- May 03, 2016
- Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
Attendee and vendor turnout the largest in history of the event
More than 400 process and analytical professionals, industry experts and vendors from across the world gathered in Galveston, Texas, USA last week to explore and discuss the latest advances in analytical processes, techniques and applications at ISA’s annual Analysis Division Symposium.
This long-running symposium, now in its 61st year, offered a comprehensive program that included three days of technical sessions and presentations; vendor-led training; a Technology Forum and Exhibition of 80 participating companies (largest in history of event); a banquet; an annual awards ceremony; and a variety of social activities.
In all, more than 30 peer-reviewed technical papers—examining the critical issues and emerging innovations in sampling, chromatography, spectroscopy, chemiluminescence and other analytical techniques and instrumentation—were presented. Expert speakers discussed emerging trends and developments and reviewed best practices and success stories.
“This year’s symposium offered a great opportunity to hear automation and analysis experts speak passionately about their most recent findings as well as the future of process analytics,” stated attendee Rick Montgomery, a data scientist at Advanced Polymer Monitoring Technologies (APMT) in New Orleans.
On Sunday, 24 April, the day before the technical program commenced, a course on process analytic fundamentals was conducted, providing course registrants with foundational knowledge across a wide range of areas, including: gas chromatography, spectroscopy, discrete gas analysis, system design, sample conditioning systems, communications networking and more.
“This course provided me with a solid, fundamental understanding of the key components—and their importance—of process analysis,” Montgomery pointed out.
Also on Sunday, two advanced courses—Increasing Sample System Reliability by Better Design and Use of Statistical Control Charts to Determine Process Analyzer "Fit-for-Use”—were conducted.
Following the conclusion of the technical program, representatives from leading vendors and suppliers provided valuable hands-on training, specifically designed for technicians, on their newest products. Vendor training workshops were conducted by eight companies.
- ABB Analytical on the PGC5009 (SimDis) and STAR Client (gas chromatograph)
- Siemens Industry, Inc., on Maxum edition II (gas chromatograph)
- Yokogawa on GC8000 (gas chromatograph)
- Yokogawa on TDLS8000 quick startup, troubleshooting and maintenance
- AMETEK Process Instruments on the WDG-V series of combustion analyzers for control and SIS implementation
- Liquid Analytical Resource Training on Quick TOCultra
- Liquid Analytical Resource Training on Quick COD_Lab
- Falcon Analytical and Infometrix Training on Fast Process GC: Startup to Shutdown
In addition, another workshop—Recent developments in emission regulations for refineries and petrochemical plants—was organized and conducted by a group of ISA volunteers.
At the awards ceremony, ISA’s Analysis Division presented three 2016 Gilmer Thomason Fowler Konrad (GTFK) awards. The GTFK awards program, established in 1976 as a memorial to four of ISA’s past directors (Fred Gilmer, Edward Thomason, Lewis Fowler and Ken Konrad), recognizes the authors of the best technical papers in the analysis field.
The 2016 GTFK award winners are:
- Marcus Trygstad (first place)
- Tony Waters (second place)
- Daniel Merriman (third place)
In addition, VUV Analytics’ vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) optical technology was recognized as the Innovative Product of the Year. All of the symposium’s product vendors are eligible to compete in this special award category.