1st Detect Announces Its Successful Introduction of the iONTRAC at the Gulf Coast Conference

1^st Detect, a subsidiary of Astrotech (Nasdaq: ASTC), has launched itsdisruptive mass spectrometry technology into the petrochemical industry at theesteemed Gulf Coast Conference (GCC). The iONTRAC process monitor has beendeveloped for use within petrochemical industrial processing streams.Our goal is to position our sensor technology in processing plants andmanufacturing lines where process control and quality assurance is crucial. Wehave identified and are marketing our Process Analytical Chemistry / ProcessAnalytical Technology (PAC/PAT) solutions to food and beverage,pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and semiconductor manufacturing customers. Weare leveraging our groundbreaking mass spectrometry technology to provideunique solutions for the PAC/PAT needs of multiple customers.Our versatile sensor has a flexible form factor which can be adapted to eachenvironment. The factory models are intended to communicate with all standardFactory Management Software (FMS) packages for easy implementation acrossmultiple markets and also be retrofitted to improve the monitoring capabilityof legacy systems. The core technology is fast, highly sensitive, accurate,and highly customizable, allowing it to be used as the analytical engine in avariety of economically priced solutions. For sensitive applications underharsh conditions, ruggedized enclosures can be used including NEMA 4X and ATEX/ Class I Div II.“Our iONTRAC was very well received at GCC and being recognized to receivebronze in the New Product Showcase,” said Thomas B. Pickens III, Chairman andCEO of Astrotech. “We believe our factory floor initiative is an excellentmarket to pursue and with the introduction of our iONTRAC, we are well on ourway to meet that market demand.”1^st Detect Corporation has developed an instrument that revolutionizes thechemical detection and analysis market by delivering laboratory performancemass spectrometry in a small, affordable and portable package. The 1^st Detectmass spectrometer is capable of detecting a wide variety of chemicalsincluding residues and vapors from explosives, chemical warfare agents, toxicchemicals, food and beverage contaminants, and pollutants. These capabilitiesmake it an ideal tool for a variety of applications in the research, security,industrial, process flow and healthcare markets.