Salient_Characteristics_for_RFQ.docx

PR # [Insert PR Number] Statement Of Need

Description Of Need:

A. Introduction:

This proposal is for the purchase of a new digital ultramicrobalance with automatic micro draft shield for laboratory use. Ultramicrobalances provide improved linearity and repeatability while weighing of microgram (mg) amounts of material for quantitative analytical laboratory procedures, including reagents, samples, and experimental products. Several laboratories within the Geology, Energy, and Minerals Science Center (GEMSC), including the Brine Research, Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) laboratory, Geology, Energy, and Minerals Stable Isotope Laboratory (GEMSIL) have developed new protocols that require an ultramicrobalance for laboratory experiments and assays with <10 mg quantities of material.

B. Background:

Proposed research within laboratories funded by the Energy and Minerals Resources Programs in GEMSC aims to conduct experiments that includes the gravimetric assessment of quantities of material from mineral precipitation and dissolution. These samples and purified materials are to be prepared for isotopic analysis via gas-source isotope ratio mass-spectrometry (GS-IRMS) and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) at a scale currently smaller than that achievable by the semi microbalances with GEMSC which have large capacity, but low readability and repeatability. Furthermore, the current microbalances and semi micro balances are manual, allowing for sample-to-sample contamination, and increased risk of exposure to toxic reagents during the weighing process.

The requested new laboratory microbalance will be equipped with a weighing capacity of 6.1g, and at minimum readability of 0.0005 mg (0.5 mg), and minimum repeatability of 0.0003 mg (0.3 mg), as well as automatic draft shield, and a weigh pan size of <30 mm. Ultimately the new laboratory microbalance will be equipped to allow for new experimental procedures and method development that will improve the accuracy and precision necessary for proper reporting of results within quality management system (QMS) requirements. A digital ultramicrobalance with an automatic micro draft shield, and IR proximity sensor would allow for the future development of experimental capabilities within the BRInE and GEMSIL laboratories and would reduce the risk of sample contamination by minimizing contact with the draft shield and weigh dish with samples and gloved hands, and further protect the lab analyst from potentially hazardous substances.

Specifications/Salient Characteristics:

Salient characteristics that must be met are the following:

· The microbalance must have a weigh capacity of 6.1 g.

· The microbalance must have a readability of ±0.0005 mg (±0.5 mg).

· Shall have a repeatability, at 5% max load of ±0.0003 mg (±0.3 mg).

· Shall have a linearity tolerance of 0.004 mg (4 mg).

· Shall have a minimum weight of 0.06 mg (60 mg).

· Shall have a typical settling time of <8 seconds.

· Shall have weigh pan size of ≤30 mm.

· Shall weigh ≤ 8 kg.

· Shall have an automatic draft shield controllable from the electronic module.

· Shall have the following interfaces for external communication (RS232, USB A, B, C).

· Shall have an Active Temperature Control System.

· Shall have a built-in level control system.

· Shall have overload protection.

· Shall have IR proximity sensor for touch-free balance control and door operation.