X-Ray Diffractometer at Lancaster University

The University is inviting tenders on the terms set out in this ITT for the supply, delivery and installation of a floor standing X-ray diffractometer for nuclear materials analysis and general Engineering materials analysis.

A key feature of the system will be the ability to carry out grazing incidence, micro-XRD, in situ high temperature and powder diffraction measurements aligned with research needs in the department's Nuclear Engineering group. The system will be installed within a radiation supervised area facility and integrated within the UTGARD suite of laboratories. UTGARD (Uranium/Thorium Beta-Gamma Active Research and Development) laboratory is a BEIS/DECC-funded, NNUF-affiliated national facility, open to external users for studying nuclear process chemistries at levels up to pre-scale-up - especially, but not limited to, all stages of reprocessing including: fuel dissolution; fission product / minor actinide / actinide separations; and oxide product precursor conditioning and precipitation.

This new equipment forms a new extension to UTGARD funded as part of the governments Uranium Innovation Centre (UIC) program and will support three new post-doctoral researchers as well as existing research within the Nuclear Science & Technology Group within the School of Engineering. Delivery of the equipment must be before the end of the year, as this equipment is expected to be operational by January 2025.

It is anticipated that the effective operational life of the machine will be 10 years.

This purchase supports the University's objective to maintain its place as a world class research establishment.

This purchase must fit within a project budget of £300,000 incl. VAT.

The location of the site is Bailrigg Campus, Lancaster, LA1 4YW.

There could be a requirement for further purchases, dependent on future funding.

Lancaster University reserves the right not to award a contract following this tender, nor does it bind itself to accept the lowest price or any quotation. The contract awarded shall not be split in multiple suppliers to fulfil the options.

Additional information:

This tender is being conducted electronically using the Lancaster University e-tendering system which can be found at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/lancaster/ To receive documents new users must first register and obtain log in details. Existing users should log in to the web site and express interest.

Is a Recurrent Procurement Type? : No