---
title: "Particle Size and Shape Analyser"
ocid: "ocds-r6ebe6-0000821672"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000821672"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000821672.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000821672.json"
source: "Public Contracts Scotland"
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-r6ebe6-0000821672

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000821672)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000821672.json)

## Summary

The University of Edinburgh is seeking to procure a Particle Size and Shape Analyser to be used for characterising both natural and industrial granular materials. This initiative falls under the "Education" industry category with procurement planning in progress. The instrument will be delivered to the University of Edinburgh, located in the UKM75 region. Important dates to note include a planned publication of more detailed tender documentation on 2nd March 2026. This procurement is classified as "goods" in accordance with the CPV code 38000000, and is covered by the GPA agreement. The tender is currently under the planning stage, and the procurement will follow the rules set by the CELEX 32014L0024 legal basis.

This tender offers substantial growth opportunities for businesses specialising in scientific equipment, particularly those with expertise in particle analysis technologies. Companies with capabilities in producing high-precision measurement instruments using image-based techniques will find this procurement particularly suitable. The procurement's requirements for robust analytical capabilities and software integration present an advantageous entry point for firms looking to expand in the academic and research markets. Businesses with experience in offering comprehensive service and technical support may also find competitive advantages. Participation in this tender could enhance the business's profile and open further opportunities in higher education and research sectors.

## 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 | Public Contracts Scotland |
| Latest notice | https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JAN548026 |
| Notice type | OJEU - F1 - Prior Information 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 00:00 - Planning - OJEU - F1 - Prior Information Notice - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JAN548026

## Documents

- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JAN548026
  Particle Size and Shape Analyser - Instrument for particle size and shape characterisation of natural and industrial granular materials.

## Notice URLs

- http://
- http://www.ed.ac.uk
- http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=821672
- https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000821672

## 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-r6ebe6-0000821672. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000821672.json.