Statement of Work.pdf

Project Purchase of Differential Scanning Calorimeter for FFR Unit-Peoria, IL (USDA-ARS)

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

Delivery, installation, and familiarization of a fully automated differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) for analyzing changes in heat flow, temperature and reaction time associated with melting, freezing and other phase transitions in fats, oils, and their products. The instrument will be capable of analyzing glass transition, melting point, polymorphic transitions, crystallization, freezing point, oxidation and curing reactions and specific heat.

2.0 Background

A DSC measures heat flow by scanning two pans under identical conditions. One of the pans is empty (the reference pan) and the other pan contains the sample. By taking a “differential” (heat flow through the sample pan minus heat flow through the reference pan), the resulting value represents the heat flow of the sample material absent its pan.

Changes in heat flow are used to analyze melting and crystallization transitions of pure and mixtures of compounds. The heating furnace should be capable of reaching an upper operating temperature of at least 550 °C. Many experiments will be conducted within temperature ranges below room temperature in the sub-ambient range. Therefore, the DSC instrument should be equipped with a mechanical cooler (refrigerated cooling system-not dependent on liquid nitrogen) capable of reaching an operating temperature of around −85 to -90 °C. Instrument software provides programmed control of heating and cooling temperature ramps, isothermal scans, an autosampler for placing and removing sample pans and mass flow controllers for switching purge gases within the measurement cell. The software records data and analyzes the results, graphs the data and exports tabulated data and graphs to electronic format for interpreting the results.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

1. Cooling capability = Cool to -85°C to -90 °C (or lower, using a refrigerated cooling system-that is not liquid nitrogen dependent and does not require a liquid nitrogen dewar or tank.

2. Heating capability = 550 °C or higher.

3. Integrated programmable autosampler with at least 30 tray positions.

4. Automated control of cell purge gas including switching between two gases, heating, cooling and isothermal scans, calibration runs and autosampler operation.

5. Controlled heating rate = 0.1 to 100 °C/min or better.

6. Controlled cooling rates of 1 to 20 °C/min to -90 °C or faster

7. Baseline flatness = 10 μW or lower.

8. Baseline repeatability = 20 μW or better.

9. Temperature accuracy = ± 0.05 °C or better.

10. Temperature precision = ± 0.01 °C or better.

11. Enthalpy precision = ± 0.1 % or better.

12. Graphical display of results showing changes in heat flow as a function of time or sample temperature.

13. Power requirements: U.S.-compatible (120 VAC, 50/60 Hz, single phase).

14. Computer, monitor, keyboard, and software for interface and instrument control, and graphing, measurement, analysis, and export of data.

15. On-site installation, qualification, and training.

Features, Components, Accessories, Modules, Software and/or Services to be included:

1. Automated DSC with built in furnace and integrated mechanical cooling for sub-ambient analyses.

2. Touch screen user interface.

3. Integrated programmable autosampler for placing and removing sample pans from the measurement cell.

4. Automated cell cover.

5. Mass flow controllers for automated switching of at least two cell purge gases.

6. Desktop personal computer (PC) for instrument control and analysis of DSC scans.

7. Flat-screen monitor, 24 in or greater.

8. Software for control of experiments, analysis of results and export of data and charts.

9. Modulated-temperature DSC capability.

10. Capability to utilize stainless steel or comparable high volume and high-pressure pans.

11. Start-up operating tools and supplies.

12. Onsite installation and training.

13. Minimum one-year parts and labor warranty on instrument

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

Delivery: Equipment will be delivered to 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois. Government will be present during delivery and installation of equipment. A lift gate will be required for delivery. The government will supply a location with suitable instrument requirements (space, electricity) as needed to operate the instrument. Given any COVID restrictions, additional requirements may be in place for entrance to the lab. These will be communicated with the equipment supplier. Attempts will be made to ensure that safety is met for all parties and the equipment delivered in a timely manner.