Press Releases: 2024

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PAC Releases the New ZyNthAir Gas Mixer as a Reliable Alternative to Synthetic Air

November

HOUSTON, TEXAS / November 21, 2024

PAC, a global leader in advanced analytical instruments for laboratories and online process applications, is pleased to announce the release of its latest software solution, RGA/NGA XLNC for the IRIS platform. This now integrated solution replaces the former GasXLNC stand-alone software, providing an upgraded, comprehensive tool for gas chromatograph (GC) analysis and reporting within refinery and natural gas applications.

RGA/NGA XLNC offers a powerful combination of automated data management and precision calculation features, all accessible through a user-friendly interface within the IRIS platform. The software is compatible with a range of chromatographic data systems, including OpenLab CDS and OpenLab Chemstation, making it versatile for laboratories with diverse setups.

Like its predecessor, RGA/NGA XLNC complies to industry standards including ISO, ASTM, GPA, and more for detection, understanding composition, and calculating calorific values. RGA/NGA XLNC supports user-defined calculations allowing for additional functionality. One new feature allows users to perform these calculations at different metering conditions which greatly adds to the ability of tailoring the system to the user’s needs. Additionally, designed for easy calibration and traceability, the software allows users to import calibration certificates for compliance and validation, ensuring accurate, reproducible results.

Another new feature of RGA/NGA XLNC for IRIS is the new ISO 6974/6976 Defined Uncertainty Option for NGA. This add-on module provides uncertainty calculations, chain-of-custody tracking, and multi-level sample repeat capabilities. This option is particularly valuable for users who require detailed adherence to these ISO specifications, offering a robust solution for advanced natural gas analysis and documentation.

With automated data import, click-and-drag functionality, and extensive customization options, RGA/NGA XLNC enables laboratories to optimize workflows, reduce analysis time, and maintain high accuracy across a wide range of analysis conditions. Designed for compatibility with Windows 10 and 11, the software is a reliable, high-performing solution for both refinery gas and natural gas analyzers, setting a new standard in data accuracy, flexibility, and regulatory compliance.

“With the launch of RGA/NGA XLNC, we’re providing our customers with an advanced, streamlined solution for gas analysis in the oil and gas industry,” said Pete Morris, president of PAC. “This software represents our commitment to innovation, offering unmatched accuracy, flexibility, and ease of use—all within a single platform. We’re excited to see how RGA/NGA XLNC empowers our customers to achieve even higher standards in efficiency and precision across their operations.”

About PAC

PAC is a leading global manufacturer of advanced analytical instruments, delivering solutions for the petrochemical, hydrocarbon, process, aviation, packaging, pharmaceutical, renewable fuel, and medical device industries since 1931. PAC is headquartered in Houston, Texas and is a subsidiary of Indicor, LLC.

PAC Releases the New ZyNthAir Gas Mixer as a Reliable Alternative to Synthetic Air

September

HOUSTON, TEXAS / September 23, 2024

PAC introduces the ZyNthAir gas mixer, an accessory for the PAC Cetane CID 510 analyzer. Designed to produce constant, reliable, and accurate combustion air, this cutting-edge gas mixer ensures +/- 0.05% oxygen content, reducing the need for frequent calibration while improving repeatability across the CID 510's full measurement span.

The ZyNthAir represents a significant leap forward in cetane analysis, enabling precise combustion air by blending nitrogen with zero air using mass flow controllers (MFCs). This precise blending results in the production of combustion air tailored for the PAC Cetane CID 510 Analyzer, facilitating dependable, consistent cetane measurements.

Cetane analyzers measure the pressure changes during a combustion event of diesel or other fuels in a constant volume combustion chamber. Changes in pressure from the induction of the fuel into the chamber until the fuel ignites and fully combusts are used to calculate the cetane number. Controlling the combustion gas oxygen levels, along with temperature and pressure inside the chamber before the fuel is injected, is critical for precise, repeatable measurements of cetane.

Before the ZyNthAir, synthetic air was used as a combustion gas. Synthetic air, specified as 20% +/-0.5% oxygen, means that every time the synthetic air gas cylinder is changed, the combustion characterization changes with it. This necessitates recalibrating the cetane analyzer, costing time and expensive calibration materials.

ZyNthAir uses nitrogen and zero air to synthesize 20% oxygen, achieving reliable combustion at a fraction of the cost of synthetic air. This advanced gas mixer eliminates the necessity for frequent calibrations between gas changes, mitigating the uncertainties associated with ordering precise oxygen content in synthetic air. The result is enhanced measurement accuracy across the entire span of cetane measurements on the CID 510, delivering reliable and cost-effective cetane analysis solutions.

The ZyNthAir’s ability to uphold a consistent and precise combustion air composition sets a new industry standard, empowering researchers and refineries to achieve the most dependable and reproducible cetane measurements. By ensuring accurate combustion air generation, the ZyNthAir guarantees unparalleled reliability and ease of use for cetane analysis, revolutionizing the way fuel quality is assessed and optimized for diesel engines.

“We were very much focused on the user experience when we were developing the ZyNthAir,” said Connor Douglas, Head of Products/Product Management at PAC Process. “Removing the need for synthetic air provides tremendous cost savings and simplified maintenance requirements for the user. ZyNthAir doesn’t need cetane calibration on cylinder changes, and it’s backward compatible and plugand-play with existing CID systems. The benefits extend to better repeatability across the whole cetane measurement span while removing uncertainties of carrying out a good calibration.”

About PAC

Petroleum Analyzer Company Announces Acquisition of Icon Scientific, Ltd.

June

HOUSTON, TEXAS / November 23, 2023

Petroleum Analyzer Company, LP (PAC) is pleased to announce its acquisition of Icon Scientific Limited (Icon). Icon will be integrated into PAC's Process Solutions business, fortifying PAC's leadership in physical property analysis for midstream and downstream processing applications.

"The inclusion of Icon in the PAC portfolio aligns perfectly with our vision of becoming the world's leading analytical solutions provider customers trust for insights and innovation to drive efficiency. The consolidation of PAC and Icon portfolios enables us to harness our combined innovation capabilities, industry knowledge and application expertise to offer our customers a compelling and unique suite of online analysis solutions to drive process efficiency, supported by best-in-class, global customer service.’ - Pete Morris, President of PAC

PAC is in the business of moving the world forward, safely and sustainably. We do that by designing, manufacturing, globally distributing, and servicing the innovative analytical instruments of our leading brands. This uniquely helps the world ensure a reliable supply of both traditional and renewable sources of energy, as well as upward mobility of life experiences through petrochemicals both in laboratory and process environments.

Process Solutions by PAC is focused on serving our customers with a wide range of state-of-the-art and market leading online analyzers that provide accurate and precise real-time measurements, enabling optimization of process efficiency.

Icon Scientific is a technology-driven manufacturing company with a highly innovative range of EXcertified analyzers for midstream and downstream processing applications.

"Aligning with PAC and integrating our cutting-edge technology into PAC’s portfolio puts us in the ideal environment to grow the Icon platform, make our products and solutions available to more customers, and enhance our ability to support our customers globally.’ - Kevin Fogarty, Founder and Managing Director of Icon Scientific

The acquisition of Icon further enhances PAC's high-growth sustainability portfolio through Icon’s oneof-a-kind ethanol blending solution. This technology leverages automation and high-precision capabilities to eliminate uncertainty in the gasoline blending process, enabling refineries to achieve online certification of the final product.

"The inclusion of Icon's proprietary blending technology in PAC's Process Solutions affords us the opportunity to create an online process ecosystem for our petrochemical, pipeline, terminal, and refinery customers. We will be able to meet customer needs both now and through the long-term energy transition to more sustainable energy alternatives.’ - Patrick Riley, Vice President of Process Solutions

"We are proud to welcome Icon to our team and look forward to delivering continuous growth and innovation as we move the world forward safely and sustainably.’ - Pete Morris

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of certain regulatory approvals.

About PAC

Located in Bath, England, Icon Scientific was founded in 2009 and is a technology-driven manufacturing company with a highly innovative range of proprietary explosion-proof, certified blending optimizers, and physical property analyzers for midstream and downstream processing applications.

PAC's OptiReader™ Now Included in ASTM D1655 and D7566 Jet Fuel Specifications, Offers Advanced Testing Solutions for Aviation Fuels

May

The OptiReader is a reliable, accurate instrument for certifying fuels for aviation.

HOUSTON, TEXAS / May 7, 2024

PAC, a global leader in the manufacture of analytical instruments, is pleased to announce that the OptiReader™ has been approved for inclusion in the revised ASTM standards D1655-24 and D7566-24. This development positions the OptiReader as one of the key tools for certifying jet fuel and synthetic aviation fuel (SAF) for use in commercial and military aviation.

The OptiReader is an ellipsometric jet fuel thermal oxidation heater tube scanner designed for precise and rapid testing. It provides pass/fail results in less than 10 minutes and is fully automated, requiring no specialized training. Compliance with the latest ASTM standards means the OptiReader can be used to validate jet fuel and SAF according to industry benchmarks, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of aviation systems.

"We’re excited to announce the OptiReader is now listed in jet fuel standards ASTM D1655 and D7566. With this new development, the OptiReader, which measures the fuel deposit depths on heater tubes used in the ASTM D3241 JFTOT test, can now serve as a key test for certifying jet fuel and synthetic aviation fuel (SAF) for use in commercial and military aviation," said Ian Mitchell, Group Product Manager for Physical Properties at PAC.

The OptiReader's unique features and benefits make it a valuable addition to any aviation fuel testing laboratory:

High Precision: The OptiReader uses advanced multi-wavelength ellipsometry technology to deliver highly accurate test results with precision in accordance with ASTM D3241 requirements.

Automated and User-Friendly: The system is fully automated and features a large, user-friendly touchscreen interface, making it easy to operate without the need for specialized training or analytical knowledge.

Fast and Reliable Results: Full 2D and 3D thickness mapping, defining maximum deposit thickness and volume, is achieved in less than 10 minutes. The automated pass/fail validation minimizes human error and increases efficiency.

Integrated Data Management: The OptiReader can generate a single unified report that combines results from the JFTOT test and the OptiReader analysis. This feature streamlines data integration and provides a comprehensive view of test outcomes.

Integrated Data Management: The OptiReader can generate a single unified report that combines results from the JFTOT test and the OptiReader analysis. This feature streamlines data integration and provides a comprehensive view of test outcomes.

About PAC

PAC Unveils PACe: A Digital Connectivity Platform for Compatible PAC Products Enabling Real-Time Analytics

March

PACe supports a seamless transition of compatible PAC instruments into an integrated digital platform.

HOUSTON, TEXAS / March 26, 2024

PAC, a global leader in the manufacture of analytical instrumentation, proudly introduces PACe – a cloud-based digital platform designed to connect compatible PAC instruments. This platform provides customers with real-time insights to help drive efficient decisions regarding asset management, operational workflow, and service diagnostics.

In a rapidly changing landscape marked by economic uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, and the pursuit of net-zero emissions goals, PAC recognizes the pivotal role of digital transformation in fostering competitiveness and resilience for its customers. By leveraging extensive domain knowledge, global service capabilities, and industry-leading analytical instrumentation, PAC offers PACe as an innovative solution to support customers in their digital transformation, achieve IoT goals, and optimize laboratory efficiency.

PACe combines asset management, instrument insights, and preventative maintenance within an easy-to-deploy cloud-based architecture. By integrating seamlessly into existing IT infrastructures, PACe delivers faster, richer data, improves product margins for maximum throughput, and offers automated, real-time condition monitoring — all with regards to each organization’s safety protocols, compliancy standards, and cybersecurity programs.

A powerful tool designed to assist customers in optimizing their assets and operations, PACe refines workflow by leveraging intelligent data to forecast capacity and calculate costs – unifying the functionality of compatible PAC instruments and operational software across laboratories within the same organization.

It serves as a singular platform for accessing, analyzing, and utilizing measured and calculated data, offering features and diagnostics to meet current and future customer needs.

“The PACe platform is a remarkable advancement for PAC customers that are embracing digital transformation,” said Pete Morris, President of PAC. “Integrating PAC instruments with the digital platform offers customers improved efficiency and workflow, and helps enable informed decision-making backed by real-time data and continuous monitoring.”

For additional information about PACe, please contact your local PAC representative.

About PAC

PAC Launches the Next Generation of Sulfur and Nitrogen Detection for Gas Chromatography

April

SeNSe² uses chemiluminescence to conduct speciated sulfur and nitrogen detection to achieve regulatory compliance, protect catalysts, and maximize product quality.

HOUSTON, TEXAS / April 4, 2024

PAC announces the launch of SeNSe², its latest sulfur/nitrogen selective detector for gas chromatography (GC) applications. Sulfur and nitrogen detection are necessary in various processes across diverse market spaces. Addressing the need for speciation beyond total content reporting, SeNSe² uses the chemiluminescence detection methods to achieve enhanced sensitivity, baseline stability, equimolarity, and optimized flexibility needed for seamless integration into laboratory environments.

Designed for ease of use, SeNSe² simplifies speciated sulfur and nitrogen detection, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, safeguarding catalysts, improving product quality, and creating safer working conditions.

SeNSe² has an automatic detector functionality check made possible by its innovative G-Cal permeation device. Regular GC maintenance and even column replacement can be done without detector shutdown. The accessibility of the detector is made easier with removable panels and fast ceramics replacement. Its 7” touchscreen interface provides valuable insights into detector diagnostics and error logs, contributing to a user-friendly experience. The standalone automated leak and pressure check ensures an outstanding performance. Moreover, SeNSe² is compatible with most manufacturers' GCs, ensuring hassle-free installation.

SeNSe² can be used in a simple configuration or as part of a turnkey solution for various applications, including natural gas, benzene, light petroleum liquids, and more. SeNSe² provides solutions for ASTM D5504, ASTM D5623, ASTM D7011, ASTM D7807, and custom applications, such as carbonyl sulfide in propylene gas and nitric oxide in ethylene, are also available upon request.

“Addressing the critical need for constant monitoring of sulfur and nitrogen species in refining processes, SeNSe² ensures accurate and reliable detection, even at the lowest levels,” said Nicole M. Lock, product manager. “With unparalleled sensitivity, linearity, and long-term stability,” she continued, “SeNSe² is poised to revolutionize sulfur and nitrogen detection in gas chromatography applications.”

In terms of detection capabilities, SeNSe² excels in both low limit detection and linearity. It can detect concentrations below 0.15 pgS/sec and maintains four decades of linearity, setting a new standard in sulfur and nitrogen detection for gas chromatography applications.

About PAC