ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-10542
Open Date: 08/04/2022 11:45 CEST
Closing Date: 20/05/2022 13:00 CEST

To design, manufacture and test an improved version of the currently produced MEMS GC, with improved packaging of the chips with a MEMS based TCD detector and appropriate and robust gas and electrical interface connection. Gas Chromatography is a standard method in analytical chemistry and can be used to separate and identify e.g. Trace contaminants, volatiles and biomarkers. In a previous study MEMS gas chromatography column chips have been successfully manufactured, together with a MEMS based pre concentrator and a MEMS based Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD). The challenge was indeed to package and connect the different parts in a single stand-alone device with appropriate fluid interfaces. The current design is delicate and not optimized for robust handling and has issues with leak tightness.This study shall:i) review the current design and adapt it such that a robust fail-safe connection of the different components is possible, avoiding leaks at the interfacesii) Combine the different components in a package, ensuring fail safe fluidic connectioniii) Test the package with trade calibrants and characterize the performance of this analytical package.A successful packaging and increased robustness of such a design would be an enabling technology for small low mass and low power contamination monitoring and as well for further use in exploration/prospecting missions to interrogate the environment with respect to volatiles.Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to EMITS news “Industrial Policy measures for non-primes, SMEs and RD entities in ESA programmes”.

Directorate: Directorate of Tech, Eng. Quality
Estabilishment: ESTEC
ECOS Required: No
Classified: No
Price Range: 200-500 KEURO
Authorised Contact Person: Karine Magne-Lie
Initiating Service: TEC-MMG
IP Measure: C1
Prog. Reference: E/0901-01 – Technology Developme
Tender Type: Open Competition
Open To Tenderers From: AT+BE+CH+CZ+DE+DK+EE+EL+ES+FI+FR+GB+HU+IE+IT+LU+NL+NO+PL+PT+RO+SE
Technology Keywords: 14-B-I-Sensors and Analytical Instrumentation
Products Keywords: 2-I-all.1-Instruments – BB