X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) Scanners for the National Research Facility in Lab XCT

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. Lot 1: Large Volume Correlative X-Ray CT Scanner We wanted 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. Lot 2: Walk in Sub-micron X-Ray CT Scanner We wanted to realise an instrument unique in the World for conducting in-situ experiments in the lab with sub-micron resolution. Here we wanted 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. Lot 3: Source Upgrade for Zeiss Versa 520 Source upgrade for Zeiss Versa 520 including full integration into current and future control systems and software. Lot 4: A Metrology Grade X-ray Computed Tomography Scanner for the UK National Research Facility As part of a planned expansion of facilities within the IMC Building, there existed 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. Lot 5: A Large-scale, High-resolution X-ray Scanning Capability for the UK National Research Facility AND an Enclosure for the Large-scale X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning Capability The University of Southampton wished to purchase a large-scale, high-resolution X-ray CT scanning capability and an enclosure. Lot 6: A Large-scale, High-resolution X-ray Scanning Capability for the UK National Research Facility 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 were 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 anticipated 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, Lot 7: Enclosure for the Large-scale X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning Capability The University wished to procure an enclosure for the large-scale X-ray scanning capability. Lot 8: A High-resolution, High-speed X-ray Computed Tomography Scanner A High-resolution, High-speed X-ray computed tomography scanner.