GraphitizationFurnaceSpecs.docx

A furnace for high temperature processing of carbon based composites is required. Bidders shall provide a quote to include conceptual design drawings, space (length, width and height of system plus any clearances required for operation and loading of the furnace system), and utility requirements, and a delivery schedule for a system that meets the specifications provided below:

1. The furnace shall have sufficient hot zone volume to accommodate articles up to 48-inches long x 12-inches wide and 12-inches tall. The furnace can be in a vertical or horizontal configuration.

2. The furnace shall be constructed from material compatible with heating carbon based articles.

3. The furnace shall be capable of operating at temperatures up to at least 2800°C and maintaining that temperature for at least 12 hours per run.

4. The furnace shall be capable of operating at a control setpoint temperature with indicated temperature stability of at least ±10°C.

5. The furnace shall be equipped to control temperature ramps to the setpoint temperature at a heating rate of at least 12°C per minute. Manual power control shall be available for when the furnace is below the control optical pyrometer operational range.

6. The furnace shall have quartz glass sight windows for three optical pyrometers.

7. The furnace shall be equipped with at least three optical pyrometers, using the two color method, or full spectrum analysis method, with visual or video based alignment systems. The optical pyrometers shall be mounted to the furnace and not rely on separate support systems.

8. The furnace shall be equipped with a digital data acquisition system to record up to three optical pyrometer temperature outputs and setpoint(s).

9. The furnace shall be capable of operating using inert atmosphere with helium and or argon purge gas flowing continuously with a slight overpressure while operational. The manufacturer may specify which inert gas will be used.

10. The furnace shall be equipped with a roughing vacuum pump to permit the use of vacuum–gas purging cycles to remove air from the furnace. Base pressure shall be 0.050 mmHg or lower. Evacuation to 0.100 mmHg or lower shall not take more than 30 minutes from atmospheric pressure. The furnace will not be operated under vacuum.

11. The furnace shall be equipped with a digital mass flow controller to control the purge gas while operating. It shall also be equipped with a quick fill option to refill the furnace chamber after evacuation in no less than 30 minutes.

12. The system shall be powered by a 3-phase AC system. The laboratory in which the system is installed will be wired to meet the power requirements.

13. The system design submitted shall include site requirements to support the proper installation and operation of the equipment such as space requirements, floor load requirements for the equipment, utilities and any other additional equipment, apparatus or services needed for the safe and proper use of the equipment.

14. The final system design shall be approved by NASA Langley Research Center’s Information Technology Acquisition Management (ITAM) prior to contract award.

15. The furnace shall be delivered within 10 months of the contract award.

16. An operations manual as well as complete drawings of the mechanical, and electrical systems shall be included.

17. Onsite installation shall be included.

18. System operability shall be demonstrated upon installation.

19. Operator training shall be included.

Option:

The bid will also include an option to operate the system with three temperature zones to allow for more precise control of the entire hot zone.