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The Chemistry Centre requires an instrument capable of measuring fractions of C (e.g. TOC, TIC, ROC) on soils and soil-like materials. The quote will be judged on the ability of the supplier, instrument and peripherals to meet the following operational requirements and specifications:

1. Instrument software should;

1. Be compatible with LIMS (SampleManager 11.2) with import/export functionality of any one of the following file types;

1. .csv
2. .txt
3. .html

1. Be able to operate on a Windows 10 64-bit system

1. Be supplied with a computer (as per 1. b) and monitor, installed with all instrument- and peripheral-device-operating software, and with all necessary peripheral cabling, ports and connections between instrument components and the computer.
2. Minimum warranty period of 3 years (including service technician travel, replacement parts and servicing)
3. Telephone, e-mail and on-site technical support
4. Electrical requirements: Instrument and peripherals power able to be supplied via a 230/240V 50/60 Hz source, (with current required 30 A or below)
5. Operate on a standard laboratory bench of 750 mm depth
6. Instrument specifications and associated requirements:

• Machine capable of determine different Carbon fractions (i.e. TOC, Resistant organic carbon (ROC), Total inorganic carbon (RIC), e.g. as per DIN 19539 and DIN 15936) in soils and soil-like materials
• Sample size ≥0.5 g
• Maximum furnace temperature ≥900°C
• Machine able to ramp from near ambient temperature to at least 900°C
• Flexible furnace temperature control – e.g. user capable of varying T-ramping speed
• Time to run sample <30 min for entire temperature ramp
• Able to switch between oxygenated and pyrolysis (e.g. Ar or N₂ atmosphere system) within the one sample
• ≥40-place auto-sampler/auto-loader
• Uses reusable boats/crucibles
• Measurement range ≥50 mg C absolute
• LOD ≤50 µg C absolute
• Supply regulators (at instrument end) for gas sources (e.g. Ar/N₂ and O₂)
• Supplied with 4/5-place 200 g analytical balance with data capture capacity (USB and Bluetooth connectivity desirable), interfaced with instrument
• All consumables needed for running 4000 samples
• Indication of cost per sample (e.g. including power, gases and consumables)
• Itemised list of suggested spare parts

1. Provide estimate of prices and terms for a PM service contract for beyond the warranty period
2. Training

1. At least two DES staff (one from each Chemistry Centre and Soil Processes) will be accommodated in the software and instrument training.
2. Training is to include but not limited to;
   1. System set-up
   2. Method creation and programming
   3. Data management
   4. Demonstration of all functionality
   5. Trouble-shooting

1. Delivery

• Instrument delivery between 6 – 12 weeks of receiving order
• Installation of instrument within 7 days of delivery to site

Further considerations;

Suppliers who have instruments with the capability to determine C and N simultaneously are encouraged to provide either a separate or an integrated quote for such a system. Additionally suppliers are encouraged to state whether it is possible to configure their machine so that exhaust gases can be delivered to an IRMS unit for stable isotope analysis.