Procurement of a Nikon Metrology XT H 225 X-ray CT system

CPV: Tomography devices · X-ray devices

Procedure method

Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition

Legal basis

CELEX · 32014L0024 Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (Directive 2014/24/EU)

Procurement category

Goods

Notice status

Awarded without competition

Procurement threshold

Unspecified in notice

Regulatory regime

Standard

Commercial structure

Stand-alone contract (no framework)

Competition type

Direct award (no call for competition)

GPA / WTO covered

Yes (GPA)

Recurring procurement

Unspecified in notice

First published

16 Jun 2023, 11:01 BST

Last source update

16 Jun 2023, 11:01 BST

Authority reference

SC11727

FTS notice number

2023/S 000-017147

Classification (CPV)

Tomography devicesX-ray devices

Delivery area

West Midlands (UKG31)

Official registry OCID

ocds-h6vhtk-03d6e8 Find a Tender

Why no open competition

The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the directive

Published justification

The Nikon Metrology XT H 225 ST 2x X-ray CT system (hereafter Nikon XTH225ST2x) is a versatile CT scanner with a wide range of applications across palaeobiology, life sciences and related fields. The system has two interchangeable reflection and rotating X-ray sources that can be easily changed by the operator, offering the ultimate in flexibility for research work. These two independent sources permit high resolution micro-computed tomography of a broad range of materials from low-density biological samples to high-density fossils; the 225kV rotating source is unique to this genre of systems, offering unparalleled performance. High resolution CT of samples (minimum spot size 3 micrometres) can be maintained even at the high energies typically required to scan rock specimens, up to 225 kilovolts. The X-ray sources are both microfocus, representing the latest in X-ray generation technology. Furthermore, the open-tube source designs give easy access to the source, resulting in easy maintenance, high performance, and a low cost of ownership. Auto.Filament Control can also double the lifetime of the filament without having to resort to long-life filaments, which can lower the resolution of the scan. This facilitates the very long scans that are critical to the group's research, while also improving system availability.

The Nikon XTH225ST2x is capable of handling samples up to 50kg with a large swept CT diameter of 265mm. It is also equipped with a large (430 x 430 mm; 2880 x 2880 pixels), high specification Varex XRD4343CT detector panel. Multiple scans of taller samples can be 'stitched' together using the X.tend helical scan software to produce a single image with no cone beam artefacts. Combined with a large chamber, this allows a wide range of large, heavy, and technically challenging specimens to be CT scanned at high resolution with good x-ray penetration, beyond the capacity of other CT scanners. It includes a motorised FID (Focus to Imager distance) that provides maximum flexibility in magnification and 3D spatial resolution while also improving signal-to-noise ratio.

Members of the group have used Nikon setups at other institutions for over a decade, as well as other scanners, and are familiar with a range of instruments and their applications. While external facilities no longer meet the group's requirements for practical reasons relating to transport of specimens and scanning times, no other instrument matches the technical capabilities of the Nikon XTH225ST2x. In addition to the 225kV rotating source, which is exclusive to the Nikon XTH225ST2x in this class of systems, the ability to manipulate FID, adjust all X-ray and scanning parameters, use offset CT, and accommodate large and heavy specimens within the sample chamber uniquely meet the group's needs. A custom advanced filtration kit of copper, tin, silver and aluminium in a range of thicknesses also provides the opportunity to further adjust x-ray properties depending on the sample, ultimately improving transmission and dataset quality.

Nikon have a long working relationship with the University of Birmingham and can offer value for money and ongoing support. XTH systems are designed, manufactured and supported from a UK factory at Tring, Hertfordshire. Therefore, a rapid response can be provided to any technical enquiries, with support from UK engineers based locally. Use of the instrumentation, including both CT data acquisition and reconstruction, is straightforward for users. The propriety InspectX software control allows for easy set-up of the system, which is especially important in this situation, where multiple users will use the system on an infrequent basis. This provides even more versatility for a range of applications and is unique on the market in terms of its control and customisation.

• Nikon Metrology Europe N.V.Awarded supplier Leuven, BE

No document links were published on the notice.