Overview

Background/
Definitions

Topic
Introduction

Activity 1.1

Activity 1.2

Activity 1.3

Particle Counting Form

Assessment

Developer Bio

User Evaluation Form

Particle Counting Technology

Purpose Statement
This module is designed to provide training in Particle Counting of liquid samples to help meet the cleanliness standards in various industries, such as petroleum, power generation, pulp and paper, and steel. In an academic setting, it could be used in biology, biotechnology, chemistry, or environmental technology courses.

Learning and Teaching Methodology
This module can be used in its entirety for certification*, or as a series of "mix-and-match" activities for training or refresher courses (recertification, etc.), based on:

1. the budget and equipment available
2. wet lab activities, if a laboratory is available
3. time constraints
4. interest in certification, which requires a practical examination.

Methodology includes:

1. face to face workshops for the wet lab activities
2. online information for students to use in the classroom and workplace (plants or offshore, etc.)

1. knowledge of particles and their size ranges
2. the correct methods for taking perfect and consistent samples
3. familiarization with microscopes and the different techniques of microscopy
4. the correct techniques of particle counting using a microscope and special calculation tables
5. relating the particle counts to the standards used in their specific industries
6. the knowledge of the same basic concept that can be used differently in different industries, which will be very useful if the student changes jobs (from one industry to another).

1. Can teach this module in its entirety for certification purposes.
2. Can use only parts of the module to incorporate into their own industry's requirements or even their own company's training manuals.
3. Can use each part as a refresher course every year or so for retraining, recertification, remediation, etc.

1. Can work by themselves, or in small groups (pairs, etc.) to share their samples with each other, and also compare the results of their count with the other groups, to ensure consistency.
2. Depending on their branches of the workforce/industry, the students can have some degree of control over the choice of activities and/or outcome.
3. Have the option of learning the use of the basic knowledge in other industries as well as their own, which will be very beneficial if a change in careers is expected in the future.