Visiting Pittcon? Turbocharge your lab skills
UPDATED Feb 27 2015
Malvern Instruments is a massive fan of Pittcon, so it’s no big surprise that we’re back for more this year. For me, Pittcon 2015 will be even better than usual, as I’m coming over to (hopefully) sunny New Orleans to attend in person! Last year I enjoyed the exhibition from the safety of my laptop; as Malvern’s social media manager I spent a lot of time chatting to all you lovely people via Twitter, and updating all of our social profiles with goings on from the show. I’m super excited that this time I’ll get to meet everyone in person and do lots of live tweeting, videos and blogging from the Malvern booth – we’re at booth number 3,545 this time.
One of the best things about Pittcon is the opportunity it offers lab professionals to learn from the experts and build new skills by attending short courses. I’m pleased to tell you that we are offering four short courses at this year’s event run by three of our most knowledgeable experts – Alan Rawle, Ulf Nobbmann and Ana Morfesis. When I asked Alan what would people get out of attending one of his short courses at Pittcon, he replied: “What the participants get that they can’t get elsewhere? Me! Alan Rawle and plagiarism: ‘A hard man to ignore – but well worth the effort.’ And on the cheap! Rawle funded by Pittcon! The 1/2 day course is only $270. Witty, instructive, entertaining and that’s just the instructor.” I can guarantee that a short course with Dr Rawle will always be entertaining as well as informative!
Here are the details of our five short courses:
#78 – Fundamentals of Particle Size Analysis with an Emphasis on Light Scattering Techniques
Alan Rawle & Ulf Nobbmann
Monday March 9 2015 (all day)
A 1-day course that will bring newcomers to the particle sizing field up to speed on the basics (including terminology, international standards and math) of particle size analysis. According to Alan, you will learn “The answers to life, the universe, and everything where it impacts on particle size analysis.” More specifically, the main techniques (sieves, sedimentation, electrozone sensing) will be covered but the main emphasis will be on light scattering techniques in particular dynamic light scattering (DLS; 1 – 1000 nm approx.) and laser diffraction (0.1 –3000 micrometer approx.)
#79 – Sampling for Particle Size Analysis
Alan Rawle
Tuesday March 10 2015
A ½-day course that will bring personnel in the particle sizing field up to speed on the basics and importance of sampling for particle size analysis. Alan has run this course for the last five years, and has improved it each time based on user feedback. It’s a very popular course sharing information that is fundamental to all metrology and instrumental techniques not just particle size analysis (PSA). We will deal with 2 main objectives – determination of the minimum mass required for any required precision and the calculation of the best fundamental sampling error (FSE) based on the mass used in any particle size determination. We will point out the major issues with sampling including delimitation errors and provide limited advice as to the recommended routes to take a reasonable sample and the dangers of taking limited or unrepresentative samples. The course is suited to users of all particle size analysis techniques from sieves to light scattering and there will be a practical exercise for attendees.
#77 Particle Size and Zeta Potential Characterization of Nano Particles
Ana Morfesis
Tuesday March 10 2015
The objectives of this 1/2 day course are to discuss dynamic light scattering (DLS, PCS, QELS), molecular weight and electrophoretic light scattering (zeta potential) measurements. We will review dynamic light scattering theory, molecular weight determinations, provide useful tips for sample preparation and analysis of measurement results. DLS is a versatile and non-destructive measurement technique that is ideally suited as a metrology of choice for size, stability and identification of protein molecules, aggregates and particles over a wide range of materials in solution. We will also discuss electrophoretic light scattering measurements and the importance of zeta potential in understanding interfacial behavior and the formulation of multi- component products.
#133 Separations: Fundamentals of Advanced Gel Permeation and Size Exclusion Chromatography Detection
Ulf Nobbmann
Thursday March 12 2015
This 1/2 day course covers principles of advanced detection in GPC & SEC. The event is a condensed version of our GPC school without the lunch, lab involvement, and software exercises. You do not need to have an existing advanced GPC system – although attendance could be quite useful for existing users and those who have just joined a lab with a Viscotek, “inherited” a system, or simply want to reacquaint themselves with all the features you might get out of advanced detection chromatography. Areas we will cover include the different calibration techniques – conventional, universal, light scattering – with examples, as well as the details of intrinsic viscosity and light scattering detection, including basics (principle of operation, math, caveats) and applications in real laboratory research & QAQC scenarios.
By booking before February 20th you get the best price; before this date 1/2 day courses are $270 and full day are $500 – check out the details on Pittcon’s website. They’re also advertising a special discount – book three paid for short courses, and get free registration for the conference. If you want to know more about any of Malvern’s Pittcon short courses, please don’t hesitate to contact us by emailing events@malvern.com.
We’ll share more about what else we have planned for the exhibition a little closer to the time, but just to whet your appetite, here’s a taster. We’re really excited that our Morphologi G3-ID instrument, which measures particle size, shape and chemical identity, will feature in a presentation by researchers at the University of New Haven entitled ‘Forensic Analyses by Morphologically Directed Raman Spectroscopy’, part of the conference session ‘Techniques in Forensic Analysis.’ That’s definitely one to add to your schedule! We can also reveal that you’ll be able to check out some new comers to the Malvern family at our booth (number 3,545), including Microcal’s microcalorimetry instruments, and a brand new size exclusion chromatography system that we’re launching on January 27. If you want to sneak a peak ahead of Pittcon, sign up for the OMNISEC launch here.
I can’t wait to see you all. My advice – get that short course schedule sorted today!