Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

Tender description

This project will create a UK National Research Facility (NRF) that will be accessible to both academics and industrial users with Manchester as the hub along with a number of spokes. Our research group the National Research Facility in Lab XCT which constitutes The University of Manchester, The University of Warwick, University College London (UCL) and the University of Southampton wish to enhance the capabilities of their Facilities. It is our intention to make the NRF the World leading centre for lab X-ray CT. We are focused on providing our users access they need to the expertise, support and data analysis tools they need to exploit X-ray CT for their own research and understanding. Through this equipment our ambition is to also provide cutting-edge capabilities for the acquisition of unique datasets. Large volume correlative we want to collect very large voxel number datasets which push the resolution-field of view ratio into new areas and allow for the surveying and statistical analysis across huge volumes. This should be delivered in a user friendly way. Walk in sub-micron we want to realise an instrument unique in the World for conducting in situ experiments in the lab with sub-micron resolution. Here we want to push the envelope of speed and resolution, whilst maintaining a practical platform to integrate multiple sample environments. This system will be installed into an existing interlocked radiation shielded room. The experimental setup, scanning and data pipeline should all be dedicated to ensuring a seamless process for 4D studies. Source upgrade for Zeiss Versa 520 including full integration into current and future control systems and software. As part of a planned expansion of facilities within the IMC Building, there exists a requirement for a metrology grade CT scanner for industrial applications. The major theme centres on metrology for manufacturing but will also be used for analysis on batteries, low carbon mobility and materials development. The University of Southampton wishes to purchase a large-scale, high-resolution X-ray CT scanning capability and an enclosure. This project will create a UK National Research Facility (NRF), primarily supporting engineering and the physical sciences, that will be accessible to both academics and industrial users, with Manchester as the lead and a number of partners of which Southampton is one. Tenders are invited for a large-scale X-ray CT scanning capability, addressing both physically large, and complex samples (hybrid multi-material components and assembled systems), whilst maintaining high spatial resolution. We anticipate this will be a somewhat bespoke combination of both X-ray hardware, sample gantry, control systems and large high-energy shielded room. As well as standard cone-beam CT imaging for immediate turn-key operation, we intend to deploy capabilities developed within recent research projects (experimental and computational, see https://gow.epsrc.ukri.org/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/R002495/1, https://doi.org/10.1109/TNS.2018.2843807) to perform unconventional scan trajectories (e.g. laminography). This will require flexibility to access low-level system hooks and controls for customised operation, and simultaneous operation with third party hardware. The facility will be required to integrate within the well-established HPC/data workflow environment of the Southampton μ-VIS X-ray imaging Centre, including extensive computational resources (reconstruction and data visualisation workstations are therefore not a mandatory requirement of the tender). In addition to serving physically large samples (see next section), the system will provide space and connectivity for samples with complex environmental or mechanical actuation needs, e.g. heating, fluid flow or simulating multi-axis loads in structural components (n.b. specific hardware for sample environment control, actuation etc. is not part of this tender). The offered system should make best use of recent developments in high-performance X-ray sources, detectors, automated setup/calibration, artefact amelioration, off-site/remote monitoring, throughput optimisation etc.. Notwithstanding trade-offs required for large samples, fast scan times, lower noise levels etc., we require micro-focus resolution (sub-10 μm) at low energy levels (below 200 kVp), and spatial resolution in the order of 200 μm or better at higher energies (>400 kVp). We identify system performance here as multi-faceted, where compromises must be struck between factors such as flexibility, ease of operation, setup/calibration overhead, scan throughput, spatial resolution and artefact amelioration. As a research facility the NRF values novel capabilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement is encouraged. As a multi-user service, the NRF also values reliability, working to closely monitored key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs). Opportunities for collaboration with the supplier will be viewed positively. Full service and maintenance costs are required for the first 5 years of ownership, where timely and consistent levels of service and maintenance performance need to be ensured contractually. The University also wishes to procure an Enclosure for the large-scale X-ray scanning capability. (4.2) Tenderers are asked to submit a response therefore for both the scanner and the enclosure, providing details about integration of the two. Suppliers of the large scale X-ray scanner may specify a third party provider for the enclosure that they are required to work with to meet the full need. Exact system configuration will be contingent on selection of the X-ray hardware, however we anticipate a shielding requirement of at least 450 kVp, at a power rating up to 1.5 kW, with a corresponding enclosure of internal clear dimensions of at least 4 m length x 2.5 m depth x 3 m height (‘length’ being essentially parallel to the primary X-ray beam axis, ‘depth’ is horizontal and perpendicular to the primary axis). Options for greater height and depth will be valued, to accommodate larger samples and alternative X-ray hardware configurations, but must fall within a maximum external footprint of approx. 7 x 4 m. Door access should be at least 1.0 m wide x 2.0 m high. Complete safety sub-systems are required, including e-stops, visual and audible signals/alarms, X-ray interlocks, relevant proximity safety barriers. In addition to providing space and connectivity for the X-ray hardware, the enclosure must provide space and generous external feed points for samples requiring complex environmental or mechanical actuation equipment (i.e. in situ imaging with heating, fluid flow, or multi-axis loading), controlled from outside the enclosure. A high-resolution, high-speed X-ray computed tomography scanner