Full Range of DHA Solutions - Detailed Hydrocarbon Analysis of Light Petroleum Streams and Light End in Crude Oils

Significance of the Topic

The detailed characterization of hydrocarbon fractions in light petroleum streams and crude oil light ends is a cornerstone of modern refining and fuel production. Reliable data on individual hydrocarbon components enable refiners to optimize blending, meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations, and maximize overall process profitability.

Objectives and Study Overview

This summary presents the range of Detailed Hydrocarbon Analysis (DHA) solutions offered by PAC’s AC Analytical Controls, highlighting workflow-oriented software, method compliance with major international standards, and innovative approaches such as the DHA Combi and AC8612 thermodynamic modeling.

Methods and Instrumentation

Gas chromatographic methods are configured to follow ASTM D5134, D6729, D6730, D6733 for light streams, and ASTM D7900, IP 601, EN 15199-4 for crude light ends. A Fast DHA variant achieves full hydrocarbon speciation of gasoline blending streams in under 28 minutes. The patented AC8612 algorithm uses thermodynamic modeling to deliver complete D86 distillation group results in as little as 8 minutes.

Used Instrumentation

The core platform is an Agilent 8890 gas chromatograph equipped with AC DHA inlet modules. Key elements include:

• DHA XLNC software for intuitive, workflow-driven control, intelligent peak identification, co-elution handling, and one-click report generation.
• Specialized inlet configurations enabling DHA Combi dual-application analysis in a single GC system.
• Liquid nitrogen or CO₂ cryogenic oven cooling and high-purity carrier and detector gases.

Main Results and Discussion

PAC’s DHA solutions demonstrate full compliance with leading test standards while delivering rapid and accurate hydrocarbon group quantification. Fast DHA achieves complete C1–C9 speciation in spark ignition fuels within 28 minutes. The DHA Combi integrates crude–oil light end and gasoline-range methods in a unified workflow. AC8612 modeling correlates closely with physical distillation curves, enhancing throughput and safety.

Benefits and Practical Applications

These DHA systems provide refiners and analytical laboratories with:

• Faster time to result and high throughput.
• Improved accuracy through advanced software and dual-application capabilities.
• Full adherence to ASTM, IP, and EN methods for QA/QC and regulatory reporting.
• Streamlined LIMS integration and flexible reporting options.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements are expected in real-time process monitoring through online GC integration, expanded use of thermodynamic modeling for additional distillation cuts, and incorporation of machine learning for automated peak assignment and predictive maintenance.

Conclusion

PAC’s comprehensive DHA portfolio—including Fast DHA, DHA Combi, and AC8612—offers a versatile, standards-compliant, and high-performance solution for detailed hydrocarbon analysis, supporting operational efficiency and product quality across the refining industry.