Processing system package consisting of a device for micro and ultra fine grinding of cellulose and a fluidizer for nanocellulose processing.

Processing system package consisting of a device for micro and ultra fine grinding of cellulose and a fluidizer for nanocellulose processing. More specifically, the procurement target is a Masuko MKCA6-5J grinder together with a Microfluidizer LM20-30 high pressure, small volume fluidizer/homogenizer with Z-type diamond chamber. The system includes control box with frequency transformer. Justification for making the contract without prior publication: For the best outcome we want to purchase a system bundle that is known to deliver high quality nanocellulose end product for our research purposes. In Nordic countries the sole distributor is Bergius Trading AB (Sverige). A) Masuko grinder: Advantages when compared to other mills for micro grinding of cellulose: 1. Patended, non-porous milling stones to avoid bacterial growth and cracking of the stones. 2. Adjustment of the gap on a micro level 3. Air flow between the stones cools down; high temperature does not alter the end product properties. The only stones on the market that allow stone-to-stone contact grinding. B) Fluidizer: Microfluidics is the sole distributor of Microfluidizer® Processors, patented technology. Advantages of technology when compared to other processing methods (such as sonication, french press, media mill or high pressure homogenizer): 1) High disruption rate (due to efficient energy input) and minimum heating (due to the high efficacy standard in-line heat exchanger). 2) Suspension and emulsion product results are uniquely small in size and have a narrower distribution 3) Operates in a room temperature environment (cold room in not needed) NMT Research objectives: 1) Production of high quality, uniform nanofibrillated cellulose in a two step process even without the need of chemical pre-processing. 2) The nanocellulose quality greatly depends on processing mechanism and it has been shown, that the chosen instrument combination produces high quality fibrils researchers want to work with. 3)The chosen technology is fully scalable to larger scale production but the instruments are meant for facile production of small, laboratory scale, batches. This is important parameter when developing new products.

Åbo Akademi University intends to direct procure the instrument in acoordance with the Act on Public Procurement and Concession Contracts (1397/2016) Section 40.2, Only a certain supplier can implement the procurement for a technical reason, or for a reason related to protecting an exclusive right; it shall be a further condition that there are no reasonable alternatives or substitute solutions, and that the absence of competition is not due to an artificial narrowing of the terms and conditions of the procurement. More detailed reasons are available in this notice.