# Plasma Arc Melting System

Canonical: https://abierto.us/opportunities/pr396924

- Solicitation number: PR396924
- Notice type: Solicitation
- Status: Closed. Deadline was August 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT
- Department: Department of Energy
- Contracting office: ORNL Ut-Battelle LLC-DOE Contractor (899042)
- NAICS: 333992 Welding and Soldering Equipment Manufacturing
- Product or service code: 3431 Electric Arc Welding Equipment
- Place of performance: Oak Ridge, Tennessee
- County: Anderson County (FIPS 47001). https://abierto.us/counties/anderson-county-tn-47001
- City: Oak Ridge. https://abierto.us/cities/oak-ridge-tn-4755120
- First posted: July 22, 2025
- Last posted: August 1, 2025
- SAM.gov: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e514135bcf6e4f54a21864a7dcb3c2a8/view

## Description

Plasma Arc Melting System Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is requesting proposals for a pilot-scale plasma arc melting system to support research on refractory metal alloys. The system must be adaptable for various feedstock types and melting conditions, with precise control over heat input, melt rate, and gas environment. Key specifications include:

**Melter Characteristics:**

**Plasma Torch System:** Programmable motion control with multiple plasma torches and controlled gas delivery.

**Cooling System:** Closed-loop water cooling for heat-sensitive components, with integrated manifold and valves.

**Material Feeding:** Capability to handle compacted powder, turnings, and scrap, with optional bar feeders.

**Ingot Forming:** Vertical ingot formation in induction-heated molds, producing solid ingots (max: 100 mm x 100 mm x 1000 mm; min: 50 mm diameter x 1000 mm).

**Melting Rate:** Minimum of 1000 cc/hour for refractory metals.

**Operational Safety & Integration:** Must include necessary framing, enclosures, and controls for safe lab operation, complying with safety codes. Proposals should cover installation, commissioning, training, and a list of recommended spare parts and consumables.

**Utility Requirements:**

**Power:** 480 V, 3-phase, 60 Hz, ?1200 KVA total demand.

**Gases:** Helium and argon at 120 psi.

**Cooling Water:** 350 gallons per minute from a tower loop and 80 gallons for emergency use.

**Facility Constraints:** Max footprint: 35 ft (L) x 28 ft (W) x 25 ft (H), supported by an 11-inch thick concrete slab, with no below-grade installation required.

## Publications

- July 22, 2025: Solicitation, due August 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT. Notice 084c731961ce414c8ac09541156b2963. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/084c731961ce414c8ac09541156b2963/view
- July 28, 2025: Solicitation, due August 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT. Notice 47fc659a0f4e4d909d5d5a5a4d522cab. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/47fc659a0f4e4d909d5d5a5a4d522cab/view
- August 1, 2025: Solicitation, due August 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT. Notice e13f3a51cf2a4d8ca81dd639afa2e6f8. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e13f3a51cf2a4d8ca81dd639afa2e6f8/view
- August 1, 2025: Solicitation, due August 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT. Notice e514135bcf6e4f54a21864a7dcb3c2a8. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e514135bcf6e4f54a21864a7dcb3c2a8/view

## Points of contact

- Mckenzi Baz, bazmk@ornl.gov, 8655766063

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Source: SAM.gov Contract Opportunities bulk extract. Confirm deadlines on SAM.gov before responding. Cite https://abierto.us/opportunities/pr396924.