National Museums Liverpool Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Analyser for Analysis of Artefacts and Artworks

Bidders are asked to submit a formal tender for the handheld pXRF analyser for the analysis of artefacts and artworks from the museum collections.

NML is looking to procure a handheld pXRF analyser that allows flexible elemental analysis of a wide range of museum collections, including 2D and 3D artworks, with minimal handling of the objects being examined. The pXRF analyser will also be required for the elemental analysis of geological samples, soil samples and for identification of harmful heavy metals and pesticides used historically to preserve biological collections.

The handheld pXRF analyser should be able to provide the identification of low elements down to Mg (magnesium) in air and lower elements down to F (fluorine) with the use of a helium purge. The beam window should be of 1µm Graphene for the maximum sensitivity to low elements.

Due to the nature of historic and archaeological objects most have non-standard compositions and any pXRF should allow for the analysis of spectra on the handheld analyser and remotely. The use of calibration sets for modern alloy, plastics and bulk soil standards will also be required. The provision of and easily switchable use of 3mm and 8mm collimators is essential.

The analyser should have the ability to transfer data to a PC via WiFi and/or Bluetooth, as well as by cable.

As well as handheld use we also require the pXRF analyser to be easily attached to a range of tripod or stand mounts to present up to flat artworks, such as paintings and paper, and also three-dimensional artworks such as sculpture or objects that are larger still from our collections. In such environments and at such scales, the ability to see the target area for analysis (from the analysers in-built camera(s)), triggering of the pXRF analyser and readout of the resultant spectra and data should be achievable remotely. The pXRF should also be able to be used in vertical and horizontal orientations, with appropriate considerations for safety. The provision of accessories such as work stands with interlocked sample chambers as well as soil feet, carry cases and straps etc. would be desirable. The inclusion of GPS/GLONASS location recording is also of interest although not essential.

The control and analysis software for use with the analyser should be compatible with Microsoft Windows 10. Software should be provided for the identification of elemental spectra including ability to carry out deconvolution where results of analysis include overlapping spectra. The ability to be able to apply different calibrations retrospectively to spectra data is preferable. Software that allows for the creation of our own user-created calibration standards is essential.

Delivery and installation are to be completed no later than 11th March 2021