Published date: 8 February 2024

This notice was replaced on 15 May 2024

This notice does not contain the most up-to-date information about this procurement. The most recent notice is:

Awarded contract (published 15 May 2024)

Closed opportunity - This means that the contract is currently closed. The buying department may be considering suppliers that have already applied, or no suitable offers were made.


Contract summary

Industry

  • Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) - 38000000

Location of contract

TW11 0LW

Value of contract

£0

Procurement reference

tender_412658/1312255

Published date

8 February 2024

Closing date

11 March 2024

Closing time

5pm

Contract start date

8 April 2024

Contract end date

29 August 2025

Contract type

Supply contract

Procedure type

Open procedure (above threshold)

Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.

This procedure can be used for procurements above the relevant contract value threshold.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) requirement is for a glovebox dedicated to Lithium-ion cell and electrode fabrication. The purpose is to safely assemble pouch cells and coin cells as well as air sensitive electrode laminates, in an environment that prevents contamination by atmospheric pollutants as well as Oxygen, Nitrogen, and moisture.

The setup needs to be able to work in presence of metallic lithium, and other alkali and alkaline earth metal electrodes. Therefore, Argon must be used to fill the glovebox rather than Nitrogen, and a Nitrogen filter needs to be provided in order to preserve the integrity of the electrodes and internal components of the cells.

The asset must enable the safe production of electrodes and pouch and coin cell assembly on the following requirements:
1) The equipment should provide a contained environment spacious enough for small scale electrode and cell fabrication equipment.
2) The equipment should be equipped with a disk burst with predetermined breaking points in order to prevent overpressure in the box in case of battery thermal runaway.
3) The equipment should be equipped with oxygen, moisture, and nitrogen sensors in order to ensure the quality of the atmosphere.
4) The equipment should be equipped with a purging system.
5) The equipment should be equipped with a solvent trap.
6) The equipment should be equipped with a Nitrogen filter.
7) The equipment should be equipped with a small side-mounted fridge for the safe storage of small amounts of chemicals.

More information

Links

Additional text

The Authority is using the LUPC Bravo e-Procurement portal to conduct the procurement process. All Suppliers must register their company via the LUPC Bravo Portal.

About the buyer

Contact name

Nina Heath

Address

Hampton road
Teddington
TW11 0LW
England

Email

nina.heath@npl.co.uk