Tender: Conceptual Design of Vapour-Phase Electrolyser System for STEP Tritium Fuel Cycle

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The STEP Fuel Cycle team is seeking a supplier for the conceptual design of a vapour-phase electrolyser system (electrochemical cell or stack) to support recovery, purification and supply of tritium for the STEP fusion reactor. The work covers conceptual design of the electrolyser itself, including electrolytes, electrodes, interconnects, separators, electrical connections, vessels, structural components, seals, gaskets, heating elements, inlet/outlet pipes, ports, flanges and instrumentation, while excluding conceptual design of Balance of Plant equipment (such as power supplies, pumps, purification stages, boilers, compressors or dehumidifiers); the impact on Balance of Plant must still be considered in design decisions. The scope notes vapour-phase techniques such as solid-oxide electrolysis as suitable for processing small quantities of tritiated water and the project is structured into three sequential phases with interim milestones to develop technical understanding, validate assumptions and converge on agreed technical content.