Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
University Of Edinburgh
Charles Stewart House, 9-16 Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1HT
Telephone
+44 1316502759
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM75 - Edinburgh, City of
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00107
one.2) Information about joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Particle Size and Shape Analyser
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
Instrument for particle size and shape characterisation of natural and industrial granular materials.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM75 - Edinburgh, City of
Main site or place of performance
University of Edinburgh
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Instrument for particle size and shape characterisation of natural and industrial granular materials e.g.:
-Volcanic flow particles (ash, lapilli, pumice, scoria etc.) derived from pyroclastic density currents, fallout deposits, lahars and debris flows.
-Industrial particulate materials relevant to construction.
-Soils
-Construction materials (concretes, mortars, lightweight aggregates, composites)
-Agricultural amendments and granules (including Biochar)
-Polymer/composite additives
-Energy storage materials (electrodes, conductive carbons)
Materials will range from coarse granules to fine powders, typically irregular, porous, low-density and black.
Essential requirements (minimum)
Measurement capability
-Measures both particle size distribution and particle shape in one instrument or tightly integrated system.
-Image-based technique (e.g. dynamic image analysis or equivalent) suitable for irregular, opaque, carbonaceous particles.
-Provides at least:
-Size metrics: equivalent diameter, D10/D50/D90, full distribution.
-Shape metrics: aspect ratio, circularity/roundness, and at least one compactness/solidity/convexity parameter.
Size range and performance
-Usable size range:
-Lower limit ≤ 1μm
-Upper limit ≥ 5 mm
-Capable of analysing polydisperse samples in a single run.
-At least 50,000 particles analysed per standard measurement (for powders).
-Repeatability better than 3 % RSD on D10/D50/D90 for suitable reference materials.
Sample handling and dispersion
-Dry dispersion unit for low-density, porous, angular powders and granules:
-Controlled feed (e.g. vibratory feeder or equivalent).
-Adjustable dispersion energy/pressure.
-Wet dispersion capability:
-Recirculating wet cell for suspensions of soils, biochar and carbon powders.
-Compatibility with at least water and common alcohols (e.g. ethanol or isopropanol).
Shape analysis and classification
-Shape parameters computed for all measured particles or size classes.
-Ability to filter and analyse particles by size and/or shape (e.g. size range, aspect ratio range).
-Display and export of representative particle images for documentation and publications.
Software, data handling and reporting
-Method/SOP editor for storing and recalling measurement conditions.
-Export of size and shape data in standard formats (e.g. CSV, Excel).
-Overlay and comparison of multiple measurements.
-Configurable reports (number/area/volume distributions, cumulative and density plots, basic shape statistics).
Calibration and practical aspects
-Calibration/verification with traceable particle size standards in relevant ranges.
-Documented traceability to relevant particle sizing standards (ISO/ASTM or equivalent).
-Design suitable for dusty, abrasive, black powders, with straightforward cleaning of the dispersion path.
-Enclosed optics and standard laser/electrical safety compliance.
-Access to local service and technical support.
3. Desirable (nice-to-have) features
Extended capabilities
-Integrated laser diffraction module (wet and/or dry) using the same dispersion units, providing sub-micron coverage (≈0.1 μm or lower).
-Dedicated fibre/rod analysis (length, width, L/W ratio) for fibrous chars/carbon fibres.
-Extended upper size limit to ≥ 10 mm for large granules and aggregates.
-Interchangeable optics/lenses to optimise measurements for fine powders vs coarse granules.
Advanced dispersion and handling
-Multiple dry disperser configurations (gentle and aggressive).
-Integrated anti-static measures (e.g. ioniser) for very fine, low-density powders.
-Low-volume wet cells (few mL) for expensive or low-yield materials.
-Integrated, controllable ultrasonic dispersion (power and time) with logging.
Automation and integration
-Optional autosampler for unattended measurement of multiple samples.
-API or scripting interface for method control and automated data extraction.
-Database/LIMS connectivity for long-term storage and retrieval of results.
Robustness
-Wear-resistant materials in nozzles and flow paths.
-Design that minimises cross-contamination.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
2 March 2026
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=821672.
(SC Ref:821672)