The Unversity of Ottawa is pleased to invite qualified proponents to submit a proposal for Thermogravimetric Analysis System capable of operating under high vacuum and atmospheric pressure.
General Description:
The research objective involves the synthesis, characterization, and deposition of various small molecules, carbon nanotubes, and polymers that will be exposed to high vacuum conditions and elevated temperatures during operation or fabrication. The requested Thermogravimetric Analysis System must be capable of operating at ambiant pressure and high vacuum. The unit will be capable of heating to at least 1000 °C and will be able to reach vacuum levels of at least 10-5 Torr. The instrument will be designed to allow analysis of air-sensitive samples and will be equipped to allow external gas analysis when operating at atmospheric pressures. This instrument will help study decomposition behaviour and sublimation conditions for various materials.
Specifications listed in Appendix A – Technical Specifications Compliance of this RFP are the mandatory minimum requirements for the Thermogravimetric Analysis System.
Mandatory Minimum Requirements for the Thermogravimetric Analysis System:
1. Thermogravimetric Analysis Unit
1.1 - The instrument must be capable of heating samples from room temperature to a minimum of 1000 °C with temperature precision of ± 1 °C and temperature accuracy of ± 1 °C.
1.2 - The instrument must be capable of operating at atmospheric pressure, under nitrogen and argon and at vacuum levels as low as 10-5 Torr.
1.3 - The instrument must be capable of handling air-sensitive samples. For example hygroscopic powders.
1.4 - The instrument must be equipped with an autosampler capable of automatically loading all types of single sample pans (aluminum, ceramic, platinum, etc.) without disturbing the balance.
1.5 - The instrument must be able to heat at rates from 0.1 to 100 °C/min.
1.6 - The instrument must have a fast cooldown (20 min from 1000 °C to 50 °C).
1.7 - The instrument must have a sensitivity of at least 0.1 μg, with a minimum weighing accuracy of 0.05 % and a minimum weighing precision of 0.0025 %.
1.8 - The instrument must be designed to interface with instruments for gas analysis (Mass Spec or FTIR).
1.9 - The instrument must have computer-based control for the sample atmosphere (gas and temperature).
2. Computers, Peripherals, and Software
2.1 The unit will include a computer and minimum 1080p 24” diagonal viewing surface monitor with the necessary software and any required controllers.
2.2 The computer should have minimum specifications (or equivalent) as follows:
- Processor: Intel 12th Gen Core i5-12500 minimum OS: Windows 10 Professional (64 bit) minimum; Storage: 500 GB minimum solid state drive; Memory: 16 GB RAM DDR4 minimum; Form Factor: Small; Wireless and Bluetooth Capability: Integrated; Ethernet: Capable; Peripherals: Wireless mouse and keyboard; all necessary cables and accessories.
2.3 Any required software will operate on Windows 10 Professional or newer and will be updated at no extra charge as required. Software licenses will be provided to all users.
3. Other Requirements
3.1 Installation and training must be included.
3.2 Must include two (2) years warranty on parts and labour.
3.3 The system must be guaranteed to operate for a minimum of five years from the acceptance date given regular use and maintenance.
3.4 The supplier must be able to provide replacement parts for a minimum of ten years from the purchase date.
3.5 Must include options (if available) with costing for incorporation of additional analysis tools, such as IR/MS/GC-
