NB646050-25-02004 Statement of Work.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

TITLE: High Precision Dual Channel Modular Pressure Controllers

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Chemical Sciences Division is currently working to develop instrumentation, measurement techniques, and technical reference materials in support of Direct Air Capture (DAC) studies within the NIST Carbon Capture Program (CCP). To enhance NIST’s dynamic column breakthrough measurement capability, the acquisition of two high precision dual channel modular pressure controllers is required.

The acquisition of two identical high precision dual channel modular pressure controllers for gases will permit enhanced measurements in two complementary breakthrough instruments at NIST.

The first unit will be incorporated into an existing instrument for measurements in dry gases over conditions that span the of range temperatures and pressures found in the lower atmosphere (troposphere). The second unit will be used in a related DAC instrument currently under construction; the new instrument will have augmented capabilities, including the ability to make measurements under controlled humidity conditions and the ability to monitor relevant species with cavity ring down detection. The use of identical pressure control units will permit rapid integration, direct interchangeability, and the use of identical command structures for computer-based control and instrument automation. The requested pressure control units are required to develop of the above instruments and their acquisition will allow candidate materials for DAC to be efficiently evaluated and studied at NIST under conditions consistent with those found in actual use.

II. SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor shall provide two (2) identical modular pressure control systems for gases that meet the minimum technical specifications listed in Section III. The units shall be delivered to NIST Shipping and Receiving, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. Installation will be accomplished by the NIST subject matter expert; on-site training is not included in the scope of work.

III. SPECIFICATIONS

Requirements for each pressure control system:

• Instrument Type. Each controller shall be a benchtop instrument with the capability to be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack. Provision of the rack mounting hardware is not required but the hardware must be available from the vendor as a standard item (i.e. not custom).

• Pressure Control Capabilities. Each controller shall have the ability to independently measure, display, set, and control simultaneously the static gas pressures at two outlet ports (hereafter Channels A and B) when the corresponding supply ports are connected to a source of clean gas having a regulated pressure ranging from approximately 0.7 bar to 110 % of the desired outlet port pressure, whichever is greater.

• Pressure Span and Type. Outlet port pressures of channels A and B shall be controlled as absolute (not gauge) pressures and shall span a minimum control range of (0.3 to 1.5) bar.

• Gas Compatibility. Controllers shall be compatible with clean nonflammable gases, including, at a minimum, nitrogen (N2) or clean air having a relative humidity between 0 % and 80 % (non-condensing).

• Modularity. The range of each channel A and B shall be determined by independent, modular transducer units of variable ranges that are replaceable and interchangeable in the field (i.e. without returning the unit to the manufacturer), and plug-n-play compatible.

• Test Volume. Each channel A and B shall be suitable for controlling pressures in test volumes spanning a minimum range of (50 to 250) ml.

• Control Speed. Each channel shall have a 15 s or better control speed for the set pressure when measured with N2 gas on a test volume of 50 ml; any overshoot shall be 1% or less.

• Accuracy. Minimum accuracy of the controlled pressure of each channel shall be 0.008 % (as defined with a coverage factor of 2) of full span (FS) if the FS is 1.5 bar. If FS is greater than 1.5 bar, the accuracy shall be such that it will meet the above specification at 1.5 bar.

• Precision. Minimum precision of the controlled pressure of each channel shall be 0.004 % (as defined with a coverage factor of 2) of full span (FS) if the FS is 1.5 bar. If FS is greater than 1.5 bar, the precision shall be such that it will meet the above specification at 1.5 bar.

• Stability. Stability of each pressure channel shall be 0.003 % (as defined with a coverage factor of 2) or better of full span (FS) if the FS is 1.5 bar. If FS is greater than 1.5 bar, the precision shall be such that it will meet the above specification at 1.5 bar.

• Temperature Compensation. Pressure measurements and control shall be temperature compensated over a minimum span of 15 ºC to 45 ºC.

• Certificates. Each unit shall come with a certificate documenting calibration, preferably with A2LA accreditation, but at a minimum per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards.

• Display. System settings of both channels shall be displayed by and controllable via a panel screen mounted in the main chassis. A color touch screen is preferred but not required.

Pressures of both channels must be visible simultaneously, displayed with a precision of 10 Pa or better, and use a display font size that is easily readable from a distance of 2 meters, approximately 10 mm or larger.

• Pressure Units. System shall have the ability to display the pressure in common pressure units used in science and industry, including bar, kPa, psi, and torr.

• Communication Protocols. System settings shall be controllable using RS-232 protocol via a 9-pin D-SUB connector. Documentation of RS-232 commands shall be provided and, at a minimum, shall permit monitoring, setting, and recording the absolute pressure values of channels A and B. Command response times shall be approximately 100 ms or better.

• Differential Control of Channels A and B. In addition to a mode allowing independent control of each channel, the system shall allow differential control of the pressure settings of channels A and B. A mode allowing direct differential control via the front panel inputs is preferred, but, at a minimum, differential control must be achievable in software via the available RS-232 commands.

• Chassis Fittings. Pressure connections to the chassis for the supply and outlet ports shall be consistent with common U.S. standards, such as 7/16”-20 SAE or 1/8” female NPT. Other style connections will be considered but their use is grounds for disqualification without further explanation.

• Adapter Fittings. Fittings adapting the chassis supply and outlet port connections to ¼ inch tube fittings shall be provided.

• Electrical. Each unit shall include a U. S. style electrical plug, operate at U. S. standard 60 Hz, 110V, and have a power draw not to exceed 5A.

• Dimensions and weight. The width of the unit shall not exceed 457 mm (18 in.) and shall allow mounting in a standard 19-inch rack via a rack mounting kit available from the vendor.

The height and depth of the unit shall not exceed 200 mm (7.875 in.) and 457 mm (18 in.), respectively. The weight of each unit with all components shall not exceed 22.7 kg (50 lb).

• Manuals. Included shall be manual(s) documenting operations and maintenance of the instrument and controlling software, including setup, operation and control via both front panel and computer command protocols, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting. A PDF version must be available, but manual(s) may be supplied in hard copy or electronic format.

• Delivery Time. Both units shall be delivered to NIST within 61 days of the award date.

Installation:

The NIST subject matter technical expert will install the unit. Suitable technical manuals detailing installation requirements and procedures shall be provided in electronic or paper form.

Warranty:

A warranty period of 2 years or more is preferred, but a minimum warranty period of one-year is required. The warranty shall cover all parts, labor, and travel. The warranty shall commence after the instrument has been successfully delivered to NIST and the Acceptance Criteria of Section VIII are met.

Training:

The Contractor is not required to provide on-site training, but suitable technical manuals detailing the instrument capabilities, installation, operation, and maintenance requirements shall be provided in electronic or paper form and technical support via telephone and email must be available without charge during the warranty period.

IV. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be 60 days from award of this requirement.

V. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

All construction of the pressure control units shall be completed at the Contractor’s facility. The completed units shall be delivered by the Contractor or their representative to NIST Shipping and Receiving, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

VI. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

None.

VII. DELIVERABLES

Description Quantity Due Date Dual channel modular pressure controller Two (2) 61 days after award of this requirement.

Operations and maintenance manual for the pressure controller

Two (2) 61 days after award of this requirement.

VIII. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

The NIST subject matter technical expert (SMTE) shall have two weeks after delivery to test the equipment and verify that it meets performance specifications. Acceptance of the instrument is considered to have occurred if the NIST SMTE does not convey damage or failures to the Contractor by email or other written communication in this time frame.

IX. GENERAL INFORMATION

Safety: The Contractor employee shall be responsible for knowing and complying with commercial installation safety prevention regulations. Such regulations include, but are not limited to, general safety, fire prevention, and waste disposal.

Security: NIST is a restricted campus. An identification badge is required for access for entry into buildings and also is shown to the armed Security Police when entering the campus.

Identification Badges: Contractor employees shall comply with NIST identification and access requirements. The Contractor shall provide the name and citizenship information of employees for on-site visits to the NIST SME prior to arrival. The SME will submit the name(s) and citizenship information to the NIST Office of Security in order for a given Contractor employee to enter the NIST campus. The Contractor employee is responsible for absences due to missing or expired identification and access documents. Each Contractor employee shall wear a visible identification badge provided by the NIST Security Office.

Vehicle Registration: All Contractor employees must register their vehicles with the NIST Security Office to gain access to the campus. A valid driver’s license, Government-furnished civilian ID (which in most cases can be a valid driver's license), proof of insurance and current registration must be presented to the NIST Security Office.