To provide a manual Optical Tensiometer

Tender description

RBGE is positioning itself as a global leader in responding to pervasive environmental change. Increasingly, this requires us to investigate biodiversity response not just for a single issue, such as climate change, or tree disease etc., but to address the multiple environmental changes that are occurring simultaneously. The climate is changing, levels of nitrogen pollution are increasing, and we are seeing shifts in the structure of habitats. We want to purchase equipment that will measure the critical interface between plant and fungal tissues, and the environment. This is done by measuring the speed at which water is absorbed into tissues and preliminary work suggests that this is an effective proxy for the species adaptation to the climate (survival in wetter and drier climates) and also their tolerance of atmospheric pollution. We will use these novel measurements across species as a new guide to their tolerance of climate change and pollution, linked to the structure and health of habitats. A calibration set of species will be established and then the method can be used to provide a marker of environmental sensitivity for species more widely. RBGE is looking for a benchtop, manual Optical Tensiometer to measure the hydrophobicity of the surface layers of a variety of plant species (mostly lichens and bryophytes). The requirements are that the system should come complete with: 1. A digital video camera with options for high fps settings 2. A cold LED backlight 3. Intuitive software that enables us to measure: a. static contact angle b. dynamic contact angle c. surface free energy d. surface & interfacial tension e. roll-off angle f. provide live analysis g. have parameters and settings that can be saved for future use h. available to install on multiple PCs 4. A precision adjustable sample stage suitable for plant material listed – lichen and bryophytes. 5. A manual liquid dispenser, comprising a gas-tight syringe and varying needle gauges. 6. To give varying liquid drop profiles 7. Software updated free of charge when updates become available. 8. Computer Operating system: compatible with Windows 10 9. Provide a calibration system suitable for users 10. Angle measurement accuracy of +/-0.1° 11. Supply relevant user manuals and any validation and calibration certificates. 12. Provide “live” training for several staff (including set-up) which can be virtual. 13. Provide a period of at least 12 months warranty from date of delivery. 14. Guarantee of instrument support for a minimum of 5 years, with spares and service being available for a minimum of a further 2 years. 15. If applicable, all maintenance / support contract costs commencing upon expiry of the warranty period to be shown in pricing schedule. This should include extended warranty, preventative maintenance, arrangements for repair, what consumable and spares are included in the price, your recommended spares holding by the purchaser, and other relevant factors.