Award

High-pressure automated benchtop flow reactor system for hydrocarbon synthesis and conversions

LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

09 Jun 2025 at 08:19

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

22 Apr 2025 at 15:05

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

04 Apr 2025 at 09:05

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Loughborough University, a public authority within sub-central government, has completed a procurement process for the purchase of a high-pressure automated benchtop flow reactor system for hydrocarbon synthesis and conversions. The procurement, conducted through a direct award method due to the unique capabilities offered by the chosen supplier, Micromeritics Ltd., is valued at £279,128.93. This contract, pertaining to the industry category of laboratory, optical, and precision equipment, will involve the delivery, assembly, commissioning, and training at Loughborough University, located in Loughborough, United Kingdom. The contract was signed on 3 May 2025, and the procurement stage is now complete, with the active contract period starting on 15 August 2025 and potentially extending until 2028.

This procurement presents significant business growth opportunities, particularly for suppliers specialising in advanced laboratory and research equipment. Businesses capable of offering unique, high-tech solutions that meet specific scientific needs, such as those engaged in chemical synthesis and analysis, could find such niches highly profitable. Furthermore, companies able to integrate advanced safety and analytical features into their equipment, akin to Micromeritics Ltd.'s provision, will be well-suited to compete in similar tenders, thereby expanding their market reach and fostering innovative advancements in their offerings.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

High-pressure automated benchtop flow reactor system for hydrocarbon synthesis and conversions

Notice Description

Purchase of a high-pressure automated benchtop flow reactor system with an in situ catalyst characterisation unit including acceptance test, packaging, insurance, transportation (CPT) as well as assembly, commissioning and training at Loughborough University, Loughborough. To view this notice, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=956737220

Procurement Information

Micromeritics is the only one known source that exists for supply of such an automated flow reactor with the unique capability for in situ catalyst characterisation. The following are the unique features of their offering: 1. A flexible and adaptable platform allowing many chemistries to be investigated, and the possibility of future upgrades 2. Safety: a. The unit can both send and accept signals to / from a laboratory central alarm system. b. The whole reactor / pipework system is installed within an insulated 'hot box' that may be temperature controlled up to 200degC, ensuring there are no cold spots where condensation may be an issue. Also, easy access to hot parts is avoided. 3. Micromeritics incorporates patented technologies in the design for a. A low volume gas / liquid separation technology that operates in near real time allowing the user to precisely follow product composition over the time scale of the reaction. b. A low volume gas / liquid / liquid separator with the ability to separate the aqueous and organic liquid phases e.g. for Fischer Tropsch reaction. c. A fast-acting micro regulating valve technology to deliver fast and stable pressure control. d. Ability to integrate other analytical technologies e.g. periodic in situ characterisation of the catalyst without interfering with the process at conditions close to real world applications. The In-Situ Catalyst Characterisation System (ICCS) is an accessory offered by Micromeritics that connects across the reactor and enables in-situ analysis using temperature programmed analysis, TPX (X = reduction, oxidation and desorption) and pulse chemisorption techniques.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04fd19
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/030787-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

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

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£279,128 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£279,128 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Jun 20258 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
4 Apr 202510 months ago
Contract Period
15 Aug 2025 - 30 Sep 2025 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
a.ellis@lboro.ac.uk
Contact Phone
01509 228186

Buyer Location

Locality
LOUGHBOROUGH
Postcode
LE11 3TU
Post Town
Leicester
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLF East Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLF2 Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLF22 Leicestershire CC and Rutland
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Charnwood
Electoral Ward
Loughborough Ashby
Westminster Constituency
Loughborough

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

MICROMERITICS

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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