AFS Society

Air Cleaning Technologies for IAQ
2025-02-25
Dr. Thad Ptak
This course takes place Tuesday, February 25 from from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – CDT – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon – EDT
Full Course (2 hours, .2 CEUs)
$245 AFS Members
$315 Non-members
REGISTER NOW
This course is intended for individuals who are looking to gain a better understanding of air cleaning technologies for IAQ applications. It aims to provide a more in-depth analysis of technologies for removal of particulate matter and gas-phase pollutants from indoor environments, their advantages and limitations.
Learning Objectives – After taking Introduction to Air Cleaning Technologies for IAQ, the learner will have a better understanding of:

Indoor air pollutants and their potential health impact
Air cleaning technologies to remove particular matter
Air cleaning technologies to remove gaseous pollutants
Challenges and testing

Outline:

Introduction to IAQ
a. General concept of IAQ
b. Air pollutants of concern
Technologies for removal particulate matter
a. Filter media-based systems
b. Electrostatic precipitators
c. System with external power
Technologies for removal has-phase pollutants
a. Sorbent based systems
b. Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO)
c. Room temperature catalysts
Selection of specific technology for given requirements
Test standards related to IAQ and testing

Who Should Attend:
This course is intended for individuals who are looking to gain a better understanding of air cleaning technologies for IAQ and how this knowledge can be transferred to practical applications. These may include but are not limited to filter design engineers and IAQ managers.
Instructor:

Dr. Thad Ptak has over 35 years of experience in filtration technologies, aerosol science, and indoor air quality. He has conducted extensive research in the areas of development of filter media and filters, portable air cleaners, sensors for IAQ, and instrumentation for particle generation and measurement.
Currently, Thad has his own consulting company specializing in providing solutions in the areas described above. He was involved in the research, development, and manufacturing of products and technologies in consumer products, HVAC, portable air cleaner, and automotive filtration applications for several different organizations.
Dr. Ptak has presented more than 50 technical papers related to the particle technology and filtration field, chaired and organized several sessions, and co-chaired a filtration conference. He actively participates in technical societies and numerous standard committees

Cumberland Chapter Meeting
2025-02-27 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | University of Louisville, Shelby Campus Conference Center, 450 N Whittington Pkwy, Louisville, KY, 40222, United States
Improving Indoor Air Quality for Pandemic Readiness: Standards and Innovation in Air Filtration
Thursday, February 27, 2025
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Eastern
University of Louisville, Shelby Campus Conference Center
The event is expected to include personnel from all levels of the organization for companies supplying to the filtration industry and commercial end users who utilize the products within the HVAC space.
Registration has closed for this event. We have reached capacity! We look forward to seeing you at the event.

Program Agenda

How Air Filtration Standards Can Keep Building Occupants Healthy
Jon Rajala, Ph.D.
R&D Manager, AAF Flanders
This presentation will discuss various building standards, such as ASHRAE Standards 62.1, 62.2, and 170, which establish minimum operating requirements for indoor air quality. The session will highlight lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the development of ASHRAE Standard 241, “Control of Infectious Aerosols.” The goal is to raise the baseline of air cleaning for building operations to achieve better health for occupants.

Mechanisms of Respirators and HVAC Filters against Airborne Viruses
Peter Tsai, PhD
Professor Emeritus at the University of Tennessee
This presentation will address the mechanisms of filtering airborne viruses to protect medical personnel and civilians from infection. It will discuss the efficiency relationships among N95 respirators tested using submicron NaCl particles at 85 lpm and HVAC filters tested using the same submicron particles at various velocities.

Tour

Additionally, there is scheduled time for networking as well as a tour of the Blue Heaven Technologies located near the University of Louisville – Shelby Campus.
Blue Heaven Technologies has ISO 17025 certification and is the recognized leader in providing state-of-the-art air filtration testing and analytical services for air filtration and environmental emissions. https://blueheaventech.com/

Event Sponsors

Hangzhou Srilan Filtration Technology

eSpin Technologies

WPT Nonwovens

EVENT REGISTRATION

Registration has closed for this event. We have reached capacity! We look forward to seeing you at the event.
Please stay tuned for future events.

Contact: John Hancock: jhancock@cerex.com or 615.630.1986

FILTCON25
2025-04-01 07:00 - 2025-04-03 17:00 UTC | The Galt House, 140 N Fourth St, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States

Liquid Filtration Testing Basics
2025-04-01 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
Mr. Vincent Edery
April 1, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT
Full Course (4 hours, .4 CEUs)
$475.00 AFS Members
$525.00 Non-members

About the course:
The Liquid Filtration Testing Basics Short Course is an introductory course on liquid filtration testing, testing methods and the standard equipment and instruments used. The course will cover filter test techniques and standards for water, fuel, lube oil, hydraulic fluids, and other industrial liquids. In addition, particle characteristics and efficiency methods and ratings will be reviewed.

Learning Objectives – After taking Liquid Filtration Testing Basics, the learner will understand:

Filtration Efficiency Terms
Filter Testing standards by industry
ASTM/ISO/SAE/Filter Testing Standards
Single Pass vs. Multi Pass Filter testing methods
Cyclic Filter testing methods
Advanced Particle counting methods
Test dusts and contaminants
Bubble point tests
Determining Filter dirt holding capacity
Bio-fuel filter testing

Outline:

Introduction to Liquid filter testing
Standardization organizations and test standards
Types and applications of liquid clarification filters
Types and characteristics of filtering media
Characteristics of liquids, particles and suspensions
Characteristics of filtering media and filtering cartridges and methods of measurement

Who Should Attend:
This course is designed for Filtration Design Engineers, Filtration Product Managers, Filtration Users, Liquid Process Managers, Solid Liquid Separation Researchers, New Product Development Managers, Filter Media Developers, Laboratory Researchers, Laboratory Managers.

Instructor:
Mr. Vincent Edery, born in 1963, is a French engineer who graduated from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Métiers (ENSAM) and the Ecole Supérieure des Techniques Aérospatiales (ESTA).
After graduation, he began working for Dassault Aviation. Vincent embraced a career in the aviation industry for 20 years where he switched from office design to aircraft system expert supporting operators and then to technical Director of a French Supplier. Since, he has been managing various small and mid-size enterprises in filtration and hydromechanical equipment.
For 3 years, he managed his own consulting company where he proposed his services as an external asset for those developing aviation products or seeking expertise in industrial organization in a quality certification context. He now has joined IFTS (Institut de la Filtration et des Techniques Séparative) and was appointed General Manager in June of 2013.
Vincent is the convener of the ISO Working Group 8 of the TC20/SC10 dedicated to aviation Hydraulic fluids and fluid contamination control and is the Chair of the CEN TC346 dedicated to air quality in Aircraft Cabin.

Introduction To Air Filtration Testing and Commonly Used Test Methods
2025-04-01 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
**THIS COURSE IS OFF-SITE. PARTICIPANTS ARE IN CHARGE OF THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION. LUNCH IS PROVIDED.**
Mr. Bob Burkhead, Mr. Ceri Rees and Mr. Evan Sparks
April 1, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – EDT
Full Course (4 hours, .4 CEUs)
$475.00 AFS Members
$525.00 Non-members

About this Course:
This course is intended to introduce and give an inside look into the prominent air filtration testing standards. We will cover ASHRAE 52.2, ISO 16890, EN1822, ISO 29461, ISO 29463 and others. A guided tour of the test stands will be included as the course will take place on sight at Blue Heaven Technologies.

Learning Objectives – After taking Liquid Filtration Testing Basics, the learner will understand:

Basic mechanisms of filtration
Duct qualification procedures (aerosol uniformity, velocity uniformity, etc)
Particle generation
Particle counting
Similarities, differences and nuances of the test standards

Who should attend:
Those new to the air filtration industry. Will also benefit those who have been in the industry but seek to further understand the principles of air filtration testing.

Instructors:
Bob Burkhead is the founder and “President Emeritus” of Blue Heaven Technologies. Since 1997, he has an extensive history in developing and testing air filtration products as well a wide range of global testing protocols.
Ceri Rees has been with Blue Heaven Technologies since 2018. He has extensive experience with ASHRAE 52.2, ISO 16890, ISO 29461 and EN779 amongst others.
Evan Sparks has been with Blue Heaven since 2016. He manages the High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) test lab. He oversees EN1822, ISO 29463 as well as all flat sheet media testing.

Particle Characterization Technology for Air/Gas Filtration
2025-04-01 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
Dr. Remi Trottier
Full Course (4 hours, .4 CEUs)
$475 AFS Members
$545 Non-members

About this course:
Knowledge of the size and size distribution of particles in any air/gas filtration operation is of paramount importance in the selection of the most appropriate filtration and separation technology. This course will provide an introduction to aerosol/gas borne particle characterization technology, along with the latest commercially available technologies. Given the broad choices in particle characterization technology, the student will acquire the knowledge necessary for selecting the most appropriate technology and perform data interpretation and validation to obtain reliable data.

Learning Objectives – After taking Particle Characterization Technology for Air/Gas Filtration, learners will understand:

Particle size data representation (number, surface, volume distributions)
Aerodynamic diameter vs. physical diameter
Importance of sampling and maintaining a well dispersed sample
Physical principle, including strengths and limitations of the various particle sizing techniques
Proper instrument selection
Instrument evaluation
Data interpretation and validation

Outline:

Basic Concepts
Distributions, and averages
Sampling and particle dispersion
Techniques (ensemble, separation and single particle counting technologies)
Laser diffraction, time of flight, impactors, screening, optical particle sensing, dynamic image analysis
Case study for instrument evaluation – laser diffraction
Proper instrument selection and data validation and interpretation

Who should attend:

This course is designed for anyone involved in the operation/selection/specification of air/gas filtration systems as well as for technologists and practitioners interested in broadening their knowledge in aerosol particle characterization technology.

Instructor:

Dr. Trottier is a consultant in particle characterization & powder technology. He is the world-renowned particle characterization expert and retired from Dow Chemical in 2021. . He is one of the very few experts who has been applying particle measurement expertise to solve actual industrial challenges. Over the past 35 years, he published articles on particle characterization, and frequently presented courses globally. He also has extensive industrial experience in solids processing, and in the development and implementation of various particle characterization technologies.

Remi received his BSc. in 1983 and MSc. in 1987 from the department of Applied Physics and Astronomy at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. He received his Ph.D. from Loughborough University of Technology in the UK. His thesis work consisted of studying and modeling gas filtration from both experimental and theoretical perspectives.

Particle Characterization Technology for Liquid Filtration & Separation
2025-04-01 13:00 - 17:00 UTC
Dr. Remi Trottier
Full Course (4 hours, .4 CEUs)
$475 AFS Members
$545 Non-members

About this course:
Knowledge of the size and size distribution of particles to be filtered out of a liquid is of paramount importance in the selection of the most appropriate filtration and separation technology. This course will provide an introduction to particle characterization technologies (from nanosize to millimeters), along with the latest commercially available measurement technologies, with special emphasis on laser diffraction since it is the most popular technique. Given the broad choices in particle characterization technology, the student will acquire the knowledge necessary for selecting the most appropriate technology and perform data interpretation and validation to obtain reliable data.

Learning Objectives – After taking Particle Characterization Technology for Liquid Filtration & Separation, learners will understand:

Particle size data representation (number, surface, volume distributions)
Importance of sampling and maintaining a well dispersed sample
Physical principle, including strengths and limitations of the various particle sizing techniques
Proper instrument selection
Instrument evaluation
Data interpretation and validation

Outline:

Basic Concepts
Distributions, and averages
Sampling and particle suspension
Techniques (ensemble, separation and single particle counting technologies)
Laser diffraction, time of flight, impactors, screening, optical particle sensing, dynamic image analysis
Case study for instrument evaluation – laser diffraction
Proper instrument selection and data validation and interpretation

Who should attend:

This course is designed for anyone involved in the selection/specification of liquid filtration and separation systems as well as for technologists and practitioners interested in broadening their knowledge in particle characterization technology.

Instructor:

Dr. Trottier is a consultant in particle characterization & powder technology. He is the world-renowned particle characterization expert and retired from Dow Chemical in 2021. . He is one of the very few experts who has been applying particle measurement expertise to solve actual industrial challenges. Over the past 35 years, he published articles on particle characterization, and frequently presented courses globally. He also has extensive industrial experience in solids processing, and in the development and implementation of various particle characterization technologies.
Remi received his BSc. in 1983 and MSc. in 1987 from the department of Applied Physics and Astronomy at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. He received his Ph.D. from Loughborough University of Technology in the UK. His thesis work consisted of studying and modeling gas filtration from both experimental and theoretical perspectives.

Mixing 101
2025-04-01 15:00 - 17:00 UTC
Mr. Jim Halbleib
Full Course (2 hours, .2 CEUs)
$245 AFS Members
$295 Non-members

About this course:
The Mixing 101 class will provide an understanding of the scientific principles behind mixing processes, mixing tasks, allowing you to optimize mixing equipment selection, improve product quality and consistency, and efficiently design new mixing processes within your industry, particularly in fields like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food production, and cosmetics where precise mixing is critical for product efficacy, safety, and filtration.

Learning Objectives – After taking Mixing 101, learners will understand:

Mixing theory: Learn the fundamental concepts of fluid dynamics, mixing mechanisms, and factors affecting mixing efficiency, including viscosity, particle size, and flow patterns.
Equipment selection: Gain knowledge about different types of industrial mixers, like paddle mixers, high shear mixers, and ribbon blenders, and how to choose the appropriate equipment for specific applications based on material properties and desired outcomes.

Outline:

Mixing Task
Fluid Rheology (Turbulent vs Fluid)
Flow Regimes
Impellers
Solid Suspension
Gas Dispersion
Mechanical Seals
R and D and Scale up

Who should attend:

This course is ideal for chemical engineers, process engineers, production technicians, quality control personnel, researchers developing new products, and individuals working in industries like pharmaceuticals, food processing, cosmetics, and chemical manufacturing.

Instructor:

Jim Halbleib holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Louisville and brings over 30 years of experience in heavy industrial process equipment sales and services. With a strong background in industrial pumps, agitators, heat exchangers, and related equipment, he has spent more than 20 years specializing in sales within these critical sectors.
As a Business Development Manager, Jim has led initiatives in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), variable speed drives, and online vibration monitoring systems, helping industries optimize performance and reliability. His expertise extends to non-destructive testing (NDT) services, including Phased Array UT, X-ray, Acoustic Emission, Magnetic Particle Inspection, and Heat Treatment services.
Additionally, Jim has experience in Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) and gas analyzers, working with both industrial clients and ambient air agencies to ensure compliance and operational efficiency. He is also a Level 2 Vibration Analyst, further demonstrating his commitment to predictive maintenance and equipment reliability.

FiltXPO
2025-04-29 - 2025-05-01 | Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33139, United States

WFC14
2025-06-30 - 2025-07-04 | 14th World Filtration Congress, Bordeaux, France

Introduction to Liquid Cartridge Filtration - Part I
2025-10-07 09:00 - 11:00 UTC

Introduction to Liquid Cartridge Filtration - Part II
2025-10-09 09:00 - 11:00 UTC

Reverse Osmosis Membrane Technology - Theories, Properties and Technical Insights
2025-10-13 09:00 - 11:00 UTC

Membrane Separation Technologies for Non-Biological Wastewater Treatment
2025-10-20 09:00 - 11:00 UTC

Membrane Separation Technologies for Biological Wastewater Treatment
2025-10-27 09:00 - 11:00 UTC

Membrane Fouling and Cleaning
2025-11-03 09:00 - 11:00 UTC

Introduction to Solid/Liquid Separation - Part I
2025-11-05 09:00 - 11:00 UTC

Introduction to Solid/Liquid Separation - Part II
2025-11-07 09:00 - 11:00 UTC

Introduction to Solid/Liquid Separation - Part III
2025-11-12 09:00 - 11:00 UTC

Introduction to Solid/Liquid Separation - Part IV
2025-11-14 09:00 - 11:00 UTC

Introduction to Filter Media - Part I
2025-11-18 09:00 - 11:00 UTC

Introduction to Filter Media - Part II
2025-11-20 09:00 - 11:00 UTC

Liquid Filtration General Overview
2025-12-05 09:00 - 11:00 UTC

AFS Southwest Chapter Lunch Meeting
2025-12-12 10:00 - 13:00 UTC

FILTCON26
2026-05-12 - 2026-05-15
As the leading conference for filtration and separations professionals, FiltCon brings together experts from industry and academia to explore solutions and innovations that shape the future of our field. This year’s theme, Energy Transition & Regulatory Compliance, will highlight the critical role filtration plays in advancing cleaner technologies and meeting evolving global standards.

FiltXPO 2026
2026-10-28 - 2026-10-29
FiltXPO™ is the premier global filtration conference and exhibition, connecting the value chain to showcase innovation, explore emerging technologies, and build meaningful business relationships.

Introduction to Cleaning Technologies for Metallic Filter Elements
2026-06-02 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)

Introduction to Air Filtration, Parts I-IV
2026-06-09 09:00 - 2026-06-18 11:00 (America/Chicago)

FILTCON27
2027-04-20 - 2027-04-22
Mark your calendar for April 20-22, 2027, and join the filtration and separations community in Raleigh, NC, for three days of education, networking, and innovation.
