Software for PONA/DHA Analysis PONAsolution for LabSolutions

Importance of PONA/DHA Analysis

PONA/DHA analysis is a cornerstone technique in petroleum refining and quality control. By classifying hydrocarbon components into paraffins, olefins, naphthenes, and aromatics (PONA) and performing detailed hydrocarbon analysis (DHA), refineries gain critical insight into feedstock properties, optimize process conditions, and ensure product specifications are met reliably.

Objectives and Study Overview

This summary reviews the PONAsolution software for LabSolutions designed to streamline PONA/DHA workflows according to ASTM standards D5134, D6729, D6730, and D6733. The key goals include seamless data handling, precise component identification, and efficient reporting to support process control and quality assurance in petroleum analysis.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The PONAsolution integrates directly with GC data from Shimadzu systems without file conversion. Core instrumentation and software requirements include:

• GC-2030 with split/splitless injector and FID detector
• CRG-2030 cooling system (LN2/CO2)
• AOC-30i/AOC-20i autosampler
• LabSolutions LC/GC control software Ver. 5.96 SP3 or later
• PONAsolution Ver.6 running on Windows 10 or 11

Key identification features include A ART (Automatic Adjustment of Retention Time) using retention index libraries, two-point identification for targeted interval correction, and a PIONA filter to highlight specific hydrocarbon classes on chromatograms.

Main Results and Discussion

PONAsolution offers a unified data file approach, consolidating raw chromatograms, GC conditions, result tables, and library information. This eliminates third-party CDF conversions, preserving metadata and accelerating analysis. High-precision retention time adjustments accommodate column trimming or instrument changes. The software supports dual-line analysis, simultaneous control of up to four GCs, automatic result processing, and PDF report generation. Using SH-PONA columns with GC-2030 delivers the resolution needed for accurate DHA in complex gasoline matrices.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Streamlined data management with single data file storage
• Automated, high-accuracy component identification and quantification
• Flexible retention time correction to maintain library relevance
• Comprehensive reporting and QA/QC documentation
• Scalable analysis across multiple instruments from a single PC

These advantages support refinery labs in routine monitoring, troubleshooting process upsets, and validating product compliance.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Emerging directions for PONA/DHA analysis include cloud-based library updates, AI-driven peak deconvolution and classification, real-time process monitoring integration, expansion to biofuel and alternative feedstock analysis, and incorporation of chemometric models for advanced sample characterization.

Conclusion

PONAsolution for LabSolutions significantly enhances PONA/DHA analytical workflows by integrating instrumentation control, data processing, and reporting into a cohesive platform. Its precision, automation, and ease of use make it a valuable asset for refining operations and industrial QC laboratories.

Reference

• Shimadzu Corporation, C180-E090A Software for PONA/DHA Analysis, First Edition February 2019