Portable Texture Analyzer

Added: Sep 21, 2016 7:18 pm The USDA, ARS, Western Regional Research Center, Albany, California has a requirement for a portable texture analyzer that is capable of analyzing, measuring and quantifying characteristics and textural properties of food and nonfood polymers. The instrument must be able to automatically load a test project, select analysis from a library of industry standard methods, collect and display real-time data, produce macros for simplifying and displaying repetitive analysis (a set of instructions are listed and executed that automatically collect data from the graph and tests can be automated with either intricate or simple macros), and export data to various LIMS programs and formats (spreadsheets, charts, graphs, text, images, test settings, results, reports including user-formatted reports) and to Windows-based applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for further specific manipulation and presentation; Sax Basic Macro language for access to advanced algorithms data and commands, advanced data analysis analytical tools, built-in software with ability to send/email data directly to colleagues. Analyzer must be capable of performing the following tests: adhesiveness firmness, swelling, tear strength, extensibility, burst point, disintegration, relaxation, break strength, stiffness, spreadability, flexibility, hardness springiness, cohesion, setting/curing, peel strength, fracturability, friction, tackiness, brittleness, tensile strength, elastic modulus, compressibility, consistency toughness, resilience, puncture force. The analyzer must provide optional peripheral connections; load cell connection, optional ports for PC connection, AC power connection, temperature probe connection, RS485 Peltier plate connection for stable surface temperature for testing small or thin products, and EXP auxiliary ports. The analyzer should provide the capability for attaching existing Texture technologies TA-XT2 texture analyzer probes, attachments, accessories, and able to read existing Excel and Exponent software data files. Analyzer includes software and 2.00kg calibration weight.

The analyzer must provide the following minimum requirements: force capacity of 50kg.f; displayed force resolution of 0.1g; load cell options 0.5, 5, 30, 50kg.f (the load cell stores unique calibration and identification information); load cell accuracy 0.5% of reading down to 1% of load cell capacity; speed range 0.01- 40mm/s; speed accuracy better than 0.1%; aperture up to 370mm; distance resolution 0.001mm; sample testing area 247x228mm; measuring system units g, mm, s (Metric) or lb, in, s (Imperial); pre-test speed/distance ability for quick positioning markers for sample throughput efficiency; library tests - cycle, hold, return to stat, repeat (all in compression & tension), adhesive test, apply Distance or apply Force options, totally programmable arm movement sequencing when used in conjunction with software; data acquisition rate up to 500 points per second (PPS) for each data channel; operating temperature 0°C - 40°C; interface to PC through a standard USB port.

Provide site installation/calibration/commissioning, site orientation/training, user manuals, and warranties. Also, identify any shipping/freight fees.

This solicitation incorporates the following commercial FAR clauses by reference 52.212-1, 52.212-2, 52.212-3, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5. The following applicable FAR clauses are incorporated by reference: 52.222-3, 52.222-19, 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.225-13, 52.232-33, 52.232-36 (FAR clauses may be obtained at www.acquisition.gov). Interested vendors are encouraged to submit proposals including descriptive literature (refer to FAR 52.214.21) to Clarice Dixson, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research Center, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710 or by e-mail to Clarice.Dixson@ars.usda.gov no later than 2:00PM PDST September 24, 2016.