Online Distillation Analyser Now Includes Density Analysis for Cetane Index

PAC (USA), a specialist global provider of advanced analytical instruments for laboratories and online process applications, recently released its latest version of the MicroDist, the most advanced online distillation analyser on the market. Its unique technology provides complete and accurate distillation and density analysis in a single instrument. With the new density analysis, the applications for the MicroDist are expanded, including calculating the Cetane Index for diesel fuel process streams and intermediate blends according to ASTM D4737 and D976.

With complete distillation results in less than 10 minutes that correlate to ASTM D86, the MicroDist enables refineries to make quick and accurate decisions to continuously control the process and increase profitability. With this instrument, refineries are able to maximise production with cut point optimisation of the crude oil; increasing T90% by 1°C may result in .5% to 1% additional diesel production, which can, depending on production levels, increase profits up to $1 Million.

"Refining business complexity keeps increasing, making timely decisions even more important to drive improved profitability for our customers,” said Daniel Benitez, PAC Vice-President of Process Analytics. “Recognising this challenge, the expanded analytical capability of the MicroDist supports process plant optimisation and reduces product quality giveaway.”