Methane Analyser

The University of Derby is currently running the De-Carbonise project to help SME's in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire increase their sustainability and save money by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions. The De-Carbonise team would like to buy a methane analyser to assist several SMEs on the project to ascertain the amount of greenhouse gases which are being emitted from their land. We want a piece of equipment that can analyse methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes between the soil and the atmosphere.

A portable unit will allow flexibility to test materials in-situ (avoiding disturbance) and help advise to the SME whether to reduce their emissions based on soil and land chemistry.

Essential outputs:

• Ability to analyse concentrations of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) to a precision of at least 1ppb over 5 seconds for CH4, and 2 ppm over 5 seconds for CO2. • Suitable for portable operation • Maximum 15kg in weight (with batteries) for portable use in the field • Universal power supply • Battery life of at least 2 hours. • Suitable for operation in the field: rugged/quality design, weatherproof, reliable. • Ability to measure soil flux, including relevant apparatus (eg. flux chambers. If the soil flux system is chamber-based, then it should be a good design with consideration of temperature and pressure effects etc.). It should also be able to work with custom chambers. • Have a practical and reliable means of downloading data from the device. • Be reliable for research level application, as evidenced by widespread adoption in the relevant communities of users. • Training provided to a minimum of 2 staff members. • Technical support, warranty and servicing provided for 1 year as a minimum. • Delivery to University of Derby, Derby (DE22 1GB).

Desirable outputs:

• Measurement of any other gases relevant to soil ecosystem processes, such as O2 and N2O. • Static sampling option, with ability to analyse small sample sizes. • Suitable for long-term lab operation. • Network and/or USB (etc.) connectivity for monitoring and device management • Capacity for upgrade including the detection of other gases and use of different kinds of chamber etc. • Transparent flux chamber option so that photosynthesis is not interrupted. • Range of powering options for versatility • Programming interface for advanced automated operations • Delivery by February 2022 to Derby, UK.

If not an existing supplier please register as a prospective supplier. Guides and links to the registration process can be found here: https://www.derby.ac.uk/services/finance/procurement-suppliers-and-tendering/supplier-info/

Once registered (and for existing suppliers) the link to the University of Derby's Oracle portal and guides for Responding to Negotiations (Tenders/Quotes) via Oracle is here: https://www.derby.ac.uk/services/finance/procurement-suppliers-and-tendering/supplier-info/existing-suppliers/