What this opportunity is
The Department of Energy is seeking information on heat exchanger inspection tools, as indicated by the Sources Sought notice. This opportunity falls under NAICS code 54171, which pertains to research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. This notice is aimed at gathering capabilities from interested parties, making it suitable for small businesses with expertise in engineering and inspection technologies. Interested vendors should note that this is a sources sought notice, which means it is primarily for market research rather than a solicitation for bids.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC
Post Office Box 79
West Mifflin, PA 15122-0079
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Scope of Work for Heat Exchanger Inspection Tool
The Buyer is currently investigating small, compact heat exchangers (HX) fabricated by additive
manufacturing (AM) using Alloy 625 Inconel. Inspection solutions (e.g., probes or other
methods) are needed for smaller tube diameters than those typically used in traditional
manufacturing. This scope of work seeks to obtain information on inspection capabilities at
smaller tube sizes. While ultrasonic (UT) immersible probes have been previously considered,
any method capable of detecting the specified flaws of interest will be evaluated.
Desired Inspection Capabilities
The inspection method must detect the following flaws (both post manufacture and in-service)
within the HX matrix. Although detection from the inside diameter (ID) of a tube-like feature
using a traditional probe is assumed, the scope does not prescribe a specific approach.
Alternative methods capable of identifying these degradations are also acceptable.
1. Circumferential volumetric flaw*
2. Axial volumetric flaw*
3. Circumferential crack*
4. Axial crack*
5. Voids (printing errors, can be symmetric and non-symmetric volumetric defects)
6. Delamination
7. Degradation (pitting, wear, surface cracks) caused during use
8. Wall-thickness measurement
* Items with an asterisk (*) may occur in the ID, OD and webbing
Description of Application
The cross-sectional geometry of a conceptual heat exchanger design consists of circular tubes
interconnected by ligaments or continuous webbing along their length. These ligaments create
additional non-circular flow paths between the tubes. Assuming the use of traditional probes,
these would be inserted inside the circular tube-like path. The flow path could either be straight
or have a gentle curvature. Probes or inspection methods to perform post printing and in-
service inspections for a variety of tube sizes are needed, as indicated in the following list.
• Tube ID – 0.100 to 0.400 inch
• Wall thickness – 0.010 to 0.050 inch (about 10-15% of tube ID)
• Surface roughness – 10 to 200 min Ra
• Material – Alloy 625 Inconel
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TECHNICAL QUESTIONS FOR VENDOR
1. List each inspection probe or method you offer that can detect any of the eight specified
flaw types inside of a 0.400 or smaller tube ID (and attached webbing). For each probe
or method, indicate the following:
a. The smallest tube ID that can be inspected.
b. Which defect types can be detected.
c. If the probe or method can detect all eight defect types, what is the minimum
tube ID at which a comprehensive detection is possible.
d. The inspection method (i.e., eddy current, ultrasonic, etc.).
2. How do tube ID and wall thickness affect the minimum resolvable defect size for each
technique (UT, EC, etc.)? What is the minimum resolvable defect for each technique at
different tube IDs and wall thickness?
3. What are the minimum and maximum wall‑thicknesses that can be measured
accurately? Specify the expected measurement accuracy (± %). How is this impacted by
tube ID and probe technique?
4. How does surface roughness (10–200 min Ra) impact the following? The surface on the
probe side (the cold flow path surface) may be smoother than the other surfaces.
a. Signal‑to‑noise (S/N) ratio
b. Defect resolution
c. Ability to interrogate the far side of the tube wall?
5. What is the minimum defect size that can be reliably detected for each flaw type at the
smallest tube ID and at the maximum wall thickness?
6. What webbing lengths (distance between adjacent tubes) can be inspected reliably from
the tube ID or with another method? Identify any challenges for detecting defects in the
webbing.
7. What degree of bend radius/curvature in the flow path (tube) is allowable to maintain
ability to feed an inspection probe through the entire flow path (tube)? If this cannot be
answered at this time, provide probe dimensions, and indicate whether any portions are
flexible.
8. Can the inspection probes or methods be used on irregular shaped flow paths (non-
circular channels)? If so, describe any limitations.
9. Can one probe or method be used for axial and circumferential flaw detection or are
multiple probes required?
10. Are you able to develop, test, and qualify a probe(s) or method that would meet the
desired tube ID requirements (0.100 to 0.400 inches)? If so, what minimum size tube
would the probe or method support and what eight specified flaw types can be detected
with this (these) probe(s) or methods?
11. If available, include drawings or other images showing probe geometry or equipment
used for detection.
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Deliverables
Response Table – Fill in the table below for each flaw type (1-8). Use “-“ if a capability is not
applicable.
Flaw Type
(See List
Below)
Min Tube ID
(IN)
Max Tube ID
(IN) Min Wall (MIL)
Surface-
Roughness
Range (min RA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Type of Flaw
1 Circumferential Volumetric
2 Axial Volumetric
3 Circumferential Crack
4 Axial Crack
5 Voids
6 Delamination
Web - 1
Web - 2
Wall
Thicknes
s
Hot Flow
Path
Cold Flow
Path
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7 Tube Degradation
8 Wall Thickness
Please answer questions 1-12 from the “Technical Questions for Vendor” section here:
1. .
2. .
3. .
4. .
5. .
6. .
7. .
8. .
9. .
10. .
11. .
Please add additional comments here:
A. .
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UNCLASSIFIED
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Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.