Lovibond Model Fx (PFXeo) Automated Colorimeter
| Brand | Lovibond/Tintometer |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Model | Model Fx (PFXeo) |
| Light Source | Tungsten-Halogen Lamp |
| Wavelength Range | 380–780 nm |
| Wavelength Accuracy | ±0.2 nm |
| Spectral Bandwidth | <15 nm |
| Photometric Range | 0–100% Transmittance (T) |
| Photometric Linearity | ±0.01% T |
| Stray Light | <0.01% T |
| Repeatability | ±0.5% T |
| Detector Type | Spectrophotometric |
| Housing Material | Anodized Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 301 mm (W) × 152 mm (H) × 331 mm (D) |
| Weight | 5.16 kg |
| Operating Environment | 5–40 °C, ≤90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Storage Environment | −20–85 °C, ≤90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Power Supply | 190–240 V AC |
| Data Interfaces | USB, RS-232 |
| Certifications | CE |
| Supported Languages | English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese |
| Compliant Standards | ISO 15305, AOCS Cc 13b-45 / Cc 8d-55 / Cc 13j-97 / Cc 13e / Cc 13j, BS 684 Section 2.20, MS 252 Part 16, IP 17, GB/T 22460-2008, Lovibond® RYBN, Lovibond RY10:1 |
Overview
The Lovibond Model Fx (PFXeo) Automated Colorimeter is a precision-engineered spectrophotometric instrument designed for routine, high-reproducibility color measurement in industrial quality control laboratories—particularly within edible oil refining, fats and lubricants, petrochemicals, and food ingredient manufacturing. Based on the principle of visible-light absorption spectroscopy (380–780 nm), it quantifies sample color by measuring transmittance across the full visible spectrum using a stabilized tungsten-halogen light source and a high-fidelity photometric detector. Unlike filter-based colorimeters, the PFXeo employs spectral scanning with software-controlled wavelength selection, enabling traceable, multi-standard compliance without manual filter changes. Its optical architecture is optimized for long-term stability under demanding production environments—including elevated ambient humidity and thermal cycling—while maintaining strict adherence to international colorimetric methodologies.
Key Features
- Integrated heating module enabling direct measurement of hot oils (up to 100 °C), eliminating crystallization artifacts and ensuring representative liquid-phase analysis.
- Real-time temperature monitoring via built-in PT100 sensor; temperature data is synchronized with each spectral acquisition and embedded in result metadata.
- Sealed, chemically resistant cuvette holder with quick-release mechanism—designed for repeated exposure to aggressive solvents and high-viscosity oils without degradation or cross-contamination.
- Anodized aluminum chassis (100% recyclable) providing mechanical rigidity, EMI shielding, and corrosion resistance—validated for continuous operation in refinery-grade atmospheres.
- Automated wavelength selection and calibration routines compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements; factory-calibrated against NIST-traceable standards.
- Embedded operating system with intuitive touchscreen interface—no external PC required for routine operation, method recall, or report generation.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Model Fx (PFXeo) supports transparent to semi-transparent liquid samples in standard 10-, 25-, or 50-mm pathlength cells. It is validated for use with refined vegetable oils (soybean, palm, sunflower), mineral oils, biodiesel blends, glycerin, and clarified food extracts. Its firmware implements 18 preloaded color scales—including Lovibond® RYBN, AOCS RY, Lovibond RY10:1, chlorophyll (AOCS Cc 13d-55), and β-carotene (BS 684 Section 2.20)—each mapped to their respective ASTM, ISO, or national standard algorithms. All color calculations are performed in accordance with ISO 15305:2019 for edible oil color assessment and AOCS Official Methods Cc 13j and Cc 13e. Instrument validation protocols support GLP/GMP audit readiness, including user access control, electronic signature capability, and full audit trail logging per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
Software & Data Management
The embedded firmware provides full method configuration, data export (CSV, PDF, XML), and statistical summary (mean, SD, CV%, min/max) directly from the instrument. USB and RS-232 interfaces enable integration into LIMS or MES platforms via standardized ASCII command protocols. Optional PC software (Lovibond LabLink Pro) extends functionality with advanced trend analysis, SPC charting, multi-instrument fleet management, and automated report templating aligned with internal QA templates or third-party certification bodies (e.g., BRCGS, IFS Food). All raw spectral data (3.3 nm resolution) is retained with timestamp, operator ID, environmental conditions, and calibration history—ensuring full analytical traceability.
Applications
- Edible oil refining: Monitoring decolorization efficiency during bleaching, detecting oxidation-induced browning, and verifying final product specification against AOCS or ISO limits.
- Fats & shortenings: Quantifying carotenoid degradation during deodorization and correlating color shifts with peroxide value or anisidine number trends.
- Biodiesel quality assurance: Verifying compliance with EN 14214 color thresholds post-treatment and identifying residual catalyst or glycerol contamination.
- Petrochemical intermediates: Assessing aromatic content in white oils and naphthenic base stocks per IP 17 or ASTM D1500.
- Pharmaceutical excipients: Measuring color consistency of purified glycerin or propylene glycol per USP and EP 2.2.42.
FAQ
Does the Model Fx (PFXeo) require annual recalibration by a certified service provider?
No—its self-diagnostic routines and onboard reference standards allow user-performed performance verification daily or per shift. Full recalibration is recommended every 12 months or after physical shock, per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.
Can the instrument measure opaque or turbid samples?
It is not designed for turbid or scattering media; measurements require optical clarity at the selected pathlength. For hazy samples, centrifugation or filtration prior to analysis is advised.
Is method transfer possible between different Lovibond colorimeters?
Yes—spectral data export enables cross-platform validation. However, due to optical path differences, absolute RYBN values may vary slightly between PFXeo and legacy filter-based units; correlation studies are recommended during migration.
What is the warranty coverage and service support structure?
Standard 24-month parts-and-labor warranty; extended service plans include remote diagnostics, on-site preventive maintenance, and priority response for critical production environments.
