Introduction to Coatings Composition and Specifications. July 23-25 at the Missouri S&T campus in Rolla, Mo. Conducted by the Missouri S&T Coatings Institute at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. Course covers coatings fundamentals, including types, composition, and testing and specifications. Contact Michael Van De Mark, 573-341-4882, fax 573-341-4881 (mvandema@mst.edu, http://coatings.mst.edu).

Corrosion Engineering -- An Introduction. July 24-26 at Robroy Industries in Gilmer, Tex. Conducted by Corrosion College. Short course covers corrosion fundamentals and provides solutions for preventing industrial corrosion. Contact Starla Bickerstaff, 903-843-3461, fax 903-843-2655 (sbickerstaff@corrosioncollege.com, www.corrosioncollege.com).

Atomization, Sprays, and Atomizers. August 7-8 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick, N.J. Conducted by the Center for Professional Advancement (CFPA). Course covers atomization methods, atomizer design, spray angles and characteristics, spray dryer calculations, and atomizer specifications for various applications. Contact CFPA, 732-613-4500, fax 732-238-9113 (info@cfpa.com, www.cfpa.com).

Microencapsulation and Particle Coating. August 11-13 at the Hilton Northbrook Hotel in Northbrook, Ill. Conducted by the Center for Professional Advancement (CFPA). Course provides an up-to-date assessment of available encapsulation techniques, including basic chemical and physical principles and specific techniques and applications for various processes. Emphasis will be placed on proven techniques, results, and actual applications in various industries. Contact CFPA, 732-613-4500, fax 732-238-9113 (info@cfpa.com, www.cfpa.com).

Granulation, Tabletting, and Capsule Technology. August 18-21 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Burlingame, Calif. Conducted by the Center for Professional Advancement (CFPA). Course covers the science relating to tabletted and encapsulated pharmaceutical products. Topics include raw material testing, powder and granulation technology basics, formulation of solid dosage forms, manufacturing processes and equipment, evaluating finished products, and regulatory constraints. Contact CFPA, 732-613-4500, fax 732-238-9113 (info@cfpa.com, www.cfpa.com).

Major Testing Techniques for Plastics: an Introduction. August 19-21 at the University of Akron Polymer Training Center in Akron, Ohio. Conducted by ASTM International. Course covers basic principles, techniques, and equipment for the most commonly used physical and analytical tests on polymeric materials, including mechanical properties, chemical analysis, combustibility, instrumental analysis, electrical properties, and thermal aging. Contact ASTM, 800-262-1373, fax 610-832-9555 (service@astm.org, www.astm.org).

Corrosion Engineering -- An Introduction. August 21-23 at Robroy Industries in Gilmer, Tex. Conducted by Corrosion College. Short course covers corrosion fundamentals and provides solutions for preventing industrial corrosion. Contact Starla Bickerstaff, 903-843-3461, fax 903-843-2655 (sbickerstaff@corrosioncollege.com, www.corrosioncollege.com).

LEADVILLE, Colo. - The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum has appointed Robert G. (Bob) Hartzell executive director and president. Hartzell assumed his new responsibilities on January 1st. The museum is dedicated to the memory of the men and women who pioneered the discovery, development, and processing of the nation’s natural resources.

PITTSBURGH – Organizers of the Pittsburgh Conference are seeking papers for the 60th Annual Pittcon Conference and Exposition, to be held March 8-13, 2009, at McCormick Place South in Chicago. The program committee is accepting original, previously unpublished findings in all aspects of instrumental analysis, including chromatography, molecular and atomic spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. The deadline for abstract submission is August 15. For more information, contact Becky Hackley at 800-825-3221 or visit www.pittcon.org.

5th Annual Micro Nano Breakthrough Conference: Science to Commercialization for the Micro/Nanotechnology Economy. September 8-10 at the Hilton Hotel in Vancouver, Wash. Sponsored by the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute and the Washington Technology Center. Contact Kavinda Arthenayake, 541-737-6442, fax 541-737-9315 (kavinda@oregonstate.edu, http://oregonstate.edu/conferences/MNBC).

2008 Sustainable Packaging Forum. September 9-11 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center in Denver. Sponsored by Packaging Strategies. Contact Packaging Strategies, 800-524-7225, fax 610-436-6277 (meetings@packstrat.com, www.packstrat.com).

NACD OPSEM -- Operations Seminar and Trade Show. September 10-12 at the Caribe Royale Orlando All Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Orlando, Fla. Sponsored by the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD). Contact NACD, 703-527-6223, fax 703-527-7747 (nacdpublicaffairs@nacd.com, www.nacd.com).

83rd Annual Technical Conference. September 14-17 at the Marriott Westfields Washington Dulles in Chantilly, Va. Sponsored by the Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturers’ Association (B&CMA). Contact Kerry Kurowski, 443-545-1645, fax 410-290-8585 (kkurowski@thebcma.org, www.thebcma.org).

CP 08: Succeeding with Contract Packaging. September 16-17 at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg in Chicago. Sponsored by “Contract Packaging and “Packaging World magazines, in cooperation with the Contract Packaging Association. Contact Adriene Cooper, 312-222-1010, fax 312-222-1310 (cooper@packworld.com, www.packworld.com/cp08).

2008 AACC International Annual Meeting. September 21-24 at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. Sponsored by AACC International. Contact AACC International, 651-454-7250, fax 651-454-0766 (aacc@scisoc.org, www.aaccnet.org).

Functional Fillers 2008. September 22-24 at the Wyndham Midtown Atlanta Hotel in Atlanta. Sponsored by IntertechPira. Contact Kate Nolan, 207-781-9615, fax 207-781-2150 (knolan@intertechusa.com, www.intertechusa.com).

AFS Infrastructure, Sustainability, & Testing Management Conference. September 22-25 at Hilton University Place in Charlotte, N.C. Sponsored by the American Filtration & Separations Society (AFS). Contact Suzanne Sower, 612-861-1277, fax 612-861-7959 (kssafs@mac.com, www.afssociety.org).

INTERPHEX Canada. September 24-25 at the Palais des congrés de Montréal in Montreal. Sponsored by the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) and Reed Exhibitions. Contact Kevin Richards, 203-840-6221, fax 203-840-9221 (krichards@reedexpo.com, www.interphex.com).

2008 International Pittsburgh Coal Conference (PCC). September 29-October 2 at the Westin Convention Center in Pittsburgh. Sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering. Contact the conference secretary, 412-624-7440, fax 412-624-1480 (ipcc@pitt.edu, www.engr.pitt.edu/pcc).

POWTECH 2008. September 30-October 2 at the Exhibition Centre Nürnberg in Nürnberg, Germany. Sponsored by Nürnberg Messe. Contact Nürnberg Messe, +49-(0)-911-8606-4944, fax +49-(0)-911-8606-4945 (visitorservice@nuernbergmesse.de, www.powtech.de).

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Association of Engineering Societies (AAES) has awarded Kristina M. Johnson, The Johns Hopkins University, with the John Fritz Medal, widely considered the highest award in the engineering profession. The honor was awarded to Johnson for her internationally acknowledged expertise in optics, optoelectronic switching, and display technology. AAES represents US engineers in industry, government, and academia who are dedicated to advancing the knowledge, understanding, and practice of engineering.

MCLEAN, Va. - The Foundation of the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) has elected Jan Kuhlmann, Multivac Inc., chairman of the board and David Bryant, The David Bryant Co., treasurer of the foundation. The FPSA Foundation provides education and scholarships to reinvest in the future of the food and beverage industries.

RALEIGH, N.C. - Members of the Fiber Society elected Young Chung, Donaldson Co. Inc., president of the society for 2008 at its annual Fall Conference. Other officers elected at the conference include Gajanan Bhat, University of Tennessee, vice president; Michael Ellison, secretary; and Stephen Michielson, North Carolina State University, treasurer. The Fiber Society represents members in the field of fiber science engineering and technology and focuses on advancing scientific knowledge of fibers, fiber-based products, and fibrous materials.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Flexicon Corp. has doubled the size of its controls department at its manufacturing facility and headquarters in Bethlehem, Pa. The expansion coincided with the department’s conversion from mechanical to programmable logic relays (PLRs). The new area is equipped with simulated scale systems, electric motors, sensors, and other control equipment. Flexicon manufactures mechanical conveyors, bulk bag unloaders, weighbatching and blending systems, and other equipment for handling dry bulk materials.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - CST Industries Inc. has acquired Conservatek Industries Inc., Conroe, Tex., a manufacturer of custom-designed aluminum covers for various industries and large dome structures for dry bulk material storage. CST Industries, which also owns Columbian TecTank, Parsons, Kans., designs and manufactures factory-coated metal storage tanks and silos.

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. - ASTM International has honored John Malmgreen with an ASTM International Award of Merit and the accompanying title of fellow, the highest honor for individual contributions to standards activities. Malmgreen, Eastern Alloys Inc., received the award from Committee B02 on Nonferrous Metals and Alloys for his exemplary service in developing and promoting standards related to zinc and its alloys. ASTM International develops global standards that are accepted and used in research and development, products testing, quality systems, and commercial transactions.

HOLLAND, Mich. - National Bulk Equipment (NBE) Inc. has received NTEP certification for its bulk bag filling station’s hang-, base-, and check-weigh systems. The certification process required rigorous testing on each weigh system to prove their accuracy and repeatability over time. NBE manufactures dry bulk material handling equipment for various applications.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. - Grayling Industries has promoted Brian Todd to account manager and production coordinator for the company’s Guardian line of industrial liners. Grayling Industries manufactures protective liners for containers.

MATERIALS PARK, Ohio - The ASM Thermal Spray Society (TSS) has published “Safety Guidelines for Performing Risk Assessments,” a document intended to help workers and management improve safety in their work environment. The guidelines include an introduction to the approach and concept of a risk assessment, steps that can be taken to improve workplace safety, and examples of thermal spray hazards. The guidelines can be downloaded for free at www.asminternational.org/tss. An affiliate society of ASM International, TSS represents the global thermal spray community.

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - Inpro/Seal Co. is offering a return on investment calculation worksheet (ROI/WS) to allow users to quantify the effectiveness of bearing isolators when applied to existing equipment. The Excel-based worksheet calculates the actual costs of the bearing isolators, taking downtime and maintenance histories into consideration, and provides information on accumulated savings, total investment, net return, life-cycle costing data, and more. The worksheet can be downloaded for free at www.inpro-seal.com. Inpro/Seal manufactures bearing isolators that protect rotating equipment in bulk solids handling applications.

NAPLES, Fla. - The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and has unveiled innovative initiatives to enhance the value of existing members and spur new membership. The newly adopted initiatives include restating its mission, identifying and implementing core values, and aggressively marketing its extensive library of safety labels, safety videos, and technical publications. In addition, CEMA has redefined a “qualifying member” to include companies that manufacture outside North America but have a market presence within North America, recognizing the industry’s trend toward outsourcing conveyor fabrication. CEMA represents the leading manufacturers and designers of conveyor equipment systems and accessories.

IRVINE, Calif. - HORIBA Instruments Inc. and HORIBA Jobin Yvon Inc. have appointed Qwest Scientific Group as exclusive manufacturers’ representative for the companies’ elemental analyzer product lines in California, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. HORIBA manufactures advanced analytical and measurement instruments and systems.

ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) has announced the winners of its 2007 FMA/CNA Safety Awards. Open to all FMA and Tube & Pipe Association, International (TPA) members, the awards recognize metal fabrication companies that adhere to excellence in safety. Among the award winners are AK Tube LLC, Columbus, Ind.; B. Walter & Co. Inc., Wabash, Ind.; Great Lakes Contracting Inc., Milwaukee; McAbee Construction Inc., Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Nova Group Inc., Napa, Calif.; and Welfab Inc., North Billerica, Mass. The FMA represents metal fabricators and fabricating equipment manufacturers who work to improve the metal forming and fabricating industry.

ARLINGTON, Va. - The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has posted a video tour of a modern-day chemistry facility on its Web site at www.americanchemistry.com/planttour. The video tour allows viewers to explore the inside of an ACC member’s facility and discover how workers, community, and consumers benefit from the clean, safe, and modern facility. ACC represents companies in the business of chemistry and is committed to improved environmental, health, and safety performance.

FRANKFURT, Germany - Inorganic Chemicals, a business unit of Evonik Industries, has announced a price increase of 10 percent for its pigment carbon blacks, effective May 15. The company is a global leader in specialty chemicals.

WILMINGTON, Del. - DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers (P&IP) has announced a global price increase of $0.15/lb on all grades of its Nucrel resins, effective June 1. The acid copolymer resins provide foil adhesion to maintain package integrity in various packaging applications. The company offers various science-based products and services for the agriculture, food, construction, transportation, and other industries.

WEST PATERSON, N.J. - Cytec Industries Inc. has announced a price increase of $0.10/lb for the off-list prices of its CYMEL, MELMAC, BECKAMINE, and UFORMITE amino resins, and an increase of $0.12/lb for both the list and off-list prices for its PHENODUR pheolic resins. The price increases took effect on May 1 for all shipments in North and South America. Cytec develops, manufactures, and supplies specialty chemicals and materials.

GERMANY - interpack PROCESSES AND PACKAGING 2008, held April 24-30 in Düsseldorf, Germany, featured more than 2,700 exhibitors from 60 countries that presented innovations in packaging to 179,000 visitors from 121 nations, making it the largest-ever edition of the show. Sixty-five percent of the attendees were experts with decision-making authority, and 97 percent of the attendees gave the event top marks. According to the show’s organizer, Messe Düsseldorf, “In the event’s 50-year history, rarely has the mood in the halls been as positive, the contacts generated as abundant, and the volume of orders placed as high.” The next interpack will be held in May 2011.

ARLINGTON, Va. - The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has appointed Thomas Carter managing director for retail sustainability. Carter will oversee ACC’s efforts to work with the retail sector to implement sustainability programs for their operations and products. ACC represents companies in the business of chemistry and is committed to improved environmental, health, and safety performance.