This Request for Proposal (“RFP”) is an invitation to prospective Proponents to submit Proposals for a gas adsorption analyzer, to perform measurements on porous materials suitable not only for post-combustion CO2 capture, but also pre-combustion CO2 capture and hydrogen generation, which are expected to be key technologies for future clean power generation and storage. This equipment will provide measurement capabilities that will enable researchers to make advances in clean energy sectors. The instrument will be installed in a research environment at the University of Ottawa.
General Description:
A Gas Adsorption-Desorption Analyzer is capable of measuring the solvent content and gas capture potential of low-dimensional systems at the synthesis stage. In particular, the intention for this instrument is to measure porous materials such as metal organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks and zeolitic frameworks. In addition to room temperature measurement, the instrument must also allow for low temperature porosity measurements and ad- or absorption capabilities along with surface area determination. The system must be compatible with a variety of gases such as CO2, N2, CH4, H2.
Mandatory Minimum Specifications:
1.Gas adsorption-desorption analyzer
1.1 The system must be suitable for microporous and mesoporous materials; including metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks and zeolitic frameworks.
1.2 The system must have the capacity to determine surface areas (BET/Langmuir) and pore volumes from low temperature (77 K) N2 adsorption measurements.
1.3 The system must have the ability to measure the uptake capacity of a variety of gases including at least N2, CO2, H2, CH4.
1.4 The system must have software that can generate reports on calculated parameters such as surface areas, BJH and isotherms.
1.5 The system must have the ability to perform sample activation on the instrument.
1.6 The system must include a cryogen dewar that allows for retention of liquid nitrogen and minimize loss due to evaporation.
1.7 The system must allow for the measurement of small amounts of sample (down to approx. 50 mg) with a resolution that permits the analysis of the BET surface areas, BJH, pore volumes and isotherms.
1.8 The system must include a PC and monitor compatible with the system and software.
2.Safety
2.1 The unit and all options must be CSA approved or have an accepted CSA-equivalent labelling that is listed at the following Electrical Safety Authority link: https://www.esasafe.com/electricalproducts/marks
3.Other Requirements
3.1 Installation and training must be included.
3.2 Must include one (1) year warranty on parts and labor.
Point Rated Criteria:
1.Performance and Robustness
1.1 Describe the supplier’s track record for producing high-quality, high-resolution research equipment.
1.2 Describe the general ability of the system and its individual components to demonstrate quality and robustness.
1.3 Describe the expected lifetime of the system given regular use and user
Maintenance.
2.Operations and Maintenance
2.1 Describe how the equipment is ergonomically friendly for the researcher.
2.2 Describe your ability to provide additional extended warranty at no extra cost.
2.3 Describe what is included in the warranty (i.e. preventative maintenance, cost of parts, repairs, replacements, travels, shipping, technical support, software upgrades, etc).
2.4 Demonstrate how you achieve low operation costs, including consumables, gas, and power consumption.
3.General
3.1 Describe the ability to extend the resolution to permit the analysis of ultramicropores.
3.2 Describe the ability to measure a mixture of gases simultaneously within one sample (i.e. a 50:50 mixture of CO2/H2).
3.3 Describe the ability to perform high-pressure gas adsorption measurements for CO2 and H2 (up to 50 bar).
3.4 Describe the ability to perform chemisorption
3.5 Describe the ability to measure multiple samples at the same time.
3.6 Describe the preventative measures to prevent gas leaks at high pressures. Preference is for monolithic manifolds.
3.7 Describe the sample holders and features to ensure ease of material loading and prevention of interference from free-space with the baseline. Preference is for larger sample tubes.
3.8 Describe features that enable higher throughput and less contamination.
3.9 Describe if the included software allows for real time data analysis and incorporated regularization routines.
3.10 Describe the ability to address changes in gas constants and enable faster and independent dosing.
3.11 Describe the features that allow for measurements at very low partial pressures, and ensure the system is resistant to corrosive gases or materials, and enhance the longevity. Preference is for inclusion of hard seat valves.
4.Support
4.1 Describe the response time, available hours, and quality of technical support.
