least 30 samples.
Operating Conditions:
The IC system should be capable of operating under automated control to analyse multiple samples in sequence without human supervision.
The IC system should be capable of operating under typical laboratory conditions and any specific conditions should be specified.
The system should be capable of being operated (including periodic disassembly / reassembly to allow cleaning) by a competent (e.g. post graduate) researcher.
Any specialist tools / accessories required for routine system operation should be included in the cost. Any tools required to disassemble / re-assemble the system for periodic cleaning should be non-specialist and widely available.
Materials of Construction:
All materials used in the construction of the system should be appropriate for their intended use under the conditions described in this specification.
Eluent Storage and disposal:
The system should provide eluent storage capacity to allow several full runs of samples to be completed between refills.
A suitable system should include provision for spent eluent to be discarded, either to sewer or to a suitable container for subsequent disposal
Conductivity Detectors:
Conductivity detectors should be capable of measuring the difference in conductivity between different carbohydrates and different organic acids respectfully. The detectors should be able to transmit relevant data to a suitable data handling equipment.
Ion exchange columns for carbohydrates:
Ion exchange columns should be suitable for the separation/chromatography of a range of carbohydrates specifically but not limited to those listed below:
Ionsitol, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, lactitol, levoglucosan, mannosan, galactosan, fucose, sucrose, galatose, glucose, mannose, sorbose, fructose, lactose.
Any common carbohydrates that the IC system will not be capable of identifying should be stated in the tender submission.
Ion exchange columns for organic acids:
Ion exchange columns should be suitable for the separation/chromatography of a range of organic acids/salts identified, but not limited to, those listed below:
Formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, caproate, tartrate, malonate, succinate, gluconate, lactate.
Any common organic acids that the IC system will not be capable of identifying should be stated in the tender submission
Samples for analysis:
The IC System should be capable of analysing samples from a range of materials including samples derived from fermentates and digestates.
A sample volume maximum of 10mL should be sufficient to complete full sample analysis.
IC analysis data recording and processing:
Data should be collected, processed and readily available in a format that can be easily viewed, interpreted and exported to Microsoft Office software.
The IC system must be capable of being operated on a computer running with Microsoft Windows software.
Delivery & Installation:
Delivery to the unit to a University of South Wales facility in the South Wales (UK) area.
Delivery time is ideally a maximum of 6 – 8 weeks from the receipt of an order confirmation. Given current global circumstances it is recognized that lead times may be longer for some suppliers. Please provide a realistic indication of delivery time of a fully operational system that meets the specification.
Method for unloading of the system from the transport vehicle is to be provided by the supplier.
The system should be capable of being easily maneuvered over flat, solid ground / internal floor surfaces either independently or using widely available manual load moving equipment (e.g. a manual pallet truck).
The system should be capable of being maneuvered through standard width and height pedestrian doors.
Operator instructions are to be provided to allow operation of the unit.
The system should operate via connection to UK standard 240 V single phase power supply.
Technical Support / Warranty:
A one year warranty on mechanical and electrical components.
Please indicate the extent / scope of any additional technical support that can be provided as part of the price quoted.
Where relevant, mechanical and electrical components and systems provided should be compliant with UK safety and quality standards.
Any additional capacity to provided extended warranty / technical support should be separately identified and presented as an additional cost option to the provision of the system.
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