Gravimetric feeder (see desciption G5-076037)

Argonne National Laboratory, operating under the Department of Energy Office of Science, is seeking to procure one gravimetric feeder specifically designed for a rare earth oxide electrowinning cell in their metallic program. The feeder must dispense rare earth oxide at feed rates ranging from 245 to 3000 grams per hour, with capability to reach up to 30 kilograms per hour for 10-minute durations, and must include digital remote start/stop capabilities. The equipment must handle oxide materials with specific characteristics including densities of 87-100 pounds per cubic foot, particle sizes of 2-10 microns, and a high angle of repose around 50 degrees, while maintaining a dispense precision of 0.5-1%. The solicitation requires vendors to provide a UL-listed unit and complete all sections of the ANL-70 form, with particular emphasis on signing page 1 and completing points A-F on page 5. All proposals are due by June 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM CST, and incomplete submissions will be discarded.

This procurement does not utilize any set-aside designations and no incumbent contractors are identified in the solicitation materials. While no specific award values or budget ranges are disclosed, the solicitation specifies a quantity of one gravimetric feeder unit that must be capable of operating for five years in 24-hour campaigns lasting up to 30 days. The equipment will be installed and operated at the 369 MERF Hibay facility in Chicago, Illinois. The solicitation indicates a preference for lighter units that can be easily relocated for future use in larger cells, and requires that U.S. components exceed 65% of total component costs for deliveries between 2024-2028. Vendors must provide detailed quotes including country of origin, shipping costs, lead time, and firm fixed pricing with net 30-day payment terms.