Axcend and Compass Instruments Announce Strategic Partnership to Deliver Portable Jet Fuel Testing Solutions

Exclusive agreement brings Axcend’s FocusAnalyze™ to oil and gas markets through Compass Instruments’ industry-leading channel

LEHI, Utah, and GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – October 13, 2025 – Axcend, a leader in compact capillary liquid chromatography solutions, and Compass Instruments, a trusted provider of advanced analytical solutions for the oil and gas industries, today announced a strategic partnership to expand access to Axcend’s FocusAnalyze™ solution for jet fuel testing.

Under the agreement, Compass Instruments will serve as the exclusive channel to market for the FocusAnalyze into oil and gas markets in the United States. FocusAnalyze is the first portable solution capable of quantifying Metal Deactivator Additive (MDA) in jet fuel using ASTM D8545—the only ASTM-published method for MDA detection, which was developed using the FocusAnalyze platform itself. The compact platform enables reliable, on-site results in minutes rather than days, improving efficiency, reducing downtime, and ensuring compliance across the fuel supply chain.

“Axcend designed FocusAnalyze to address a critical need for rapid and reliable MDA detection in the field,” said Greg Ward, Chief Executive Officer at Axcend. “Partnering with Compass Instruments allows us to leverage their strong relationships and trusted reputation in the oil and gas sector to bring this innovation directly to the organizations that need it most.”

Compass Instruments’ expertise and established customer network will play a key role in introducing FocusAnalyze to fuel refiners, terminals, and operators. The partnership begins in the U.S., with opportunities to expand through Compass’ international alliances.

“We’re proud to partner with Axcend to bring FocusAnalyze to the oil and gas markets,” said James Hepp, Chief Executive Officer of Compass Instruments. “This solution represents a breakthrough in how jet fuel quality can be assured. By combining our application knowledge with Axcend’s portable chromatography innovation, we are helping the industry adopt faster, more efficient testing methods with confidence.”

The collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to advancing analytical testing capabilities in oil and gas, making high-performance laboratory-quality results available at the point of need.

Axcend will join Compass Instruments at the Gulf Coast Conference in Galveston, TX October 14–15, where the companies will officially launch the partnership. Conference attendees are encouraged to visit Booth 627 to learn more about the FocusAnalyze.

About Axcend

Axcend designs and manufactures high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems with the smallest footprint in the industry, enabling scientists to generate reliable, repeatable data with a fraction of the solvent, sample volume, and lab space. The Axcend Focus LC® and its integrated accessories—including AutoFocus™, InFocus™, and FocusArray™—support rigorous workflows while reducing hazardous waste and operational overhead. Axcend is a Catalyze Partners portfolio company.

About Compass Instruments

Compass Instruments is your expert guide and single source for reliable fuels, lubricants, and materials testing equipment in North America. We distribute the industry’s most trusted brands, backed by an unparalleled, nationwide service network offering both field and in-house service. Our experienced sales team, spanning coast to coast, offers years of industry experience and in-depth knowledge of ASTM standards, specifications, and equipment capabilities to assist you in making informed purchasing decisions. If you need testing equipment, we are your source.

Contact Sales@Compass-Instruments.com for all sales inquires.