Flame Ionisation Detector (FID)

The Home Office - Centre for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) has a requirement to significantly improve their testing capability to measure volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) for testing the concentration of ethanol in simulated breath alcohol profiles. CAST would like to procure a single system which meets as a minimum the technical specification detailed below.

Technical Specification

• Must be capable of measuring Ethanol concentration in an air stream that has been certified free from hydrocarbons - essential
• Readings must not be affected by the presence of water vapour at any concentration in the sample airstream
• Heated oven ≥ 190ºc
• Heated sample line- essential - length 2m - desirable
• H2 fuel gas in canister required
• FID must have a method of internal calibration check
• Warm up time once the instrument is switch on to testing must be <1 hour
• Must draw in air for combustion from the environment through a replaceable filter
• Linearity +/-1%
• Response time ≤2 seconds Power supply 230V AC
• Measuring range (min 0-10ppm) (max 0-100 000ppm)
• Portable- Weight ≤20kg – desirable
• LCD/LED display showing measured concentration of ethanol
• Analogue output of reading –essential Automatic ignition of the FID
• Automatic fuel shut off and gas switch off if the flame goes out
• Must be able to gain UKAS accreditation in the future as it may be used in ISO 17025 laboratory
• Basic Training and technical support be given to staff at CAST

Evaluation Criteria

• Delivery (30)

The supplier must be capable of delivering the system.

• Quality (30)

CAST is willing to be flexible in terms of the make and model of system procured as long as all aspects of the technical specification can be met as a minimum.

• Cost (40)

The order will be placed with the supplier who offers best value for money.

Response Required

Suppliers must respond by issuing a formal costing for a system which meets the advertised technical specification and must include the cost of training. This costing must include a price for the entire system a single value but may also include optional additions. These must be itemised and priced individually.

Suppliers are also encouraged to provide costings for a service contract with an annual cost (fixed for 3 years) and a price list of any applicable consumables for use with the system.

Please also note that as per Home Office terms and conditions, payment will be in full upon delivery.

For all queries and to submit a costing suppliers must respond via email (attaching any relevant documentation) to the following email address by 17:00 hours on 29th May 2015: HOSProcurement@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Suppliers who cannot meet this deadline will not be considered.