Lovibond PFXi880/950/995 Automated Colorimeter
| Brand | Lovibond (Tintometer) |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Model | PFXi880 / PFXi950 / PFXi995 |
| Spectral Range | 420–710 nm |
| Spectral Bandwidth | 10 nm |
| Colorimetric Repeatability | Δx,y ≤ ±0.0002 |
| Measurement Time | <30 s |
| Light Source | 5 V, 10 W Tungsten-Halogen Lamp |
| CIE Illuminants | A, B, C, D65 |
| Standard Observer Angles | 2°, 10° |
| Pathlength Range | 0.1–153 mm (0.004–6 in) |
| Filter Set | 16 Interference Filters |
| Data Storage Capacity | 100,000 Measurements |
| Interface | USB, LAN, RS232 |
| Display | 240 × 128 Backlit LCD |
| Keypad | 23 Membrane Keys with Audible Feedback |
| Language Support | English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Japanese |
| Power Supply | 90–240 V AC (External Adapter) |
| Dimensions | 515 × 196 × 170 mm |
| Weight | 7.7 kg |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS, WEEE |
| GLP Features | Timestamped Audit Trail, User ID, Sample ID, Calibration Log |
Overview
The Lovibond PFXi880/950/995 Automated Colorimeter is a precision optical measurement instrument engineered for high-reproducibility color quantification across diverse industrial matrices—including edible oils, petroleum products, chemicals, sugar solutions, transparent liquids, and biological extracts. Based on fixed-wavelength photometry using a set of 16 calibrated interference filters, the system delivers traceable, spectrally resolved color data aligned with internationally recognized color scales. Unlike full-spectrum spectrophotometers, the PFXi series employs a robust filter-based architecture optimized for routine QC environments where speed, stability, and compliance-driven reporting are critical. Its optical path accommodates variable cell lengths (0.1–153 mm), enabling accurate measurement of both highly colored and dilute samples without manual dilution or pathlength adjustment. The instrument operates under multiple CIE illuminants (A, B, C, D65) and standard observer angles (2° and 10°), ensuring metrological consistency with ISO/CIE-defined colorimetric frameworks.
Key Features
- Modular platform supporting three dedicated configurations: PFXi880 (application-specific variants for oils, fuels, sugars, acids, and clear liquids), PFXi950 (expanded scale support for chemicals and fats), and PFXi995 (comprehensive multi-scale analysis including chlorophyll-a, beta-carotene, iodine value estimation, and Kreis test correlation)
- Automated baseline calibration via single-button initiation—no external reference required for daily verification
- Dual interface architecture: native USB host connectivity for flash storage and direct PC tethering, plus Ethernet (LAN) for networked lab integration and remote firmware updates
- GLP-compliant data management: embedded timestamp, operator ID, sample ID, and calibration history—fully exportable in CSV or XML for audit-ready documentation
- Chemically resistant steel housing with textured epoxy coating; IP-rated sealed keypad; corrosion-resistant flow cell option available for continuous inline monitoring
- Heatable sample compartment accessory (optional) for temperature-controlled measurements of waxy or viscous materials requiring melt-phase analysis
- Configurable UI: language selection, display-only mode for selected color scales (e.g., limit display to AOCS, Gardner, or Pt-Co), and password-protected administrative settings
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PFXi series is validated for use across regulated and non-regulated sectors requiring adherence to ASTM, AOCS, ICUMSA, IP, USP, and ISO methodologies. Each model variant includes preloaded algorithms compliant with specific standards: PFXi880/S conforms to ICUMSA Method GS3/3-11 for sucrose solutions; PFXi880/P implements ASTM D156 (Saybolt Color) and IP 17 (Method B); PFXi950 supports AOCS Cd 13b-92 (Gardner) and ASTM D6166 (Tintometer® scale); PFXi995 integrates AOCS Cc 13a-43 (FAC), ASTM D1209 (Pt-Co), and AOCS Cd 12b-92 (Kreis). All units ship with NIST-traceable liquid or filter standards certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO 9001 requirements. Instrument validation reports include spectral transmittance verification across the 420–710 nm range and inter-unit repeatability testing per ISO 11664-4.
Software & Data Management
The included Windows-based Lovibond ColorSoft software provides full instrument control, spectral visualization, CIE chromaticity diagram plotting (x,y and L*a*b*), and custom curve fitting for user-defined standards. Raw spectral transmittance data (16-point wavelength array) is exportable for third-party statistical process control (SPC) or LIMS integration. Software enforces 21 CFR Part 11 readiness through electronic signature capture, role-based access control, and immutable audit trails covering all measurement, calibration, and configuration events. Batch reporting templates align with ISO 17025 clause 7.8.2 for result review and approval workflows. Firmware updates are delivered via secure HTTPS download and verified using SHA-256 checksums prior to installation.
Applications
- Edible oil refining: RYBN (Lovibond® Red-Yellow-Blue-Neutral) assessment of bleaching efficiency and oxidation status
- Petroleum distillates: Saybolt and ASTM D156 color grading of jet fuel, kerosene, and diesel fractions
- Fatty acid derivatives: Kreis value correlation for hydroperoxide content in unsaturated lipids
- Sugar and beverage manufacturing: ICUMSA color tracking during juice clarification and syrup concentration
- Pharmaceutical excipients: Pt-Co and APHA compliance testing of purified water and solvents per USP
- Chemical intermediates: Gardner scale evaluation of alkyd resins, polyols, and surfactant solutions
- Environmental monitoring: Chlorophyll-a and beta-carotene quantification in algal cultures using AOAC 971.21–compatible protocols
FAQ
What color scales are natively supported without additional configuration?
The PFXi880 supports Lovibond RYBN, AOCS-Tintometer®, Saybolt, IP Units, ICUMSA, and CIE xy/Lab. PFXi950 adds Gardner and Pt-Co. PFXi995 includes FAC, Kreis, Iodine Value, and chlorophyll-specific algorithms.
Can the instrument perform measurements on turbid or opaque samples?
No—the PFXi series is designed exclusively for transparent or translucent liquids. Haze or particulate suspension must be removed via filtration or centrifugation prior to analysis.
Is spectral data exportable for multivariate calibration development?
Yes—16-channel transmittance values at fixed wavelengths (420, 435, 455, 470, 490, 510, 530, 550, 565, 580, 590, 610, 630, 650, 670, 710 nm) are logged with each measurement and fully exportable.
How is traceability maintained across instrument deployments?
Each unit ships with a Certificate of Conformance referencing EN ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration of filter transmission characteristics and photometric linearity. Optional annual recalibration services include spectral verification and drift compensation.
Does the system support automated pass/fail decision logic against specification limits?
Yes—ColorSoft allows definition of upper/lower tolerance bands per color scale, with visual alerts and automated report flagging upon deviation detection.
