CEFAS26-118 Laser Diffraction Particle Size and Image Particle Shape Analyser

Overview

Cefas' laser sizer has reached the end of its useful lifespan. Replacement parts are no longer being manufactured and are becoming increasingly difficult to source. The equipment measures the fine sediment fraction, which is essential for particle size analysis. This analysis is used across most Sedimentology projects, and the resulting data supports several other areas of work within Cefas, externally and internationally. Scope of Requirements: Cefas requires the supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of a laser diffraction particle size analyser and an image-based particle shape analyser, both using wet dispersion, together with all software and licences needed for operation and data processing, all essential accessories and components, and user and routine-maintenance training. Cefas will provide the PC and monitor required to operate the instrument(s). 1. Technical Requirement 1.1 The laser Diffraction measurement range must extend from 0.2µm or smaller to 2mm or greater. Suppliers must submit test results generated using the proposed equipment to demonstrate its measurement capability. The test may be carried out using either a sample provided by Cefas, available on request from the publication of the tender, or an alternative suitable sample selected by the supplier. Use of a Cefas-provided sample is not mandatory, and the source or type of sample used will not affect the evaluation or score. The submitted results must clearly demonstrate the measurement range achieved by the proposed equipment. Solutions demonstrating a measurement range exceeding the minimum requirement may receive a higher score. 1.2 The laser Diffraction measurement time must take no longer than 60 seconds per run 1.3 The software will be able to export data at half-phi intervals in a format compatible with Microsoft Excel. 1.4 The proposed solution must include a shape analyser, either integrated or as a separate module, so the Sedimentology team can determine the specific shape of particles within a sediment sample, including plastic fragments. The total cost of the complete solution must remain within the maximum available budget. 1.5 The instrument(s) must operate from a standard UK 3-pin plug. 1.6 The combined weight of the equipment and essential modules must not exceed 90kg. 1.7 Total bench footprint of the completed solution must not exceed 80cm (depth) x 150cm (width). 2. Environmental Considerations 2.1. Unit should have a low power consumption. 2.2. Unit should be designed for reuse/remanufacture and of regenerative nature to eliminate waste where possible. 2.3. Consideration of how packaging will be managed. Ideally at the time of installation the supplier will remove packaging and dispose of by ethical and environmentally friendly methods. Where possible packaging is to be re-used or recycled. 2.4. Consideration of life cycle assessment for the equipment. 3. Hardware, Software, Licences and operating systems 3.1 Cefas will provide the PC and monitor required to operate the instrument(s). The supplier will provide details of how the proposed equipment and associated software will be secured when connected to Cefas systems, including any security requirements or configuration that Cefas will need to have in place. For information purposes only, the supplier must also provide the minimum PC hardware and system requirements necessary for full operation of the proposed solution. 3.2 The solution must be compatible with Windows 11 version 26H2 configured to NCSC standards. The supplier will be responsible for installing and configuring all required instrument software on the Cefas-provided PC as part of the installation and commissioning process. 3.3 All software required for routine operation of the instrument(s), data processing, analysis and export must be included within the tender solution and supplied with a perpetual licence, included within the purchase price. 3.4 Software updates will not install automatically. Cefas will op