Malvern Instruments has begun a new series of its popular Web-based laser diffraction master classes. With participation free of charge, these live events are delivered as a service to all users of laser diffraction particle sizing systems and aim to provide support from basic principles to advanced applications. The seminars are also recorded and subsequently made available as free downloads from Malvern’s Web site.

Each class is given by one of Malvern’s laser diffraction specialists. Seven topics are currently planned for 2009 covering: demystifying particle size measurements; achieving reproducible particle size measurements; optical property selection made easy; validation of laser diffraction methods; setting realistic and meaningful product specifications; what to do when things have gone wrong; comparison of light scattering and image analysis techniques.

Paul Kippax, product manager for laser diffraction systems at Malvern, is pleased with the positive feedback from around the world that has influenced the further development of the master class series. “More than 500 people benefited from the live master classes in 2008, with many more taking advantage of being able to download the recorded events,” he said. “We anticipate even more take-up for 2009, with laser diffraction users in all industries telling us that the Web-based technical and applications support pioneered by Malvern is an increasingly important and convenient part of the mix, complementing the activities of our specialists on the ground and the global support available via our helpdesks.”

Registration is free and full details of the scope of each master class are available at www.malvernevents.com.