X-ray source

Tender description

The School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh hosts a bespoke cone-beam X-ray microtomography instrument which was designed and constructed in-house. This tendering process is to acquire a replacement X-ray source for that instrument. Both open microfocus X-ray source(s) with active vacuum pumping and closed X-ray tube types will be considered. This tender request is for the provision and commissioning of an X-ray source and its essential ancillary equipment. Physical integration of the source into our existing X-ray microtomography instrument will be completed in-house. The Edinburgh instrument is housed in an interlocked, shielded room - while there are few restrictions on space, the requested technical details include the dimensions of the X-ray source(s) and support equipment to permit estimation of the footprint required. Integration of the X-ray source control software with the data acquisition software of our microtomography instrument is not required. The tendering, commissioning and integration of the source into our existing microtomography instrument will be subject to consultation with and approval by the University’s Radiation Safety Officer. Lot 1: Critical Criteria – these criteria must be met by a successful tender. 1) The X-ray source(s) must be a dual illumination (a transmission source and a reflection source) solution, either by means of a single unit with exchangeable tube heads or through the provision of discrete transmission and reflection sources. 2) The X-ray source(s) must be suitable for use in X-ray microtomography applications (imaging of geological, engineered and some biological materials). 3) The X-ray source(s) must produce a continuous (i.e. not pulsed) X-ray beam suitable for use in Cone-beam X-ray microtomography. 4) The X-ray energy range produced by the source must have a maximum energy not exceeding 160 keV. 5) A dual illumination (transmission and reflection) solution, with all control electronics, high voltage generator, control computer, control software (perpetual license) and all other essential ancillary equipment (e.g. vacuum pumps, cooling units) for the operation of the source(s) is required. 6) The source(s), control electronics and other ancillary equipment must be able to be powered from a single phase 230 V, 50 Hz supply (i.e. the standard UK mains electricity supply). 7) Housing for control electronics (e.g. 19” racking) should be provided as necessary. 8) Commissioning of the source(s) by a service engineer and training in the operation and user serviceable maintenance of the x-ray source is required. 9) In our application the source(s) must be able to illuminate a 20 x 20 cm flat panel X-ray camera at source to camera distances of between 50 cm and 150 cm. Desirable criteria 1) Energy adjustment steps of the order of 1 keV increments and target current adjustment steps of the order of 5 µA increments (or better) are preferred. 2) It is desirable that the focal spot size is as small as possible for a given power level. 3) It is desirable that the source can be serviced by the user. Dimensional limitations - It is anticipated that the X-ray source (not including any separate generators and/or control electronics) will not exceed 70 kg and, for installation purposes, all components of the package will fit through access doorways of 120 cm width and 200 cm height. - The University takes no liability if it is subsequently found the supplier solution cannot fit in the available site area. In such case the University may rescind the award and award to the next ranked supplier. - Giving reasonable notice (and subject to any submission deadline) suppliers may request the opportunity to conduct a single site survey prior to submitting their bid and/or finalising the contract post-award, providing the University and Supplier can agree a mutually convenient date and time. We encourage suppliers to take this opportunity. Removal of prior device It is desirable that the Bidder offers to take away the existing X-Ray source for recycling. In this case they should specify any trade-in value or cost associated with this in the relevant optional box in Schedule 4 – Pricing.