Particle Technology Activities

The AIChE sponsors 18 different forums within the organization, all focused on specific fields of study. The PTF serves as an interdisciplinary, international forum to promote information exchange, scholarship, research and education in the field of particle technology. PTF meetings address science and engineering related to all types of particle technology. PTF meetings address science and engineering related to all types of particle technologies, wet or dry, reactive or non-reactive. You do not have to be a member of AIChE to join the PTF, which charges a nominal $15 annual dues fee.

https://www.aiche.org/community/sites/divisions-forums/ptf

The International Fine Particles Research Institute, IFPRI, is a unique global network of companies and academics with active research programs in particle science and technology. It is a non-profit organization. The membership represents some of the world's largest manufacturing industries: bulk and specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, minerals, construction, coatings, detergents and foods. The industry members work alongside some of the finest academic reserchers in the world in particle science and technology and other allied areas. Due from member companies fund research at academic groups around the world. 

Since its inception in 1979, IFPRI has explored the whole range of particle science and technology including the formation, modification, mixing, dispersion, handling and transport of particles. The particles can range in size from nanometers to millimeters. Dispersion of particles in gases, liquids and pastes are also studied.

www.ifpri.net

IFPRI Research Topics

The PTF division within AIChE sponsors multiple session at most AIChE annual meetings. Visit the AIChE website to find the listing of particle technology sessions and activities. The PTF banquet typically takes place on the Tuesday evening of the annual meeting and represents a unique opportunity to meet other colleagues devoted to this field in a social setting.

www.aiche.org/Conferences/

The PERC at the University of Florida in Gainesville was established in 1994 as the “NSF Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Particle Science and Technology.” The mandate for the Center was to build a bridge between industry and academia by fostering industry-related research in the area of particle science and technology. The ultimate mission of PERC is to serve mankind with the advancement of particle science and technology through applications that will improve and enhance sustainable societal well-being, including economic health, quality of life, and the environment. The overall purpose of PERC is three fold:

1. To create underlying scientific knowledge and to invent and demonstrate the technological feasibility of innovative methodologies and systems governing particulate processes, devices, and systems;
2. To facilitate the transfer of research discoveries, theories, and inventions between PERC and industry; and
3. To develop and implement an interdisciplinary education program that will produce well-prepared scientists and engineers to serve and lead future scientific and technological advances.

PERC devotes its efforts and resources to:

• Conduct innovative fundamental science and practical problem oriented interdisciplinary research.
• Conduct translational research and prototyping of promising technologies to enhance their potential in the market place, or overcome sustainability challenges.
• Educate students and young professionals to be globally competitive and responsible leaders, instilling in them critical thinking skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and environmental stewardship.

perc.ufl.edu/

The educational Resource for Particle Technology (ERPT) was created by Ralph Nelson as an on-line, just-in-time, world-wide, free-of-charge source of tutorials in particle technology as a public service for the PTF. The website provides web-based tutorials on subjects including:

• The significance of particle technology
• Particle formation from gases
• Particle formation from liquids
• Comminution and attrition
• Size enlargement and agglomeration
• Particle physics
• Particle characterization
• Particle storage and discharge
• Pneumatic conveying
• Fluidized bed operations
• Powder and suspension mixing and demixing
• Size separation
• Particle-gas separation
• Particle-liquid separation
• Dispersing particles in liquids
• Rheology
• Particle reaction
• Drying of particles
• Safety in particulate systems
• Simulation, modeling, and visualization
• Specific application of particle technology

erpt.org