Specifications.pdf

Specifications

52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999)

Background and Scope

USDA-ARS in Manhattan, KS is in need of a growth chamber with an interior volume of 37.2 cubic feet to conduct cold tolerance and freeze-thaw experiments with stored product insects. Our current growth chambers have a volume of 37.2 cubic feet and we require this chamber to be close to 37.2 cubic feet for experimental replication. In addition, exterior dimensions listed below cannot be exceeded due to space limitations. See below for specific requirements:

Requirements

1. Incubator must have interior dimensions of 37.2 total cubic feet to allow for proper number of replications to be treated at any given time.

2. Exterior dimensions need not exceed 41”W x 34.6”D x 80.5”H to fit current space limitations of the shared buildings of SPIERU.

3. Temperature range must include -20C to 10C to fully evaluate the thermal ranges and tolerances of these insects. Must have programmable defrost for planned maintenance.

4. Shelving must be fully encompassing of the chamber interior, with a minimum width of 36”, and epoxy coated for ease of cleaning and overall cleanliness. Must have clearance of at least 10” between shelves.

5. Chamber must be equipped with floor drain and hose assembly for cleaning or water/humidity control.

6. Chamber must have casters with adjustable leveling legs to accommodate uneven spaces and ability to move the chamber to clean or place in an alternative location.

7. Insulation must be 2” thick with R-value of 12.5, K-value of 0.16 and density of 2.2 lbs/ft3 for energy efficiency and ability to hold cold temepratures.

8. Must have a single, full door access to chamber interior with thickness of 2.5” and metal gasket that provides a tight seal to the frame to ensure ability to hold temperature consistently.

9. Must be high temperature baked interior and exterior coating for durability to cold temperatures and outside temperature fluctuations.

10. Refrigeration with continuous compressor operation, extended life, and close temperature control is necessary to ensure that experimental temperatures are consistent and results are not biased by refrigeration error. Ice buildup in the coil must be avoided. Top mounted refrigeration is needed for ease of cleaning and release of compressor heat without having effect on internal temperature of the chamber.

11. Must have top-mounted evaporator coil with air circulation fans for efficient heat rejection is necessary.

12. Ability for audible high and low temperature alarms is necessary to avoid wasting time and resources during possible malfunctions. Must have 24 hour chamber monitoring system for all programmed variables with step and ramp mode for over 25 different programs. Must have ability to have manual, diurnal, programmed, and non-circadian programs with on-board diagnostics, ambient temperature monitoring, and power failure event logging.

13. The Percival Model FR-41NL growth chamber meets these requirements. The unit has successfully used Percival chambers for rearing many different species of stored product insects and conducting experiments related to temperature tolerance. Moreover, the volume held by the chamber matches the volume of chambers currently owned by the unit and thus, we would be able to use this chamber for replication of experiments. However, any growth chamber that meets these requirements will be considered.