Upgradation of Lyobeta Freeze dryer software

Telstar Lyobeta 15 freeze dryer is being used to carry out pilot lyophilization studies at NIBSC (a centre of MEDICINES and HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS REGULATORY AGENCY) since 2012. This is to develop freeze drying conditions at small/medium scale for biological reference materials produced at NIBSC before transfer to production scale.

An upgrade is required to Lyobeta Freeze dryer software to maintain smart freeze drying capability as the old version is no longer supported by Telstar. The new software should allow calculation of sublimation front and allow controlled nucleation studies. This will also require an upgrade of the control system meaning the current PLC touch screen will need to be replaced as well as the Scada PC.

The software upgrade should allow:

Monitoring of freeze drying process; screen displaying synoptic charts, current on/off status of valves and pumps and live values of pressure and temperature sensors.

Alarm management, indicating present and historical alarms

Historical data showing graphical representation of several variables

Three working modes automatic, semiautomatic and manual

Ability to perform controlled nucleation and monitor sublimation front temperature

Installation, training and technical support to be provided by supplier.

As far as we are aware there is only one supplier who is able to meet this very specific request. Potential suppliers if they feel they can meet the requirement should email Nawaz.habib@nibsc.org to register an interest.

If no submissions of potential interest are received by close of play 13 February 2019, it is then intended to perform a direct award without competition to the sole supplier we believe can deliver the required service.