--- title: "Particle Size and Shape Analyser" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-060e8e" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-060e8e" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-060e8e.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-060e8e.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Planning" buyer: "UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH" published: "2026-01-26" --- # Particle Size and Shape Analyser Buyer: UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH Current stage: Planning OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-060e8e [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-060e8e) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-060e8e.json) ## Summary The University of Edinburgh, acting as a central purchasing body, is in the planning stage for procuring a Particle Size and Shape Analyser, intended for laboratory, optical, and precision equipment classified under CPV code 38000000. The procurement process, covered by the GPA, focuses on acquiring goods essential for characterising particle size and shape in various natural and industrial materials. The instruments will be delivered to the University located in Edinburgh, UK (region UKM75). Public discussion or future notices are anticipated to commence on 2nd March 2026. This procurement opportunity offers significant avenues for growth, particularly for businesses specialising in the supply of laboratory or precision instruments. Suppliers with capabilities in manufacturing or distributing advanced particle analysis equipment, especially those with image-based measuring technology, will find this tender highly relevant. Companies offering robust after-sale services and technical support in the UK will also be well-suited to compete, as local service access is deemed essential. The integration of innovative features, such as laser diffraction modules and automated data handling systems, could further boost business prospects in this competitive field. ## Notice Instrument for particle size and shape characterisation of natural and industrial granular materials. ### Lot Information Lot 1 Instrument for particle size and shape characterisation of natural and industrial granular materials e.g.: -Volcanic flow particles (ash, lapilli, pumice, scoria etc.) derived from pyroclastic density currents, fallout deposits, lahars and debris flows. -Industrial particulate materials relevant to construction. -Soils -Construction materials (concretes, mortars, lightweight aggregates, composites) -Agricultural amendments and granules (including Biochar) -Polymer/composite additives -Energy storage materials (electrodes, conductive carbons) Materials will range from coarse granules to fine powders, typically irregular, porous, low-density and black. Essential requirements (minimum) Measurement capability -Measures both particle size distribution and particle shape in one instrument or tightly integrated system. -Image-based technique (e.g. dynamic image analysis or equivalent) suitable for irregular, opaque, carbonaceous particles. -Provides at least: -Size metrics: equivalent diameter, D10/D50/D90, full distribution. -Shape metrics: aspect ratio, circularity/roundness, and at least one compactness/solidity/convexity parameter. Size range and performance -Usable size range: -Lower limit = 5 mm -Capable of analysing polydisperse samples in a single run. -At least 50,000 particles analysed per standard measurement (for powders). -Repeatability better than 3 % RSD on D10/D50/D90 for suitable reference materials. Sample handling and dispersion -Dry dispersion unit for low-density, porous, angular powders and granules: -Controlled feed (e.g. vibratory feeder or equivalent). -Adjustable dispersion energy/pressure. -Wet dispersion capability: -Recirculating wet cell for suspensions of soils, biochar and carbon powders. -Compatibility with at least water and common alcohols (e.g. ethanol or isopropanol). Shape analysis and classification -Shape parameters computed for all measured particles or size classes. -Ability to filter and analyse particles by size and/or shape (e.g. size range, aspect ratio range). -Display and export of representative particle images for documentation and publications. Software, data handling and reporting -Method/SOP editor for storing and recalling measurement conditions. -Export of size and shape data in standard formats (e.g. CSV, Excel). -Overlay and comparison of multiple measurements. -Configurable reports (number/area/volume distributions, cumulative and density plots, basic shape statistics). Calibration and practical aspects -Calibration/verification with traceable particle size standards in relevant ranges. -Documented traceability to relevant particle sizing standards (ISO/ASTM or equivalent). -Design suitable for dusty, abrasive, black powders, with straightforward cleaning of the dispersion path. -Enclosed optics and standard laser/electrical safety compliance. -Access to local service and technical support. 3. Desirable (nice-to-have) features Extended capabilities -Integrated laser diffraction module (wet and/or dry) using the same dispersion units, providing sub-micron coverage (0.1 mm or lower). -Dedicated fibre/rod analysis (length, width, L/W ratio) for fibrous chars/carbon fibres. -Extended upper size limit to >= 10 mm for large granules and aggregates. -Interchangeable optics/lenses to optimise measurements for fine powders vs coarse granules. Advanced dispersion and handling -Multiple dry disperser configurations (gentle and aggressive). -Integrated anti-static measures (e.g. ioniser) for very fine, low-density powders. -Low-volume wet cells (few mL) for expensive or low-yield materials. -Integrated, controllable ultrasonic dispersion (power and time) with logging. Automation and integration -Optional autosampler for unattended measurement of multiple samples. -API or scripting interface for method control and automated data extraction. -Database/LIMS connectivity for long-term storage and retrieval of results. Robustness -Wear-resistant materials in nozzles and flow paths. -Design that minimises cross-contamination. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/006662-2026 | | Notice type | Planning Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Goods | | Procurement method | Not Specified | | Procurement method details | Not specified | | Tender suitability | Not specified | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Planning | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 26 Jan 2026 | | Submission deadline | Not specified | | Future notice date | 2 Mar 2026 | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | Not specified | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | Not specified | | Lots value | Not specified | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Planned | | Lots status | Planned | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH | | Locality | EDINBURGH | | Post town | Edinburgh | | Postcode | EH1 1HT | | Country | Scotland | | ITL 1 | TLM Scotland | | ITL 2 | TLM1 East Central Scotland | | ITL 3 | TLM13 City of Edinburgh | | Local authority | City of Edinburgh | | Electoral ward | City Centre | | Westminster constituency | Edinburgh East and Musselburgh | | Delivery location | TLM75 City of Edinburgh | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) ### Codes - 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) ## Release History - 26 Jan 2026 at 13:23 - Planning - Planning Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/006662-2026 ## Notice URLs - http://www.ed.ac.uk - https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000821672 - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=821672 - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00107 ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-060e8e. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-060e8e.json.