Open courses
Open expert courses
We have over 40 years of experience in the expertise areas of particle porosity and surface, size and shape, composition and (bulk) solids behavior). Based on this expertise we have developed several expert courses on these topics, which are typically at BSc to MSc level, but are also suitable for technicians, research assistants and analysts who have some working experience in the field.
Every year we organize open expert courses at our academy in Wateringen. For the actual planning we refer to the information provided on our website.
Examples of our courses:
Particle size characterization
In the two-day course Particle size characterization the overall basic principles and definitions of particle size and particle shape are being discussed and particle size distribution techniques are being explained and compared. Pros and cons of the techniques are highlighted and common pitfalls in particle size characterization are interactively discussed. Accuracy, quality and quality control are separate topics that are dealt with together with selection of appropriate measurement techniques. A fully-equipped laboratory is located in the same premises as where the course is taught, which enables a perfect blend between theory and practice.
Porosity and surface area characterization
In this one- course, the overall basic principles and definitions of porosity, density, pore size distributions and specific surface area of solid materials are discussed. In addition, also the characterization of different types of active sites (e.g. catalysts) and their surface area are discussed. Pros and cons of the techniques are highlighted and common pitfalls in porosity and surface area characterization are interactively discussed. Accuracy, quality and quality control are separate topics that are dealt with together with selection of appropriate measurement techniques. A fully-equipped laboratory is located in the same premises as where the course is taught, which enables a perfect blend between theory and practice.
Both these courses are in close relation to each other and are therefore scheduled together in order to enable attendance of both courses in a series of 3 days.
Powders and granules: physical properties and behavior
This course examines various techniques to characterize and approaches to test bulk powder behavior. The “flow ability” and “flood ability” of bulk powders are essential in powder storage. Bulk crushing strength but also the tensile strength of individual pellets, granules, and tablets are key in physical transport, as well as the wear and tear (attrition, abrasion) that powder particles and granules can
experience. As a result of the latter, the tendency to produce dust (dustiness) can be a point of concern as it impacts on product quality and process conditions, but it can also be relevant for health, safety and environment. During conveying also mixing and demixing (segregation) of powder blends should be carefully
considered.
On the topics of Fluidization, Sampling, Granulation and Catalyst Characterization, open courses are currently in development and will be organized when finished.
In-company courses
In-company courses
On request we can customize our particle technology knowledge and our open courses into an in-company course of which the topics addressed perfectly match the customer’s requirements.
Possible topics for in-company courses are:
(Other topics are on request)
- Powder handling and behavior
- Porosity and surface area characterization
- Particle size characterization
- Powders and granules: physical properties and behavior
- Sampling
- Fluidization
- Wettability
- Catalyst Characterization
- Granulation
- Dustiness
In the recent past we have developed in-company courses for several companies and organizations. For a known Dutch oil company, for example, we have developed a course on the topic Catalyst characterization and for a famous Dutch coffee blending company we customized the expert course Particle characterization.
Seminars
Seminars
Several times a year we organize one-day seminars on topics devoted to particle characterization, powder testing, and solids processing. These seminars offer an ideal opportunity to gain knowledge of suppliers and users from acedemia and industry during a one-day meeting. It also provides an ideal platform to network with colleagues working in the same areas and disciplines.
Examples of our recently-organized seminars are the Mixing and Segregation Day in 2021, and the ParticleTransport & Storage Day in 2022.
For 2023 we are planning to organize a seminar based on the topic of Nano particles and nano particle technology.
Please check our agenda on our website regularly for the actual date and content.