AFS Southwest Chapter Meeting Recap

The AFS Southwest Chapter hosted a meeting from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on December 12 at The Dow Chemical Company in Lake Jackson, Texas. This event marked AFS’s first hybrid meeting, successfully combining an onsite venue with a virtual platform, made possible by the strong support from AFS and the advanced technology available at the Dow facility.

AFS Chair Dr. Saravanan Andan was present and provided a brief update on AFS activities, membership, and FILTCON26. The meeting was hosted by AFS Southwest Chapter President Joseph Ciminella and featured two technical presentations. Prof. Lin Zhang from Zhejiang University (China) delivered a virtual presentation on using machine learning to design membrane and membrane filtration process, followed by Mr. Nicholas Fortsas from Aqua-Aerobic Systems, who presented on PFAS removal using an adsorption and crossflow ceramic membrane filtration system.

The meeting also featured three tabletop exhibits from Sparkling Clear Industries, Pall Corporation, and Agrilectric Research Company. Both the technical presentations and exhibitions were educational and informative and were very well received by attendees.

The hybrid meeting brought together 25 in-person participants from Texas, Louisiana, and New York, along with 10 virtual attendees from around the globe. Attendees enjoyed the learning experience, exchange of ideas, and friendly networking opportunities, as well as a delicious lunch sponsored by Agrilectric Research Company, Champion Process, Filtration Technology Corporation, Pall Corporation, and Sparkling Clear Industries.