Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to supply, deliver, install, and provide training on a brand new solvent extractor/fat analyzer for analytical services within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. The system aims to automate the determination of crude fat in animal feed samples, reducing manual labor, turnaround times, and associated occupational hazards, while ensuring efficient solvent recovery and minimizing emissions.

Scope

The scope includes:

• Provision of a complete automated solvent extractor/fat analyzer system suitable for crude fat analysis in animal feeds.
• Installation, commissioning, and user training at the Cedara laboratory.
• Provision of maintenance and repair services, with the possibility of entering into a service contract.
• Ensuring the equipment meets specified technical and safety standards, including compatibility with AOAC, ISO, and Agrilasa methods.

Technical Requirements

Instrument Specifications

• Complete system including all accessories for full operation.
• Suitable for crude fat determination in animal feeds, based on Soxhlet extraction principle.
• Fully automated, unattended operation with user-friendly digital controls.
• Automated cooling and solvent handling.
• Bench-top design with approximate dimensions: 70 cm (W) x 50 cm (D) x 80 cm (H).
• Power supply: 110-240V, 50/60Hz; weight: approx. 50 kg.

Analytical Performance

• Minimum sample size: 1 g.
• Fat determination range: 0.1–100%.
• Extraction time: 30–60 minutes for up to 10 samples.
• Throughput: approximately 50 samples per day.
• Maximum solvent volume per run: ~500 mL.
• Solvent type: Petroleum Ether with >90% recovery.
• Methods supported: AOAC, ISO, Agrilasa.

Safety & Installation

• Built-in fire protection and safety features to prevent fumes exposure.
• Full installation and comprehensive user training.
• Support for method validation across various feed and sample types.

Warranty & Service

• Warranty: minimum 1 year from installation.
• Response time for warranty repairs: within 8 hours.
• Support for a 3-year Service Level Agreement (SLA) post-warranty.

Skills Requirements

The supplier must demonstrate:

• Experience in supplying and installing laboratory analytical equipment, specifically solvent extractors or fat analyzers.
• Capability to provide comprehensive technical support, including installation, calibration, and maintenance.
• Availability of qualified service engineers with the expertise to maintain and repair the equipment.
• Ability to deliver user training to ensure full operational competence.
• Proven track record of supporting similar systems in laboratory environments.