Tender for a Gas Chromatography-Vacuum Ultraviolet (GC-VUV) Spectrophotometry Instrument

Tender description

GC-VUV (Gas Chromatography-Vacuum Ultraviolet) is a new analytical technology currently unavailable in UK research institutions, that offers this ‘step change’ in monitoring by detecting virtually all organic molecules (when in the gas phase), including isomeric substances. Combining GC-VUV with strategies to release ‘hidden’ pollution, sorbed to materials, the scope of this technology is unparalleled, and will enable enhanced waste and environmental monitoring to design safer and cleaner technologies, for more responsible and efficient use of resources and waste. Swansea University’s Open Innovation environment houses sector-led projects in waste, recycling, environmental and public health protection. The co-location of the environmental regulator (Natural Resources Wales NRW) and this capability at Swansea University as a regional hub, provides a unique opportunity for Welsh industry, academia and government to act collectively to better understand the content and impact of our waste, recycled products and green(er) replacements. Also, with industry-sponsorship and regulator engagement, it provides added value of public funds through sector-wide use. With analytical monitoring at its core, this hub will inform improved technologies, processes, products and policies to reduce sector costs and enable Wales to become the global leader in recycling. Furthermore, the current scarcity of GC-VUV provides enormous business growth capacity, entrepreneurial and commercial income opportunities. Each of these strands will underpin a more resilient and sustainable CE, whilst protecting environmental and public health.