PMI's Short Courses

PMI Short Courses PMI's Short Course brings together PMI's experts in pore structure and characterization, as well as technical specialists from industries, research laboratories and universities, for three days of intensive lectures, discussions, and hands-on practice. The material presented addresses the theory and application of methods for determining pore structure and distribution in a wide variety of materials.

Attendees learn the basics and catch up on the latest advances in porosity characterization techniques. Our Short Course schedule will include plenty of time for one-on-one discussions with PMI's technical staff. We finish each course day with an evening of dining and sightseeing in scenic Ithaca, New York.

Short Course May 2008

Click here to download the registration form.

Porous Materials, Inc. is proud to announce the PMI Short Course on "Advanced Techniques for Pore Structure Characterization Theory & Practice" scheduled to take place during the week of May 13th - 15th, 2008.

Schedule

Pricing

Online Registration

UK Short Course

On February 5, 2008, PMI gave a one day short course at Loughborough University, located in Leicestershire, UK. The short course was entitled "Characterization of Pore Structure of Filtration Media and Membranes", and was coordinated with Stephen Smith of Parker Hannifin, Ltd. and Professor Richard Wakeman of Loughborough University. This course was a success, and we look forward to doing more overseas short courses in the future.

Short Course October 2007

During the week of October 8th - 12th, 23 participants from research labs and scientific industries, including biotechnology, fuel cell, paper and membranes, came to Ithaca, NY to attend our second Short Course of the year. Participants were given the opportunity to listen to lectures and demonstrations, get hands-on experience with our machines in our testing lab, and have their samples tested. Each night, they were treated to dinner at one of the fine local restaurants, including a dinner boat cruise aboard the M/V Manhattan on beautiful Cayuga Lake.

The staff at PMI tries very hard to put together an informative and fun filled week for the particiants. We're very happy to hear quotes like these from some of the participants:

"It was greater than I expected. It surpassed my expectations."

"(The hospitality at) PMI went above and beyond."

"The course was very informative and well planned. The schedule & lectures covered a wide variety of testing procedures for different types of materials. I found the course very beneficial. I would be interested in coming back....There is great expertise at PMI and I was very impressed. Job well done!"

"This was an excellent course. Very well done and one of the most comprehensive courses I've been to."

"Overall, this course was excellent. I had no background relating to porosity, and now I feel like I understand the basics enough to deal with my specific projects. In addition to the excellent scientific aspects, the non-scientific aspects of the course (accomodations, meals, organization, etc.) were the best I've seen all year at any similar type of event."

We look forward to another informative and enjoyable Short Course in May of 2008. Please keep an eye on the website for news and information on this event.

See some candid photos of the attendees and the PMI staff during different events during the week.

Short Course May 2007

During the week of May 7th - 11th, experts in the field of Porosity characterization discussed the wide spectrum of pore structures exhibited by porous materials. The basic scientific principles of the pore structure characterization techniques, derivations of important relations, methods for data acquisition and stability were presented. Advances in instrumentation, design and integration dedicated to optimize reliability and reproducibility with PMI instruments were considered. The sources of random, systematic and machine errors in the data were also examined.

Recently developed techniques reviewed included emerging technologies and recently developed characterization techniques. The following techniques for characterization were emphasized:

in-plane porosity
porosity of layered and coated materials
compression effects
effects of cyclic compression
envelope surface area
average fiber or particle diameter
vapor transmission
permeability of chemicals

Significance of measurements, critical assessment of characterization, selection of techniques and interpretation of anomalous results often encountered with many samples were critically analyzed.

Guest speakers related their experiences with porosity measurements using different instruments and materials, and discussed resulting benefits found. Extensive discussion provided an opportunity to share thoughts and experiences. The attendees visited PMI's laboratory, worked with PMI instruments and gained "hands-on" experience by testing samples of various materials.

The short course brought together twenty-five technical specialists from industries, research laboratories and universities. If you were unable to participate in the past, make plans to attend any of our future short course offerings.

See some candid photos of the attendees and the PMI staff during different events during the week.

Short Course October 2006

Short Course October 2006 Highlights:

Experts in the field discussed the wide spectrum of pore structures exhibited by porous materials. The basic scientific principles of the pore structure characterization techniques, derivations of important relations, methods for data acquisition and stability were presented. Experts discussed advances in instrumentation, design and integration dedicated to optimize reliability and reproducibility with PMI instruments. The sources of random, systematic and machine errors in the data were examined.

Other topics reviewed included emerging technologies and recently developed characterization techniques. The following techniques for characterization were emphasized: in-plane porosity, porosity of layered and coated materials, compression effects, effects of cyclic compression, envelope surface area, average fiber or particle diameter, vapor transmission and permeability of chemicals. Significance of measurements, critical assessment of characterization, and selection of techniques and interpretation of anomalous results often encountered with many samples were critically analyzed.

Speakers related their experiences with porosity measurements using different instruments and materials, and discussed resulting benefits found. A panel discussion provided opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences. For the remaining sessions, the attendees visited PMI's laboratory, worked with our instruments and gained "hands-on" experience by testing samples of various materials. If you were unable to participate in the past, make plans to attend any of our future short course offerings.

See some candid photos of the attendees and the PMI staff during different events during the week.