Course Dates/Location

Early December 2026 - more information to come on this in-person 2-day course opportunity.

SGS NA
11599 Morrissey Rd
Grass Lake, MI 49240

About the Course

This two-day interactive training program combines lectures, hands-on workshops, and group activities to equip participants with essential knowledge for testing filter media, air filters, and portable air cleaners. The curriculum is designed to help attendees develop practical skills for setting up test equipment, conducting tests, and interpreting results. Each section begins with a lecture covering test instruments and standards, followed by a practical session where participants can apply what they have learned by working directly with the instruments and equipment.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will have a clear understanding of:

• operating principles, applications, and limitations of specific instruments
• be able to interpret and properly execute test method protocols
• set up and operate test instruments, and maintain equipment throughout testing
• develop the skills to interpret test results and assess test variability.

Course Outline

1. Introduction and background information
   1. Importance of testing
   2. Principles of measurements, accuracy and variability
2. Operating principles of the following instruments
   1. Aerosol generation and neutralization
   2. Particle detection using optical particle counters, photometers, CPC and SMPS
   3. Flow rate measurements using ASME nozzle, LFL and Pitot tube
   4. Pressure measurements using digital and liquid manometers
3. Overview of specific test standards
   1. Testing filter media according to ISO 29463
   2. Testing filters for general ventilation according to ASHRAE 52.2
   3. Testing portable air cleaners according to AHAM AC-1
4. Hands-on testing
5. Interpretation of test results and discussion of test variability
6. Facility tour and open time

Instructors

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.

Daniel Miller is the Director of Operations and Business Development for SGS North America, Inc., specifically operating out of the SGS IBR Laboratories in Grass Lake, Michigan. He is a highly recognized industry expert in filtration testing, laboratory performance, and the safety testing of floor care and filtration products.

Course Fee

• Member Pricing - $1,520
• Non-Member Pricing - $1,904