Carbonaceous Aerosol Speciation System (CASS)

Contracting authority is publishing direct award notice for 'Carbonaceous Aerosol Speciation System' , hereinafter also 'CASS'.

BACKGROUND INFO One of the research areas of Tampere University Aerosol Physics Laboratory (APL) focuses on the research of emission related aerosols. The existing research infrastructure includes extensive instrumentation for particulate matter characterization in the particle size range starting from approximately 1 nm. In addition to the more traditional aerosol instrumentation, the infrastructure is also equipped with state-of-the art aerosol and chemical ionization mass spectrometers capable of atmospheric pressure sampling. NEED The APL is seeking for an instrument to study the origin of the carbon content in suspended aerosol particles. The instrument will be used in the source apportionment studies for emission related aerosol particles. For this an instrument measuring the total carbon content is required with the capability to distinguish the ratio of the organic carbon and elemental carbon from the measured total carbon content accompanied with a multi-wavelength absorption measurement for the carbon content. Since the instrument is intended to be used in the various field measurement applications, the instrument must be field-deployable and capable of near real-time operation. MARKET ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION FOR DIRECT AWARD According to contracting authority’s knowledge, the Carbonaceous Aerosol Speciation System Magee Scientific (CASS) offered by HNU-Nordion Ltd. Oy (or Magee Scientific) is the only instrument on the market fulfilling the requirements specified above. This instrument is specifically intended for the purpose. For the proper market survey purposes contracting authority has interviewed national experts in the field of this research area but has not found another instrument fulfilling all requirements.