Prof. Daryl Williams, Founder & MD of SMS, Inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineers
DISCLAIMER: Story not to be shared on social media
Among the many exciting developments at Surface Measurement Systems in 2023, our Founder & MD, Prof. Daryl Williams, was recognized for his lifelong contributions to the field of engineering by being elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Along with 73 other leading figures in the field of engineering and technology, Prof. Williams was inducted into the Academy in a special ceremony on 28th November, officiated by HRH Princess Anne. In joining the Fellowship, they will lend their unique capabilities to achieving the Academy’s overarching strategic goal to harness the power of engineering to create a sustainable society and an inclusive economy for all.
More about Prof. Daryl Williams
Professor Daryl Williams is an internationally recognised expert in particle engineering and inventor of novel powder surface characterisation instruments, globally commercialised by his Surface Measurement Systems. The Dynamic Vapour Sorption (DVS) technique allows rapid determination of moisture sensitivity of powders, particularly drug formulations. It is used by every major pharmaceutical company in the world and in more than 1,000 universities and research laboratories.
His research group at Imperial College has consistently produced solutions for international companies on materials manufacture, characterization, and performance. As academic lead for the Imperial College Carbon Capture Pilot Plant he has pioneered hands-on engineering teaching, outreach and research on climate change mitigation.
A Message from Daryl
It’s been an important year for Surface Measurement Systems globally, full of bold new steps for the business. Among the many exciting developments was the launch of our new contract analysis business, Particle Characterization Laboratories, in Hyderabad, India back in February. From there we’ve continued to grow and expand our sales and service teams across the world, elevating our customer engagement even further. This is coupled with an expansion of our research and development as well as the Science teams, to support our plans for product development. A key feature of 2023 has been new faces! As we expand the global ambitions for the business, I have had the pleasure of welcoming many new staff to Surface Measurement Systems globally.
The last 12 months saw the release not only of a brand-new website and online customer portal (www.sorptionhub.com), but Surface Measurement Systems also launched ground-breaking new instruments for developing new carbon capture materials; the DVS Carbon family. These products are being closely followed by two innovative Break Through Analysis (BTA) products; the BTA Horizon and BTA-Frontier. All of these products are receiving strong market interest. Of course, we continue to improve and develop our current products including a new family of improved microbalances and an updated IGC-SEA product including a high temperature capability. I would like to thank all of the Surface Measurement Systems staff for their dedication and hard work performed in 2023- we really do appreciate it. We look forward to continuing to serve the global sorption community with innovative solutions, unparalleled aftersales care, world-leading scientific support in an exciting 2024. Festive greetings from the Surface Measurement Systems team! |
SMS Employee Milestones
A few of our veteran employees have crossed some big milestones in the last year! We wanted to highlight the colleagues who have passed a significant market in the length of service they have dedicated to the company.
Thank you all for your invaluable contributions, we couldn’t have done it without you!
New starters & Qualifications
Important Milestones for the SMS Team
The team at Surface Measurement Systems continues to expand, with every office seeing new members join us for the exciting times ahead! As well as this, are existing team mates are making huge strides in their own development, marking off some big achievements in the past 6 months.
Below is a quick review of who has joined us in the last few months, and who has passed some big milestones in their own personal development.
New Team members
Qualifications
Prof. Daryl Williams, Founder & MD of SMS, Inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineers
DISCLAIMER: Story not to be shared on social media
Among the many exciting developments at Surface Measurement Systems in 2023, our Founder & MD, Prof. Daryl Williams, was recognized for his lifelong contributions to the field of engineering by being elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Along with 73 other leading figures in the field of engineering and technology, Prof. Williams was inducted into the Academy in a special ceremony on 28th November, officiated by HRH Princess Anne. In joining the Fellowship, they will lend their unique capabilities to achieving the Academy’s overarching strategic goal to harness the power of engineering to create a sustainable society and an inclusive economy for all.
More about Prof. Daryl Williams
Professor Daryl Williams is an internationally recognised expert in particle engineering and inventor of novel powder surface characterisation instruments, globally commercialised by his Surface Measurement Systems. The Dynamic Vapour Sorption (DVS) technique allows rapid determination of moisture sensitivity of powders, particularly drug formulations. It is used by every major pharmaceutical company in the world and in more than 1,000 universities and research laboratories.
His research group at Imperial College has consistently produced solutions for international companies on materials manufacture, characterization, and performance. As academic lead for the Imperial College Carbon Capture Pilot Plant he has pioneered hands-on engineering teaching, outreach and research on climate change mitigation.
Blog: Evaluating Materials for Carbon Capture, Unveiling the Power of DVS Carbon
The growing need to combat climate change has intensified the quest for sustainable solutions, leading researchers to explore innovative methods for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
Among the wide array of materials under scrutiny, solid sorbents have emerged as promising candidates, offering unique mechanisms for capturing and storing Carbon Dioxide (CO2). In this blog post, we unravel the transformative capabilities of the DVS Carbon, a high-resolution gravimetric sorption analyzer, and its pivotal role in evaluating materials for CCUS applications.
The Landscape of Solid Sorbents in CCUSAs the urgency to decarbonize our society accelerates, the scientific community is navigating a complex landscape of materials that have potential in addressing the challenges of carbon capture. From metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to zeolites and activated carbons, researchers are exploring diverse avenues to find materials that can efficiently and sustainably capture CO2. The efficacy of these materials, however, hinges not only on their capacity to absorb CO2 but also on their performance under realistic and dynamic process conditions. Challenges in Material EvaluationEffectively evaluating materials for CCUS demands a multifaceted approach. Beyond assessing the quantity of CO2 a material can absorb, researchers must consider a spectrum of factors such as working capacity, kinetics, selectivity, stability, thermal properties, and cost considerations. A recent collaboration between researchers at Imperial College in London and industry experts resulted in the formulation of best practices, emphasizing the need for complete characterization metrics and in-process relevant conditions. |
The Crucial Role of DVS Carbon in Material Evaluation
In this landscape of complex challenges and evolving best practices, the DVS Carbon stands as stands out as a promising solution. Developed with the express purpose of enabling precise and realistic testing of materials for CCUS, the DVS Carbon is a gravimetric sorption analyzer that transcends traditional measurement tools. Let’s explore the key features that make the DVS Carbon an indispensable instrument in the pursuit of sustainable carbon capture solutions.
Gravimetric Precision and Real-Time MonitoringAt the heart of the DVS Carbon lies its gravimetric basis, leveraging a highly sensitive symmetric SMS Ultrabalance. This microbalance facilitates direct measurements of changes in sample mass with unparalleled precision, reaching down to the microgram level. This real-time monitoring capability with sub-second resolution is foundational in understanding the dynamic nature of material interactions with CO2 under varying conditions. Dynamic Flow System for Realistic ConditionsThe DVS Carbon’s dynamic flow system is a cornerstone of its capability to simulate realistic process conditions. By precisely controlling CO2 concentration, flow rates, temperature and humidity, researchers can mimic diverse scenarios, from Direct Air Capture with low CO2 concentrations to post-combustion conditions with high temperature and CO2 gas concentrations. This flexibility is instrumental in obtaining insights into material performance that align with real-world applications. Innovation in Sensor TechnologyTo enhance its performance, the DVS Carbon incorporates patented speed-of-sound sensors. This sensor technology, specially redesigned for this purpose, enables the high-accuracy measurement of carbon dioxide concentrations in the gas phase. Operating within a range of up to 100 percent CO2 by volume, these sensors contribute to the instrument’s ability to capture nuanced changes during absorption and desorption processes. In the following sections, we will delve into case studies that exemplify the DVS Carbon’s capabilities in evaluating materials under realistic conditions, as well as exploring other novel instrumentations pioneering new capabilities in this space, offering a glimpse into their potential impact on advancing carbon capture technologies. |
Case Study 1: Evaluating Quicklime for Direct Air Capture
Direct Air Capture (DAC) represents a cutting-edge technology with the potential to play a pivotal role in combating climate change by actively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In this quest for scalable and efficient DAC solutions, the evaluation of materials like quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO) takes center stage. The detailed analysis of quicklime’s performance, as conducted through the DVS Carbon, offers critical insights into its suitability as a DAC sorbent. Understanding the kinetics and dependencies of quicklime’s CO2 capture in varying humidity levels and temperatures provides essential data for designing DAC systems that can operate under real-world atmospheric conditions. As the urgency to mitigate rising CO2 levels intensifies, the research into quicklime’s viability for DAC underscores the tangible impact of material science in the global effort to combat climate change |
Experimental Procedure:
Results & Insights:
Hydration and Carbonation Kinetics:The experiments revealed that the hydration and carbonation kinetics of CaO are highly influenced by the level of humidity. The higher the humidity, the faster the reactions, showcasing the material’s sensitivity to water content. This insight is critical for assessing the material’s performance in realistic flue gas conditions where varying humidity levels are encountered. Water Uptake and Thermal Regeneration:The recorded water isotherms provided valuable data on the material’s affinity for water. The subsequent thermal regeneration step demonstrated the feasibility of completely transforming CaO to calcium hydroxide, confirming the full extent of the process. Real-World Implications:Understanding the kinetics and dependencies on humidity allows researchers to tailor the use of CaO in direct air capture scenarios. The ability to control and optimize the carbonation process is crucial for the material’s practical application in industrial settings. |
Case Study 2: 13x Zeolite for Post-Combustion CO2 Capture
The pursuit of effective post-combustion CO2 capture technologies is paramount in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes and power generation. Within this landscape, the assessment of 13X zeolite’s performance, as explored through the DVS Carbon and BTA Frontier, bears significant real-world implications. This versatile material, known for its high CO2 uptake capacity, undergoes rigorous examination under varying conditions, including the presence of water vapor. Such research is pivotal for industrial applications, where flue gases often contain a mixture of CO2 and water vapor.
Understanding how 13X zeolite interacts with these gases informs the design of CO2 capture systems tailored for post-combustion settings, thereby contributing to more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy production. In essence, the study of 13X zeolite underscores the tangible contributions of materials science in the global endeavor to reduce carbon emissions and transition toward cleaner energy sources. |
Experimental Procedure:
Results & Insights:
Competitive Adsorption of CO2 and WaterSingle-Component Isotherms:The isotherms revealed that 13x exhibits a high uptake for both CO2 and water. However, even at low concentrations, water seems to saturate the material more rapidly than CO2. This highlights the competitive nature of water and its potential to impact the material’s performance in post-combustion scenarios. Multi-Component Breakthrough Experiments:The breakthrough experiments provided a dynamic perspective, showing that water and CO2 compete for adsorption sites. The total uptake of CO2 was significantly reduced when introduced simultaneously with water, emphasizing the need to consider water’s impact in practical flue gas conditions. Real-World Implications:These findings underscore the importance of understanding the water-CO2 competition when evaluating materials like 13x for post-combustion CO2 capture. The DVS Carbon and BTA Frontier tandem offers a holistic view, enabling researchers to gauge the material’s performance in complex industrial settings. |
The Breakthrough Analyzer (BTA) Frontier:
Illuminating Competitive Adsorption
In tandem with the DVS Carbon, the Breakthrough Analyzer (BTA) Frontier stands as a pivotal instrument in the arsenal for comprehensively understanding the adsorption dynamics of materials, especially in scenarios involving competitive adsorption of multiple gases. |
In a breakthrough analysis (BTA) method a known gas mixture is passed through a fixed bed or material, and the concentration is monitored at the end of a packed column of adsorbent. The shape of the resulting breakthrough curve provides equilibrium, bed transport and kinetic information. It is one of the few methods which can be used to determine true multicomponent adsorption data: e.g., individual uptakes of two or more components in a mixture.
Multi-Component Breakthrough Experiments:
Simultaneous Gas Introduction:Like the DVS Carbon, the BTA Frontier allows the introduction of multiple gases simultaneously, mimicking real-world conditions where various gases compete for adsorption sites. Dynamic Breakthrough Curves:By continuously monitoring the mass balance over a packed bed, researchers gain insights into how different gases interact with the material over time. |
Quantitative Uptake Analysis:
Integration of Breakthrough Curves:The breakthrough curves obtained can be integrated to quantitatively determine the total and individual uptakes of each gas. Realistic Industrial Conditions:The instrument enables experiments under conditions representative of industrial settings, providing actionable data for material evaluation. |
Versatility and Adaptability:
Customizable Experimental Parameters:Researchers can tailor experiments to specific industrial scenarios by adjusting parameters such as gas concentrations, flow rates, and temperature. Complementary to Gravimetric Analysis:When coupled with gravimetric instruments like the DVS Carbon, the BTA Frontier offers a holistic approach to understanding material behavior. |
Illuminating Material Performance:
In the context of competitive adsorption, the BTA Frontier shines a light on how gases interact with a material in real-world scenarios. Its ability to simulate and quantify competitive adsorption provides invaluable insights for researchers and engineers aiming to deploy materials in practical applications, where multiple gases coexist and vie for adsorption.
Whether it’s elucidating the interplay between CO2 and water vapor in post-combustion flue gas or exploring the dynamics of other gas mixtures, the BTA Frontier adds a layer of depth to the understanding of material performance under complex industrial conditions. |
Conclusion:
The DVS Carbon emerges as a transformative instrument in the landscape of material evaluation for CCUS. Its ability to provide real-time, high-resolution data under diverse conditions empowers researchers to make informed decisions in selecting materials for carbon capture. As we navigate the complexities of decarbonization, tools like the DVS Carbon play a pivotal role in accelerating the development of sustainable solutions.
For a more in-depth understanding of the DVS Carbon and its applications, please download the instrument brochure below, or instead find out more on its produce page
Exploring BET Specific Surface Area in new iGC-SEA study
SMS are happy to bring you a new study demonstrating the effectiveness of employing the iGC technique to explore the BET Specific Surface Area of pharmaceutical carriers.
This study was conducted as part of an effort to explore the use of mesoporous silica for the delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs that are stabilized in a noncrystalline form. Demonstrating key functions of the iGC, this study captures how sorption science is employed in the development of live-saving pharmaceutical breakthroughs.
Exploring BET Specific Surface Area in new iGC-SEA study
SMS are happy to bring you a new study demonstrating the effectiveness of employing the iGC technique to explore the BET Specific Surface Area of pharmaceutical carriers.
This study was conducted as part of an effort to explore the use of mesoporous silica for the delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs that are stabilized in a noncrystalline form. Demonstrating key functions of the iGC, this study captures how sorption science is employed in the development of live-saving pharmaceutical breakthroughs.
Dr. Paul Iacomi, SMS Research Manager, Secures £1.2M Future Leaders Fellowship
Dr. Paul IACOMI, Research Manager at Surface Measurement Systems, has been selected for the prestigious Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF), a program designed to foster and support talented individuals across various research and innovation environments.
The FLF initiative, backed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is aimed at developing the next generation of world-class leaders in academia and business. It is a highly competitive, multi-phase process. There have been only 75 future leaders fellows this year, with only 3 FLF grants awarded to researchers in private institutions. This fellowship not only provides a platform for early career researchers and innovators but also serves as an opportunity for UK academic and commercial organizations to cultivate and attract top-tier talent.
A Forward-Looking FellowshipDr. IACOMI, known for his contributions in the field of sorption, porous materials and carbon capture, will be utilizing the £1.2M fellowship to tackle an ambitious and R&D initiative over the next four years. The research project targets challenges in characterizing complex porous materials, proposing the integration of alternative technological approaches with traditional sorption techniques. Their hyphenation will provide simultaneous physicochemical and kinetic descriptors, meaning the combined instrument has the potential to revolutionize sorption instrumentation, offering insights into diffusion, pore filling, and molecular mobility. This innovative hyphenation aims to enhance material understanding, with applications spanning material characterisation, carbon capture, cement drying, polymer hydration, environmental remediation, and water harvesting. The collaboration leverages Surface Measurement Systems’ 30 years of experience in gravimetric sorption devices, making the proposed instrument a cost-effective and versatile solution for addressing critical challenges in energy, the environment, and manufacturing, together with collaborators from UK and International universities. |
Who are Surface Measurement Systems?Surface Measurement Systems specialize in the development and engineering of advanced instrumentations and innovative experimental techniques for the physicochemical characterization of complex solids. With over 30 years’ experience in the field, SMS have developed a range of groundbreaking gravimetric sorption analyzers that are favored by sorption researchers across the globe. Offering world-class technical & scientific support to our customers, we are always pushing the boundaries of what is possible in sorption science. |
About Surface Measurement Systems
A quick introduction to SMS
Find out more about Surface Measurement Systems
To find out more about Surface Measurement Systems, explore our website further using the link below.
The Fellowship for 2024 will be kicked off at the FLF Annual Conference in February 2024. Find out more using the link below.
A Look at the Carbon Capture Networking Night
Unveiling Success: A Night of Collaboration and Passion for a Sustainable Future!
At this year’s AICHE Conference, SMS hosted an exclusive networking reception centered around Carbon Capture. The event seamlessly united leading researchers in carbon capture, creating an unforgettable evening marked by profound connections and collaborative exchanges with experts in the field.
Prof. Daryl Williams Toasts to Excellence in Carbon Capture Research
Professor Daryl Williams took the stage to deliver a toast during the evening. With enthusiasm, he not only celebrated the latest strides in carbon capture research but also took the moment to acknowledge and announce the prize winners!
Revolutionizing Carbon Capture: The DVS Carbon Steals the Show
The DVS Carbon, prominently featured at the event, emerged as the focal point of discussions and admiration. As a groundbreaking sorption analyzer, the DVS Carbon is tailored for cutting-edge applications in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). This advanced instrument allows precise measurements of CO2 uptake in real-world conditions, offering control over temperature and humidity across a wide range of CO2 concentrations.