Large Carbonization-Graphitization Combination Furnace

Company’s Extreme Environment Processing group is seeking sources for the purchase of a large furnace capable of both carbonization of polymer matrix composites and then subsequent graphitization in the same furnace. This furnace is needed to fulfill project milestones for the immediate future and beyond. This Statement of Work will outline requirements for the furnace along with milestones through the design and procurement.

Requirements: A complete furnace shall be designed, built, and delivered within 60 weeks from contract being awarded. • System must be capable of performing carbonization of polymer matrix composites and the associated effluent off-gassing at 1000° C. • Inert gas capability Argon, Nitrogen, & Helium. • Interior dimensions of retort: 60-inch diameter, 96-inch height. • Maximum weight handling requirement for retort, 800 lbs of product. • Must be able to accommodate 200 lbs. of resin binder removal during processing. • Desired cool down from max temperature less than 24 hrs. • Desired Maximum ramp rate from ambient to max temp less than 24 hrs. • Required continuous operation temperature 2500 C in positive pressure of inert gas at minimum. • System must have base vacuum pressure in the 10-3 Torr range. • Gas Safety System required. • Inert gas flow must be strong enough to remove effluent off-gassing. • Exhaust port for effluent off-gassing. • System will be bottom loading. • Maximum assembled height of 24ft. • Seller must provide all recommended utility requirements. • Seller will provide hoisting and rigging support.

Seller will provide supervision support during the movement of the furnace. • Company will make the final electrical tie-in. • System must not have wireless communication capability I.E. Bluetooth or Wifi. • If system is controlled by a separate standalone computer wireless communication must be removed from computer by the computer supplier and a receipt of verification must be provided. • Must provide user Manuals including setup, calibration, operations, maintenance procedures, steps, and requirements.

Maintenance will be provided per the manufacturer’s recommendations. • Provide a recommended spare parts list and consumables. • Must provide controllers for temperature and timing with over-temperature protection. • The system must be approved by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory or equivalent electrical certification. • System must include supervised field service startup including at least one service technician for required installation time-frame. • System must come with a 1-year warranty after start-up. • System must be manufactured under a quality assurance (QA) program such as ISO 9001 or similar. • System must conform to the following standards: NFPA 55, NFPA 68, NFPA 70, NFPA 79, NFPA 86. • Seller must provide monthly status updates in the form of meetings or virtual communication. • Seller must provide a check-out run on-site prior to delivery and installation of the system.

Milestones: Milestones to be performed concurrently. Time requirements can be negotiated, however total time of 60 weeks is non-negotiable.

1. Initial design of system.

2. Final design of system.

3. Procurement of materials for manufacturing.

4. Completion of manufacturing the system.

5. System Testing at Seller’s site.

6. Delivery, installation, and acceptance of system at ORNL.