Lovibond AF509/C ASTM Fuel Colorimeter
| Brand | Lovibond (Tintometer) |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Model | AF509/C |
| Standard Color Scale | ASTM D1500 (0.5–8.0 in 0.5-unit increments) |
| Included Glass Standards | 7 color discs (1.0 to 5.0 ASTM units) |
| Sample Compatibility | Diesel fuel (F-76), lubricating oils, heat transfer oils, mineral insulating oils, paraffin wax |
| Compliance | Fully aligned with ASTM D1500, ISO 2049, and IP 15 |
Overview
The Lovibond AF509/C ASTM Fuel Colorimeter is a precision optical instrument engineered for the visual determination of color in petroleum-based liquids according to the internationally recognized ASTM D1500 standard. Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom by Lovibond (Tintometer Ltd.), this comparator employs the principle of visual color matching against calibrated glass color standards under controlled illumination conditions. It is specifically optimized for marine diesel fuel (F-76), where accurate color grading serves as a critical indicator of refining quality, oxidation stability, and potential contamination. The instrument operates on the ASTM D1500 scale — a 16-step ordinal scale ranging from 0.5 to 8.0 in 0.5-unit intervals — enabling consistent, operator-independent assessment across global fuel supply chains and regulatory verification workflows.
Key Features
- Optically matched ASTM D1500 glass color standards: seven certified discs covering the 1.0–5.0 range, traceable to NPL (National Physical Laboratory, UK) reference materials.
- Dual-path viewing system with integrated daylight-simulating tungsten-halogen illumination (CIE Illuminant C equivalent), minimizing metamerism and ensuring spectral consistency.
- Robust aluminum alloy housing with anti-glare black anodized finish, designed for durability in marine, refinery, and laboratory environments.
- Adjustable sample cell holder accommodating standard 100 mm pathlength cells (13 mm diameter), compatible with both clear and slightly hazy samples.
- No electronic components or software dependency — fully mechanical operation ensures long-term reliability, zero calibration drift, and compliance with GLP audit requirements.
- Compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation practices; each unit supplied with a Certificate of Conformance referencing ASTM D1500:2023 edition.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AF509/C is validated for use with transparent to slightly translucent hydrocarbon liquids including marine distillate fuel (F-76), diesel fuel oils (EN 590, ASTM D975), lubricating base stocks, transformer and insulating oils (IEC 60296), heat transfer fluids, and solidified paraffin wax melts. Its methodology strictly adheres to ASTM D1500 “Standard Test Method for Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color Scale)”, as well as parallel specifications ISO 2049 (“Petroleum products — Determination of colour”) and IP 15 (“Determination of colour of petroleum products — ASTM scale”). The instrument satisfies the physical measurement requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing laboratories and supports traceability frameworks required under MARPOL Annex VI fuel sampling protocols.
Software & Data Management
The AF509/C is a manual visual comparator and does not incorporate digital electronics, firmware, or data logging capabilities. As such, it requires no software installation, network connectivity, or cybersecurity validation. All observations are recorded manually in laboratory notebooks or LIMS-integrated paper forms, supporting full audit trails under GLP and GMP environments. For laboratories requiring digital record retention, optional integration with Lovibond’s LabExchange™ documentation suite (sold separately) enables standardized entry of ASTM color readings into structured CSV or PDF reports compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 signature and audit trail requirements.
Applications
- Quality control of marine diesel fuel prior to bunkering and onboard storage.
- Monitoring oxidative degradation in stored lubricants and insulating oils.
- Batch release testing of refined petroleum products per refinery QA/QC protocols.
- Third-party verification during fuel disputes or custody transfer audits.
- Educational demonstration of ASTM color scale principles in petroleum engineering curricula.
- Supporting ISO 8573-1 particulate classification when used in conjunction with filtration efficiency studies.
FAQ
Does the AF509/C require periodic recalibration?
No — the glass color standards are physically stable and do not degrade under normal storage. Recertification is recommended only after physical damage or exposure to strong UV radiation exceeding 5000 hours cumulative intensity.
Can the AF509/C be used for jet fuel (Jet A-1) color assessment?
No — Jet A-1 is evaluated using ASTM D1319 (hydrocarbon type analysis) and ASTM D156 (Saybolt color), not ASTM D1500. The AF509/C is not validated for aviation turbine fuels.
Is the instrument suitable for dark-colored samples beyond ASTM 5.0?
The standard disc set covers 1.0–5.0. For darker samples (e.g., heavy fuel oil), Lovibond offers the AF610 extension kit (sold separately), which includes discs 5.5–8.0 per ASTM D1500.
What is the recommended light source maintenance interval?
The tungsten-halogen lamp has a rated life of 2,000 hours. Replacement lamps (Lovibond P/N LAMP-AF509) are field-swappable and require no optical realignment.
Does the AF509/C meet MARPOL Annex VI verification requirements?
Yes — its adherence to ASTM D1500 and ISO 2049 makes it acceptable for color verification during Port State Control inspections and fuel sample analysis under Regulation 18 of MARPOL Annex VI.
