Glovebox electric mixer

***** This is a REQUEST FOR INTEREST ONLY! This request does not constitute a request for proposal, request for quote, or invitation for bid. The intent of this request is to identify potential offerors for market research purposes only. *****

Request for Information (RFI)

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC (SRNS), which manages and operates portions of the Savannah River Site (SRS) under a Department of Energy (DOE) prime contract, seeks information from parties capable of providing an electric mixer to be used within a glovebox in the K-area Complex (KAC). Experience from parties strongly rooted in fabrication and design suitable for nuclear application is preferred. This RFI is issued to assist with finding potential suppliers interested in this solicitation. ­­­­

The SRS complex is located approximately 15 miles south of Aiken, South Carolina and is 310 contiguous square miles.

Scope Summary: Provide labor, materials, services and expertise for design, fabrication, inspection, testing, documentation, delivery, installation support, and technical services for creation of an electric mixer to incorporate inside of the KAC glovebox. The KAC electric mixer is used to homogenously mix free flowing powder, of differing densities and particle sizes, containing nuclear material with an adulterant residing in blend cans.  As a frame of reference, we are currently using Torpac ProMixer 3DH in the glove box.

Requirements:

1.  The mixer must fit inside of the glovebox with dimensions capable of fitting within a 12” bag-out port (Can be introduced modularly), easily able to assemble and disassemble within glovebox confinements. The mixer shall not exceed a footprint of 11.75” Width x 11.75” Depth. The Mixer shall be able to be assembled within the glovebox in interchangeable parts.
2.  The speed of rotation should be 50 rpm with requirements that the mixer shall complete 90 – 120 turns per cycle to ensure sufficient mixing. The mixer shall contain sufficient locking measures to securely fasten the blend can to the mixer without a loss of containment. The locking measure shall be designed in a manner that is easily accessible for operators with limited hand mobility. The mixer shall sufficiently blend the adulterant with the feed to ensure a homogenous blend.
3.  The mixer shall be operated within a confined glovebox with other equipment and operations within. Mixer vibrations, disturbances, and noise shall be dampened and minimized during mixing operations. Vibrations from mixing operations shall not cause the mixer to move or “walk” while operating.
4.  The mixer shall retain structural integrity when mixing the blend-can with the determined weight range of the blend cans varying between 4 – 8lbs. The Mixer shall allow different variations of blend cans to be installed for mixing. The dimensions of these variations are as follows, blend cans with dimensions of 4.00” diameter and 6.23” tall can with an attached screw top lid of 3.00” diameter and 0.485” height and another style of blend can with dimensions of 4.00” diameter and 6.23” tall can with an attached screw top lid of 3.00” diameter and 0.55” height.
5.  The design shall minimize sharp edges and pinch points located on the mixer. The mixer components shall minimize the use of organic materials such as wood, and plastics. The weight of the mixer shall not exceed 50 lbs. The mixer shall be delivered with machine guarding in accordance with 29 CFR Subpart O, 1910.212.
6.  The mixer shall be installed and operated inside of the Glovebox. The temperature and humidity are approximately 68-74 °F and 30-60%. The interior of the Glovebox is potentially dusty, the service environment will include radioactive contamination. Given the environment, the vendor shall ensure that the mixer design does not allow for it to be inoperable due to an accumulation of dust.
7.  The mixer will be installed inside of the Glovebox with electrical controls mounted outside of the Glovebox, receiving power from receptacles energized by a key switch also located outside of the glovebox. The mixer shall provide a method of obtaining visible diagnostic information displaying errors, faults, etc. The mixer controls shall provide an option to adjust the mixer parameters such as RPM. The mixer shall possess a way of stopping operations of the mixer should an accident occur via an emergency stop button.  
   1. The provided equipment shall comply with NFPA 70, 2017.
   2. Electric motors shall comply with NEMA MG-1, 2016.
   3. Electrical enclosures shall be NEMA 12, 4 or 4X in accordance with NEMA 250, 2018.
   4. Conductors and cables shall comply with Insulated Cable Engineers Association and National Electrical Manufactures Association standards.
8.  All commercial electrical materials and equipment shall be tested and listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) or approved by Factory Mutual Engineering and Research (FM) or other OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL)
9.  The mixer shall not have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or imaging capabilities.

Considerations:

1. Supplier must consider operator mobility regarding the installation and operability of the final product.
2. Supplier must consider that the design of the mixer is easily accessible for performing maintenance on all components of the mixer.
3. Supplier must consider the tools utilized for performing maintenance activities and avoid using pointed tools to mitigate potential puncture of glovebox gloves.  
4. Supplier must consider and implement an ergonomic design into mixer final product.

A supplier's response to the RFI does not guarantee they will be selected to participate in the RFP.

Suppliers responding to this RFI shall include evidence of the following:

1. Past performance / personnel qualifications relative to subject scope
2. Quality Assurance Manual (Uncontrolled copy)
3. Qualification for codes and standards
4. Manufacture Specification sheet
5. Standard Lead Time for Delivery
6. Budgetary Estimated Cost
7. Visual / Audial examples of similar work performed, if available

E-mail response addressing Items 1 through 7 above in attachments (pdf format), shall be submitted by 5:00 p.m. est. on 10/31/24 to Barbara McCarty at barbara.mccarty@srs.gov.