Filtration and Particle Size Analysis - Why these Techniques Need to be Utilized Together

Larry Unger, EMEA, Particle Sizing Systems, Port Richey, FL, USA

Many processes utilize filtration at some stage.  As a generalization, most filtrations are performed with the belief that the filters fully remove particles over a stated particle size.  For some applications, this simple assumption may be satisfactory to ensure a usable product, but for many applications, for example: pharmaceutical, inkjet inks and printing, and CMP for electronics, this assumption may lead to the production of products which result in a defective product which can result in production losses or even death of a patient.  There are a number of particle size analysis techniques available to the market, but some perform differently from others, rendering them less suitable for a particular application. 

This presentation will provide a brief overview of particle sizing techniques available and examine the pros and cons of those techniques when employed in the analysis of products, both pre- and post-filtration.  Examples of samples from a variety of fields will be presented demonstrating the efficiency of filtration on these products.

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Short Biography of Presenting Author

Dr. Unger has been managing distribution of analytical instrument for companies including Particle Sizing Systems, Mettler-Toledo Process Analytical, CILAS, Fisher Scientific, Spectronic Instruments, and others for more than 30 years. 

A trained organic chemist, academic credentials include:

B.Sc. in Chemistry - Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science

M.A. in Organic Chemistry - Brandeis University

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry - Temple University

Post-Doctoral Fellowship - University of Pennsylvania

Adjunct Faculty - Temple University, Florida Atlantic University Honors College