MPEX Insulating and Heating Blankets
ID: PR348918Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFORNL UT-BATTELLE LLC-DOE CONTRACTOROak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA

NAICS

Heating Equipment (except Warm Air Furnaces) Manufacturing (333414)

PSC

ELECTRICAL INSULATORS AND INSULATING MATERIALS (5970)
Timeline
  1. 1
    Posted Apr 1, 2025, 12:00 AM UTC
  2. 2
    Updated Apr 1, 2025, 12:00 AM UTC
  3. 3
    Due Apr 14, 2025, 9:00 PM UTC
Description

The Department of Energy, through Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is seeking qualified contractors to provide insulating and heating blankets for the Material Plasma Exposure Experiment (MPEX). These blankets are essential for maintaining the vacuum conditions and conducting accelerated lifetime tests of plasma-facing components within a superconducting magnet device designed to simulate the harsh environment of fusion reactors. The procurement emphasizes strict adherence to quality assurance protocols, material specifications, and performance standards to ensure the blankets can withstand thermal cycles and maintain vacuum integrity. Interested parties should contact Genna Pence at pencegl@ornl.gov or Misty Magill at magillm@ornl.gov for further details regarding the solicitation process.

Point(s) of Contact
Files
Title
Posted
Apr 1, 2025, 1:05 PM UTC
The document outlines the Statement of Work (SOW) for the fabrication and delivery of insulating and heating blankets for the Material Plasma Exposure Experiment (MPEX) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The project, under the aegis of the U.S. Department of Energy and managed by UT-Battelle, LLC, aims to develop a superconducting magnet system that simulates the harsh conditions found within fusion reactors. The SOW details the scope, performance requirements, and quality assurance protocols necessary for successful task completion, which includes quality planning, project management, design reviews, and fabrication processes. Specific tasks involve preparing quality plans, managing schedules, conducting design reviews, ensuring compliance with quality systems, and ultimately delivering the blankets within a specified timeline. The document emphasizes the necessity of standards adherence (ISO 9001 or NQA-1) to mitigate risks related to quality assurance and prevent non-conformance. The successful completion of these tasks is critical for the project's advancement, ensuring that the MPEX can effectively perform lifetime tests on plasma-facing materials. The document serves as a pivotal guideline for prospective contractors in understanding the requirements involved in providing critical components for the project.
Apr 1, 2025, 1:05 PM UTC
The MPEX Vacuum Handbook, prepared by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy, outlines the design, material selection, fabrication, and cleaning processes for components used in the Material Plasma Exposure Experiment (MPEX). It emphasizes the importance of vacuum system performance dependent on appropriate material choices and meticulous fabrication practices to prevent contamination and ensure vacuum integrity. Key sections include guidelines on permitted and prohibited materials, emphasizing specific classifications based on their interaction with plasma and vacuum environment. It also details vacuum welding standards, seal design protocols, and the handling of components to maintain cleanliness and functionality. Moreover, it identifies required testing, including helium leak testing to ensure system reliability. The handbook prioritizes rigorous quality assurance across fabrication processes, advising on the cleaning, packing, and handling of vacuum components to meet strict standards. These measures are critical for successful operation within the unique conditions of the MPEX experiment, supporting the project's goals of advancing plasma physics research while adhering to federal regulations and safety measures.
Apr 1, 2025, 1:05 PM UTC
The Material Plasma Exposure Experiment (MPEX) report prepared by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory serves as an approved materials list essential for the operation of the MPEX facility under the U.S. Department of Energy. The document categorizes materials into seven classes based on their interaction with plasma and the vacuum system, ranging from Class 1 (directly interacting with plasma) to Class 7 (magnetic field sensitive components). Each material is classified as approved, restricted, or prohibited, with guidelines for usage within specific classes. The list primarily addresses metals, ceramics, plastics, lubricants, and adhesives, highlighting compliance requirements and restrictions based on vacuum conditions and potential health hazards. It emphasizes that any material not listed requires prior evaluation for compatibility. The report underscores the importance of precise material selection to ensure operational safety and scientific integrity within MPEX, reflecting broader governmental efforts to maintain rigorous standards in federally funded scientific projects.
Apr 1, 2025, 1:05 PM UTC
The document outlines the specifications for Knife Edge Flanges utilized in the Material Plasma Exposure Experiment (MPEX) project, managed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the US Department of Energy. It provides clear definitions and classifications for two types of flanges—Stainless Steel and Copper Alloys (Glidcop AL-15 and CuCrZr), emphasizing their compliance with ASTM E2734 standards for dimensions. The appendices detail the requirements for knife edge dimensions, including a leak check port and the preferred orientation for vent grooves to facilitate leak checking in vacuum systems. The document serves as an essential guideline to ensure that the flange designs meet specific technical standards necessary for the successful execution of the MPEX project, reflecting adherence to government specifications crucial in federal RFPs and grants.
Apr 1, 2025, 1:05 PM UTC
The document titled "Vacuum Handbook Appendix 3: Knife Edge Flange Bolt Torque and Tightening Requirements" outlines the specifications and procedures for bolt tightening on Conflat flanges related to the Material Plasma Exposure Experiment (MPEX) conducted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It emphasizes the importance of proper bolt torque specifications and tightening procedures to ensure leak-tight seals in vacuum systems. Key points include recommended torque settings for various bolt sizes, the necessity of thread lubrication to prevent damage, and a systematic tightening procedure that progresses from finger-tight to specified torque levels using specific tightening patterns. The document also outlines how to check for leaks post-installation and the steps required if leakage occurs. Overall, this report serves as a technical guide for engineers and technicians involved in MPEX, reinforcing the importance of precision in vacuum applications.
Apr 1, 2025, 1:05 PM UTC
The document outlines the product specifications for insulating and heating blankets used in the Material Plasma Exposure Experiment (MPEX) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed by UT-Battelle, LLC under a U.S. Department of Energy contract. The main purpose is to establish design, performance, and quality assurance requirements for the blankets used in the vacuum chamber of the MPEX project. The insulating blankets provide heat retention while the heating blankets additionally heat the vessels from 20°C to 150°C within specified time frames and withstand multiple thermal cycles without degradation. The specifications also cover materials, dimensions, electrical compliance, and detailed design mandates ensuring that the blankets do not interfere with existing components. Key considerations include the use of non-asbestos materials, compliance with strict quality and performance standards, and ensuring that all items are properly documented. Emphasis is placed on the need for rigorous testing and verification processes to meet industry standards, affirming compliance before product acceptance. This document supports federal RFP objectives by ensuring that specified products meet safety, functionality, and regulatory requirements for advanced scientific research initiatives.
Lifecycle
Title
Type
Solicitation
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