YDWG WSL-5S Automated Lovibond Colorimeter

Overview

The YDWG WSL-5S Automated Lovibond Colorimeter is a precision optical measurement instrument engineered for objective, quantitative assessment of color in transparent and semi-transparent liquid samples using the internationally standardized Lovibond tintometer scale. Unlike subjective visual comparison methods, this instrument employs calibrated LED illumination coupled with high-stability photodiode-based color sensors to convert spectral reflectance/transmittance into standardized R (Red), Y (Yellow), B (Blue), and N (Neutral Grey) values—each reported in official Lovibond units. Designed specifically for quality control laboratories in edible oil refining, paint formulation, food processing (e.g., jams, dairy, syrups), textile dyeing, and grain inspection, the WSL-5S eliminates observer-dependent variability while maintaining full compatibility with legacy Lovibond reference standards and industry-accepted pass/fail thresholds defined in ASTM D156, AOCS Cd 13b-92, ISO 2760, and GB/T 6540.

Key Features

• LED-based stable illumination system with thermal management ensures consistent spectral output across extended operation cycles, minimizing drift and supporting long-term calibration integrity.
• Triple-cuvette chamber design accommodates standard 10 mm, 25.4 mm (1-inch), and 133.4 mm pathlength cells—enabling flexible measurement of low- and high-absorbance samples without dilution or signal saturation.
• 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-driven navigation supports multilingual menu options (English, Spanish, French, Chinese) and real-time graphical display of color coordinates and deviation vectors relative to stored reference standards.
• Onboard data management includes timestamped storage of up to 1,000 test records with sample ID, operator ID, date/time stamp, environmental temperature (0–50 °C), and full Lovibond vector output (R/Y/B/N).
• Comprehensive I/O architecture features RS232 serial port for integration into LIMS environments, USB host port for direct export to spreadsheet-compatible CSV files, and native support for plug-and-play USB flash drives—eliminating dependency on proprietary software for routine reporting.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The WSL-5S is validated for use with clarified oils (soybean, palm, sunflower), solvent-thinned resins, fruit concentrates, whey protein solutions, and refined cereal extracts—provided samples are optically homogeneous and free of suspended particulates. Its optical path geometry and spectral response conform to the geometric and photometric requirements specified in ASTM E308 (Standard Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE System) when mapped to Lovibond equivalents. Instrument validation documentation—including factory calibration certificates traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) and optional IQ/OQ protocols—is supplied with each unit. The device meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per IEC 61326-1 and safety standards under IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical equipment.

Software & Data Management

No external PC software is required for core operation; all measurement, storage, recall, and export functions execute natively on the embedded Linux-based controller. Audit-trail functionality logs every parameter change, calibration event, and user login action with immutable timestamps—supporting GLP-compliant workflows. Data exports include both raw Lovibond unit values and derived metrics such as total color difference (ΔE_LV) against user-defined references. Optional printer module (CK NT-T24S) enables direct thermal printing of compliance-ready reports featuring QR-coded traceability links, operator signature fields, and instrument identification metadata.

Applications

• Edible oil refining: Monitoring bleaching efficiency and detecting oxidation-induced yellowing during deodorization.
• Paint & coatings QC: Verifying batch-to-batch consistency of solvent-based alkyds and acrylic dispersions prior to canning.
• Fruit processing: Quantifying natural pigment degradation in apple sauce, tomato paste, and citrus juices across shelf-life studies.
• Dairy QA: Assessing Maillard reaction progression in evaporated milk and whey protein isolates under thermal processing conditions.
• Grain grading labs: Supporting official classification of wheat, corn, and sorghum based on standardized color thresholds aligned with USDA FGIS guidelines.

FAQ

Does the WSL-5S require annual recalibration by an accredited lab?
No—factory calibration is stable for 12 months under normal operating conditions. Users may perform daily verification using supplied neutral density and primary-color reference filters. Full recalibration is recommended only after physical impact, major environmental exposure, or if verification fails two consecutive times.
Can the instrument measure opaque or turbid samples?
No—the WSL-5S is designed exclusively for transparent or translucent liquids. Turbid or particulate-laden samples must be centrifuged or filtered to meet ISO 7027 turbidity limits (<1 NTU) prior to analysis.
Is FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance supported?
Yes—when operated with optional audit-log encryption and electronic signature modules, the system satisfies electronic record and signature requirements for regulated pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing environments.
What is the minimum sample volume required for each measurement?
Depends on cuvette pathlength: 1.5 mL for 10-mm cell, 3.8 mL for 25.4-mm cell, and 20 mL for 133.4-mm cell—ensuring full beam coverage without meniscus interference.
Are Lovibond color standards included with purchase?
Yes—each unit ships with a certified set of four primary glass standards (R30, Y30, B20, N2) traceable to NIM, plus a zero-reference blank cell.