80SSC020K0002 Atmospheric Nitrogen Generation.pdf

Atmospheric Nitrogen Generation Request for Information (RFI)

08 June, 2020

Abstract:

Stennis Space Center (SSC) currently utilizes cryogenic nitrogen pumps, heat exchangers, and a cross country site-wide distribution piping network to provision its multiple test stands with high purity high pressure gaseous nitrogen. Used as a pressurant during hot fire static engine testing and continuously as a purge gas, SSC consumes on the order of 100 tons per calendar day of LN2. Delivered at approximately 4000 psig, the exact volume of gas consumed at each test facility is not known and as such this estimate relies on the amount of LN2 processed through our centralized high pressure gas facility. SSC is attempting to ascertain the current ability of the market to provide an atmospheric generation solution that addresses the demand for high purity, volume, and pressure GN2 in an environment where positive flow at a minimum baseline must be delivered at all times. Further, SSC seeks to contract out the production of the commodity with an interface developed between the commercial GN2 production unit and SSC’s existing piping network. SSC would thus provide adequately prepared physical space, electrical utilities, interface tie in valves and piping, while the awardee would provide high purity, volume, and pressure GN2 in accordance with the following technical specifications, operations and maintenance of the generation system, and priority service in maintaining positive pressure across the test complex systems.

Desired Operational Model:

• SSC seeks a potential lease agreement including all necessary equipment for generation and pressurization of GN2, operations and maintenance of the system, and priority service in the event of a potential disruption of service.

• SSC seeks a system that does not include any loss of service to the test complex facilities. The cost and schedule disturbance associated with a disruption of positive pressure to the facilities necessitates a solution with redundancies in place such that a minimum flow is always maintained. Proposals that do not minimize risk of service disruption will not be considered.

Current operation parameters:

1. Commodity gasification and distribution is centralized at the HPGF.

2. Minimum site pressure – 2700 psig

3. Nominal and maximum operating pressure – 4000 psig

4. Pressure is reduced at Pressure Reducing Areas (PRA) as needed near end points of use.

5. Consumption data at end points of use does not exist. Centralized volume consumption is derived from the volume of LN offloaded into storage vessels.

6. Approximate daily volume consumption – 100 tons of LN

7. Purity – MSFC-STD-3535; MIL-PRF-27401 (Grade B)

SSC is interested in the industry’s input regarding the following questions:

1. Would your company be interested in supplying nitrogen generation equipment?

2. Has your company provided equipment to other users of similar scope? If so, please provide the user’s information, system usage purpose, and system operational parameters.

3. Are the operational parameters NASA has provided sufficient to allow vendors to propose? If not, please explain.

4. What, if any, types of architecture are available that minimize the possibility of loss of service while providing scalability in both pressure and flow?

5. Are there any parts of the provided information that leaves ambiguity to industry? If so, please state the areas of ambiguity.

6. Are lease agreements available and what are typical terms for a vendor owned, operated, and maintained nitrogen generation system for SSC’s nitrogen commodity needs?

7. What type of nitrogen generation system would you recommend (i.e. cryogenic air separation, membrane, pressure swing adsorption, combination)?

8. What equipment would you recommend? Provide make, model, and product data sheets where possible.

9. What is the estimated timeline after contract award to provide an operational system?

10. Please identify any long lead items and their lead time.

11. What is the rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost associated with the recommended equipment?

Parameter Procurement User Interface Points Purity 99.99% N2 (min) 99.989% N2 (min) Total Impurities ( max ppm) 100 N/A Specific Impurities (max ppm) N/A 111 O2 50 100 Volatile Hydrocarbons (max ppm) 5 5 H20 (max ppm) 6 6 Particulate (gas) N/A 30μ-100μ: 25; >100μ: 0 Particulate (liquid) 1 mg/liter N/A Condensable Hydrocarbons N/A 0.25 mgs (max.)