2020-00833 - Combined Microwave Reactor and Raman Spectrometer Setup (Chemistry)

BACKGROUND:
Notice is hereby given by the University of Ottawa of the intent to enter into a contract with Anton Paar to procure:
 

• A microwave reaction system to perform chemical reactions in a sealed vessel, allowing heating of reactions to reach high temperatures and pressures, up to 300 °C and 30 bar.
• An autosampler allowing to run sequentially a minimum of 24 vessels, with programming capabilities ensuring that each sample can be run under different reaction conditions
• A Raman spectrometer allowing real time monitoring of reactions inside the microwave cavity.

• One manufacturer to provide a microwave reactor integrated with a Raman spectrometer, full technical support by their specialists on the combination of the two instruments, along with full system warranty. The autosampler needs to allow the use of this combined system, and should not have to be removed or disabled to run the Raman spectrometer.

• Microwave reactor for sealed vials (over 800 W power), allowing heating up to 300°C and reaching pressures up to 30 bar. Instrument must deliver minimum 850 W microwave power
• Instrument must provide Pneumatic overpressure release.
• Must be compatible with vials ranging from 0.5 to 20 mL of working volume. Instrument must be able to allow the use of silicon carbide vessels as well as borosilicate glass vials. All vial types must seal with the same cap (same size).
• Must have integrated magnetic stirring device, supporting up to 1200 rpm Must have temperature and pressure sensors.
• Must have USB and Ethernet (or USB and wireless) connectivity.
• Must have LCD touchscreen and software, or an equivalent setup allowing setting up reactions under specific reaction conditions, and interrogation of sample data (i.e. temperature/pressure data recorded during the run).
• Power supply: 230V, 50 Hz/60 Hz, CSA approved
• Must include required cables and safety equipment including cables, spill bin, exhaust tube, pressure regulator, compressed air connector, instruction manual, required for immediate use after installation.
• Must allow integration with an autosampler, i.e. an automated sample handler that allows to run sequentially a minimum of 24 vials.

• Dual-Band Raman spectrometer allowing analysis at two wavelengths, preferably 532 and 785 nm
• Must allow acquisition of quality, real-time data for reactions performed in the microwave reactor described above.
• Routine resolution of ca. 12 cm–1 for both excitation wavelengths (532 and 785 nm)
• One probe must be compatible with the microwave instrument described in i) above, easily calibrated, and must allow reaction monitoring from outside the reaction vessel but inside the microwave cavity with no interference from the microwave
• The setup must be portable, allowing independent use as a dual-band Raman spectrometer. 
• Probes must be included for operation either integrated or independent of the microwave reactor.

• Autosampler unit to upgrade microwave for unattended sequential operation.
• Must have an automated sample handler for transfer of sealed vials in / out of the microwave reactor.
• Must integrate with the microwave instrument described in i) above to set-up, queue and process over 10 vials sequentially. The unit holding the vials must have the option of accommodating vials of various sizes.
• Software must handle set-up and sample removal while the microwave reactor is in operation.

• The microwave reactor, Raman spectrometer and autosampler need to be fully integrated and work seamlessly with each other. Such integration requires not only a manufacturer to possess expertise both on microwave reactors and Raman spectrometers, but on the combination of the new instruments. To our knowledge, Anton Paar is the only company offering a fully integrated system, available commercially. 

• Very few research labs worldwide have shown the combined use of a microwave reactor with a Raman spectrometer, despite both instruments having been routinely used for over two decades in research labs. We are looking for a fully supported system with documented efficacy for this combined, that comes with installation of the system and with training of new personnel.