On May 4, 1981, a bold vision for the future of chromatography became reality. AC Analytical Controls B.V. was founded by Han Spaans, an innovator whose work would help redefine hydrocarbon analysis for decades to come.

Prior to founding AC, Han Spaans served as R&D Manager at Packard Becker B.V., a Dutch manufacturer of gas chromatographs. During his tenure, he played a direct and instrumental role in the development of the first multidimensional gas chromatography (GC) systems, including early PNA (Paraffins, Naphthenes, Aromatics) methodologies. These advances laid the technical groundwork for what would become a defining moment in petroleum analysis.

In the early 1980s, a major oil company posed a significant industry challenge: extend traditional PNA / PINA analysis to full PIONA characterization. Working directly with this customer, Han Spaans helped create the world’s first PIONA analyzer, the breakthrough that directly led to the establishment of AC Analytical Controls B.V. From its very beginning, AC was built on close collaboration with industry leaders and a commitment to solving real analytical problems through innovation. Now, 45 years later, that founding spirit remains at the core of AC Analytical Controls. The company continues to develop advanced analytical systems such as the Reformulyzer^®, along with a broad portfolio of specialized chromatography solutions serving today’s most demanding applications.

AC built GC analyzers are widely deployed and trusted throughout the industry, with flagship applications including:

• Reformulyzer^®
  A proven gas chromatography (GC) solution that incorporates multiple international standard test methods in a single, integrated platform.
• SIMDIS with SimDis XLNC Reporting
  A comprehensive suite including High Temperature SIMDIS, DHASIMDIS Crude Oil software with merge principle, and CNS SIMDIS for Crude Oil, enabling detailed boiling point distribution analysis across complex matrices.
• Hi-Speed RGA with RGA/NGA XLNC Reporting
  A high-speed refinery gas analyzer that determines and reports the composition of refinery gas streams within minutes, supporting rapid operational decisions.
• DHA Combi Systems
  A unique analytical approach accommodating both light petroleum streams and light ends in crude oil within a single system architecture.

Across the entire portfolio, PAC Powered by AC analyzers are designed to meet the rigorous requirements of globally approved testing applications and are aligned with standards issued by ASTM, CEN, DIN, ISO, and other international standardization organizations.

Earlier this month, PAC Powered by AC employees gathered at the Rotterdam facility to celebrate this 45-year milestone and reflect on the company’s remarkable journey. The celebration also included a special moment to honor founder Han Spaans and his lasting impact on the chromatography industry.

Han’s family joined the event and presented the team with a framed drawing of AC’s original office and production site in Schipluiden, where Han first began building the GC analyzer business. The gift now holds a special place within the Rotterdam facility as a reminder of the company’s origins, entrepreneurial spirit, and the lasting impact of Han’s vision on the chromatography industry.

For 45 years, AC Analytical Controls^® has stood at the intersection of scientific rigor, practical application, and customer-driven innovation. What began as a response to a single analytical challenge has grown into a global legacy of trusted solutions that continue to shape how hydrocarbons are analyzed worldwide.

As a proud PAC brand, AC Analytical Controls B.V. continues looking forward towards advancing the next generation of chromatography continuing the mission set in motion in 1981 of turning analytical complexity into clarity, confidence, and control.