Following the acquisition of the particle analysis and counting company Malvern Instruments by the Fairey Group earlier this year, an opportunity to combine expertise in particle counting with Particle Measuring Systems has arisen. The two companies are to combine their particle counting businesses in a single organisation to focus on sales and service of contamination control instrumentation.

The arrangement is mutually beneficial, drawing together the expertise of Malvern Instruments, with its focus on pharmaceutical markets with the market leading position of PMS in the semiconductor and microelectronics fields. Particle counting instruments and facility monitoring systems will bear the PMS brand name, whilst Malvern Instruments will focus on particle size analysis and characterisation, creating a clear brand identity associated with these respective activities.

The merger of the two businesses will take place from January 1998. In the intervening period, both PMS and Malvern particle counting businesses will be managed by Dr. David Hall.

COURSES

Whilst there is an increasing demand for environmental cleanliness in many spheres today, it is hard to find suitable training for those who work in cleanrooms on the general market. At this year's CMMP conference (Condensed Matter and Materials) the Institute of Physics is offering a one day course on cleanroom technology, encompassing basic design considerations; validation and standards; personnel selection and induction training; reducing fire exposure; and a case study. Speakers are drawn from companies actively involved in the design of cleanrooms and cleanroom equipment, and a case study is presented by Tom Stevenson of Edinburgh University Microfabrication Facility, where a new cleanroom was recently installed.

The course is intended to benefit primarily those whose work is carried out in cleanrooms. It is intended that delegates will gain an insight into the design considerations, appropriate levels of cleanliness for a variety of functions, achievable levels of cleanliness, and reasoning underlying methods of operation. This will enable delegates to make informed decisions, both when dealing with colleagues and equipment suppliers, and when initiating new processes and working practices.

The course will run in Exeter on 18th December 1997, alongside CMMP, which incorporates both a conference and an exhibition. The full cost is £195 plus VAT .