In the world of material science, a single metallic burr on a washer or a microscopic particle in a saline drip can be the difference between a high-performing product and a catastrophic failure. Particle Technology Labs (PTL), chemists like Justin Williams don’t just run tests; they serve as investigators and consultants.
Now a Chemist III, Justin’s journey at PTL began 12 years ago with a pair of gloves and a commitment to precision. Starting as a part-time laboratory technician cleaning glassware and prepping solutions, he advanced through “professional osmosis”—gaining experience technique by technique. To date, he has mastered over 30 different analytical techniques, specializing in some of the lab’s most niche and critical cleanliness standards.
The “Melting Pot” of Analysis
While many chemists specialize in a single area, Justin spent a decade in PTL’s Adsorption and Physical Measurement Group, which he describes as the “melting pot of analysis.” This lab handles surface area, pore sizing, sieving, and all other physical measurements that fall outside our typical particle size analyses.
“It’s really about solving a client’s problem,” Justin explains. “They come to us with a challenge, and we use a slew of techniques—from Sieving and Density Testing to Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)—to help them reach a conclusion and solution.
Currently, Justin has transitioned to the Particle Counting and Microscopy Group. This work is vital for industries where “clean” can be a life-or-death requirement, such as in medical devices. By pushing liquid samples through high-precision sensors, Justin can detect voltage drops that correlate to particle size and concentration. For instance, ensuring that ophthalmic eye drops or IV bags are free of harmful contaminants.
Specialization: The ISO 16232 Standard
One of Justin’s current areas of expertise is a niche within the automotive industry: ISO 16232. This ~nearly 200-page document outlines the rigorous standards for the cleanliness of automotive components.
Using the JOMESA HFD4, a sophisticated image analysis microscope, Justin can scan entire filters to identify whether a particle is metallic or non-metallic, as well as classifying fibers.
“If you’ve got a little metal burr on a washer in a car, it could short something out, and suddenly you’ve got a big problem,” Justin says. “Our job is to find those risks before they hit the assembly line.”
The ISO 16232 is a good example of PTL’s adaptation to industry needs. “We’re always adding new services and techniques, like this ISO 16232.” Justin continued, “That’s something that got off the ground a couple of years ago, and we’ve been steadily increasing our work in that area.”
More Than Just Data: The PTL Consultative Approach
Why do clients choose PTL over other labs? According to Justin, it isn’t just about the equipment; it’s about the consultation. “PTL isn’t afraid to say, ‘Though you requested this particular test, it isn’t the most appropriate for what you need,'” says Justin. “It’s about what the client actually needs.”
This collaborative spirit extends across the laboratory’s three departments. With over 30 experts across various disciplines, the chemists frequently collaborate, asking each other if a different technique—like Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry for pore network analysis or Laser Diffraction for size distribution—might yield a more accurate answer for a specific sample.
The PTL Difference: Versatility and Expertise
Working at PTL means seeing an immense variety of samples from numerous industries. Justin has tested everything from pleasant-smelling chocolate powders to more “visceral” samples like water filtration for pig slaughterhouses.
Whether it’s improving the quality of life in the lab through automation—like using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) with auto-samplers—or spending hours interpreting complex data for a client, the goal remains the same: providing clarity in a world of particulates.
For Justin, the most rewarding part of the last 12 years isn’t just the 30+ techniques he’s mastered; it’s the people. “The collaboration between experts here is unique. There’s a lot of experience just amongst all the people here in the particle sizing and characterization field.”
Expertise. That is one of Particle Technology Lab’s core values. Justin Williams and our entire team of chemists and technicians exemplify this core value. They are ready to help you solve some of your biggest problems by examining the smallest of particles.
