Particle Size and Shape Analyser

{
  "id": "006662-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planning"
  ],
  "date": "2026-01-26T13:23:44Z",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-060e8e",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-FTS-2023",
    "name": "University Of Edinburgh"
  },
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  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-060e8e",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planned",
        "description": "Instrument for particle size and shape characterisation of natural and industrial granular materials e.g.:\n-Volcanic flow particles (ash, lapilli, pumice, scoria etc.) derived from pyroclastic density currents, fallout deposits, lahars and debris flows.\n-Industrial particulate materials relevant to construction.\n-Soils\n-Construction materials (concretes, mortars, lightweight aggregates, composites)\n-Agricultural amendments and granules (including Biochar)\n-Polymer/composite additives\n-Energy storage materials (electrodes, conductive carbons)\nMaterials will range from coarse granules to fine powders, typically irregular, porous, low-density and black.\nEssential requirements (minimum)\nMeasurement capability\n-Measures both particle size distribution and particle shape in one instrument or tightly integrated system.\n-Image-based technique (e.g. dynamic image analysis or equivalent) suitable for irregular, opaque, carbonaceous particles.\n-Provides at least:\n-Size metrics: equivalent diameter, D10/D50/D90, full distribution.\n-Shape metrics: aspect ratio, circularity/roundness, and at least one compactness/solidity/convexity parameter.\nSize range and performance\n-Usable size range:\n-Lower limit ≤ 1μm\n-Upper limit ≥ 5 mm\n-Capable of analysing polydisperse samples in a single run.\n-At least 50,000 particles analysed per standard measurement (for powders).\n-Repeatability better than 3 % RSD on D10/D50/D90 for suitable reference materials.\nSample handling and dispersion\n-Dry dispersion unit for low-density, porous, angular powders and granules:\n-Controlled feed (e.g. vibratory feeder or equivalent).\n-Adjustable dispersion energy/pressure.\n-Wet dispersion capability:\n-Recirculating wet cell for suspensions of soils, biochar and carbon powders.\n-Compatibility with at least water and common alcohols (e.g. ethanol or isopropanol).\nShape analysis and classification\n-Shape parameters computed for all measured particles or size classes.\n-Ability to filter and analyse particles by size and/or shape (e.g. size range, aspect ratio range).\n-Display and export of representative particle images for documentation and publications.\nSoftware, data handling and reporting\n-Method/SOP editor for storing and recalling measurement conditions.\n-Export of size and shape data in standard formats (e.g. CSV, Excel).\n-Overlay and comparison of multiple measurements.\n-Configurable reports (number/area/volume distributions, cumulative and density plots, basic shape statistics).\nCalibration and practical aspects\n-Calibration/verification with traceable particle size standards in relevant ranges.\n-Documented traceability to relevant particle sizing standards (ISO/ASTM or equivalent).\n-Design suitable for dusty, abrasive, black powders, with straightforward cleaning of the dispersion path.\n-Enclosed optics and standard laser/electrical safety compliance.\n-Access to local service and technical support.\n3. Desirable (nice-to-have) features\nExtended capabilities\n-Integrated laser diffraction module (wet and/or dry) using the same dispersion units, providing sub-micron coverage (≈0.1 μm or lower).\n-Dedicated fibre/rod analysis (length, width, L/W ratio) for fibrous chars/carbon fibres.\n-Extended upper size limit to ≥ 10 mm for large granules and aggregates.\n-Interchangeable optics/lenses to optimise measurements for fine powders vs coarse granules.\nAdvanced dispersion and handling\n-Multiple dry disperser configurations (gentle and aggressive).\n-Integrated anti-static measures (e.g. ioniser) for very fine, low-density powders.\n-Low-volume wet cells (few mL) for expensive or low-yield materials.\n-Integrated, controllable ultrasonic dispersion (power and time) with logging.\nAutomation and integration\n-Optional autosampler for unattended measurement of multiple samples.\n-API or scripting interface for method control and automated data extraction.\n-Database/LIMS connectivity for long-term storage and retrieval of results.\nRobustness\n-Wear-resistant materials in nozzles and flow paths.\n-Design that minimises cross-contamination."
      }
    ],
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        "deliveryLocation": {
          "description": "University of Edinburgh"
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        "deliveryAddresses": [
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            "region": "UKM75"
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        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "38000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Particle Size and Shape Analyser",
    "status": "planned",
    "coveredBy": [
      "GPA"
    ],
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "32014L0024",
      "scheme": "CELEX"
    },
    "description": "Instrument for particle size and shape characterisation of natural and industrial granular materials.",
    "communication": {
      "futureNoticeDate": "2026-03-02T00:00:00Z"
    },
    "classification": {
      "id": "38000000",
      "scheme": "CPV",
      "description": "Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)"
    },
    "mainProcurementCategory": "goods"
  },
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-FTS-2023",
      "name": "University Of Edinburgh",
      "roles": [
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      "address": {
        "region": "UKM75",
        "locality": "Edinburgh",
        "postalCode": "EH1 1HT",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Charles Stewart House, 9-16 Chambers Street"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "http://www.ed.ac.uk",
        "buyerProfile": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00107",
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      "identifier": {
        "legalName": "University Of Edinburgh"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "aoughton@ed.ac.uk",
        "telephone": "+44 1316502759"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "description": "NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=821672.\n(SC Ref:821672)",
  "initiationType": "tender"
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