Award

High-pressure automated benchtop flow reactor system for hydrocarbon synthesis and conversions

  • Loughborough University

UK5: Transparency notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-012988

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-04fd19 (view related notices)

Published 4 April 2025, 10:05am



Scope

Reference

LU00968

Description

Purchase of a high-pressure automated benchtop flow reactor system with an in situ catalyst characterisation unit including acceptance test, packaging, insurance, transportation (CPT) as well as assembly, commissioning and training at Loughborough University, Loughborough.

To view this notice, please click here:

https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=939146771


Contract 1

Supplier

Contract value

  • £279,128.93 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Earliest date the contract will be signed

1 May 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 15 August 2025 to 1 October 2025
  • Possible extension to 1 October 2028
  • 3 years, 1 month, 18 days

Description of possible extension:

Extensions to be taken in 2 periods - extension 1 - 24 months and extension 2 - 12 months

Main procurement category

Goods

CPV classifications

  • 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

Other information

Conflicts assessment prepared/revised

Yes


Procedure

Procedure type

Direct award

Direct award justification

Single supplier - technical reasons

Micromeritics is the only one known source that exists for supply of such an automated flow reactor with the unique capability for in situ catalyst characterisation. The following are the unique

features of their offering:

1. A flexible and adaptable platform allowing many chemistries to be investigated, and the

possibility of future upgrades

2. Safety:

a. The unit can both send and accept signals to / from a laboratory central alarm system.

b. The whole reactor / pipework system is installed within an insulated 'hot box' that may be

temperature controlled up to 200°C, ensuring there are no cold spots where condensation

may be an issue. Also, easy access to hot parts is avoided.

3. Micromeritics incorporates patented technologies in the design for

a. A low volume gas / liquid separation technology that operates in near real time allowing

the user to precisely follow product composition over the time scale of the reaction.

b. A low volume gas / liquid / liquid separator with the ability to separate the aqueous and

organic liquid phases e.g. for Fischer Tropsch reaction.

c. A fast-acting micro regulating valve technology to deliver fast and stable pressure control.

d. Ability to integrate other analytical technologies e.g. periodic in situ characterisation of the catalyst without interfering with the process at conditions close to real world applications. The In-Situ Catalyst Characterisation System (ICCS) is an accessory offered by Micromeritics that connects across the reactor and enables in-situ analysis using temperature programmed analysis, TPX (X = reduction, oxidation and desorption) and pulse chemisorption techniques.


Supplier

Micromeritics Ltd.

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNQD-7147-ZRLD

1 MILLER COURT SEVERN DRIVE, TEWKESBURY BUSINESS PARK

TEWKESBURY

GL20 8DN

United Kingdom

Contact name: Chris Pilkington

Telephone: 01582881164

Email: chris.pilkington@micromeritics.com

Region: UKK13 - Gloucestershire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Contract 1


Contracting authority

Loughborough University

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRGT-9932-PLJN

Epinal Way

Loughborough

LE11 3TU

United Kingdom

Telephone: 01509 228186

Email: a.ellis@lboro.ac.uk

Region: UKF22 - Leicestershire CC and Rutland

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government