Non-medical equipment based on the use of radiations

Tender description

The National Gallery is seeking to procure a macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) scanning system for in-situ, non-invasive analysis and imaging of Old Master paintings, to advance their interdisciplinary scientific and art historical research. The equipment will include a scanning/positioning system, a high efficiency X-ray source producing sub-millimetre spot sizes and a high sensitivity X-ray detector capable together of generating elemental maps with a spatial (lateral) resolution in the c.100-500 micron range using dwell times in the millisecond range, based on the acquisition of high quality spectral data. The elemental range of interest is Na to U. The equipment will produce scans at different spatial (lateral) resolutions and allow fast measurement (at a sub-millimetre resolution) of paintings up to several square metres in size e.g. within a working day or overnight. Scanning/positioning system, high efficiency X-ray source producing sub-millimetre spot sizes and high sensitivity X-ray detector generating elemental maps with spatial resolution 100-500 micron range (dwell times in millisecond range) to acquire high quality spectral data; Elemental range Na to U; Scan at different spatial resolutions; Fast measurement of paintings up to several square metres in size; Electronics, cables, peripherals, alignment, control and data acquisition systems and software, data evaluation and post-processing software; Must ensure safety of both user and examined paintings; compliant with UK statutory regulations for X-ray equipment; e.g. Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999; User-friendly — rapid and easy data acquisition, intuitive and powerful software, for optimisation of data processing; Usability of scanner, acquisition and post-processing software (including accessibility of raw data) plus flexibility of design and ability to adjust a range of acquisition parameters important; Delivery by Feb 2017 essential.