Lovibond PFXi195/6 Automated Colorimeter
| Brand | Lovibond (Tintometer) |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Model | PFXi195/6 |
| Measurement Principles | Absorption photometry at fixed wavelengths & full-spectrum reflectance/transmittance |
| Standard Methods Supported | Pt-Co/Hazen/APHA, Gardner, Saybolt, ASTM D1209, ASTM D5386, ISO 6271, ISO 2761, CIE L*a*b*, CIE XYZ, Klett (Blue Filter KS-42), Hess-Ives |
| Display | 7-inch high-resolution TFT LCD with multi-language UI (including Chinese) |
| Interface | USB 2.0, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet (LAN), RS-232 optional |
| Data Storage | Internal memory for ≥2,000 measurements with GLP-compliant metadata (date/time, operator ID, sample ID, method ID) |
| Compliance | ISO/IEC 17025 traceable calibration standards available |
| Sample Format | Compatible with 10–50 mm pathlength glass or quartz cuvettes |
| Construction | Stainless steel optical chamber housing with chemical-resistant anodized aluminum chassis |
| Light Source | Long-life halogen tungsten lamp with stabilized power supply and automatic intensity compensation |
| Wavelength Range | 380–780 nm (full-spectrum mode) |
| Repeatability | ≤0.1 ΔE*ab (CIE 1976) for stable samples under controlled conditions |
Overview
The Lovibond® PFXi195/6 Automated Colorimeter is a precision-engineered benchtop instrument designed for objective, repeatable color measurement in industrial quality control and laboratory environments. Based on dual-mode photometric detection—discrete-wavelength absorption for standardized color scales (e.g., Pt-Co, Gardner, Saybolt) and full-spectrum transmittance (380–780 nm) for CIE-based color space analysis—the PFXi195/6 eliminates observer-dependent variability inherent in visual color assessment. Its optical architecture employs a stabilized halogen tungsten light source, thermally compensated detector array, and precisely aligned optical path to ensure long-term photometric stability. The instrument complies with key international colorimetric standards including ASTM D1209 (Pt-Co), ASTM D5386 (instrumental color), ISO 6271 (petroleum products), and ISO 2761 (surface-active agents), making it suitable for regulated applications across lubricants, surfactants, pharmaceutical excipients, food-grade oils, and wastewater effluents.
Key Features
- Dual-mode operation: switch seamlessly between standardized scale-specific measurements (e.g., APHA, Gardner, Klett KS-42) and full-spectrum CIE L*a*b*, L*C*h°, and XYZ color space quantification
- Stainless steel optical chamber with removable measurement cell—designed for rapid cleaning, resistance to organic solvents, acids, and caustics common in petrochemical and detergent manufacturing
- RCMSi Remote Calibration & Maintenance System: enables secure over-the-network verification, firmware updates, and spectral recalibration using certified reference standards; supports time-stamped, password-protected audit logs
- GLP-compliant data capture: embeds date/time stamp, operator ID, sample ID, method name, and instrument serial number into every stored result; exportable via USB or LAN in CSV, XML, or proprietary .col format
- Intuitive 7-inch TFT touchscreen interface with customizable language support (English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese); user-defined display masking to show only relevant parameters per workflow
- Flexible sample handling: accepts standard 10–50 mm pathlength cuvettes; optional flow-through cell (PFXi-FTC) enables continuous monitoring of pipelines or reactors without manual sampling
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PFXi195/6 accommodates transparent to semi-transparent liquid samples—including mineral oils, biodiesel blends, surfactant solutions, glycerin, edible oils, and aqueous process streams—with minimal preparation. Its optical design minimizes scattering artifacts through optimized beam geometry and cuvette alignment guides. Certified reference standards traceable to NIST and UKAS-accredited laboratories are available for Pt-Co, Gardner, and Saybolt scales (ISO/IEC 17025 validated), while filter-based Klett standards conform to Tintometer’s ISO 9001-certified production protocol. Instrument validation meets requirements for ISO 9001 internal audits and supports GMP documentation needs when integrated with RCMSi’s electronic signature and change-control modules.
Software & Data Management
The included ColorSoft™ PC software provides comprehensive post-acquisition analysis: interactive CIE chromaticity diagrams, spectral overlay comparison, batch statistical reporting (mean, SD, CPK), and deviation mapping against master standards. It supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance through role-based access control, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails. Data synchronization with LIMS or ERP systems is achievable via ODBC drivers or RESTful API integration (available under enterprise license). All measurement files include embedded EXIF-style metadata, enabling full traceability from raw spectrum to final report.
Applications
- Quality assurance of industrial lubricants and transformer oils per ASTM D1209 and IEC 60296
- Color grading of surfactants and alkylbenzene sulfonates in detergent manufacturing (ISO 2761)
- Batch release testing of pharmaceutical solvents and excipients under USP and Ph. Eur. 2.2.44
- Process monitoring of edible oil bleaching and deodorization stages
- Wastewater treatment plant effluent compliance reporting against APHA 510B and ISO 7887
- R&D formulation development requiring precise hue shift quantification and metamerism evaluation
FAQ
What color standards are pre-programmed into the PFXi195/6?
The instrument includes factory-loaded methods for Pt-Co/Hazen/APHA, Gardner, Saybolt, Klett (KS-42), Hess-Ives, and full CIE color spaces (L*a*b*, L*C*h°, XYZ, Yellowness Index, Whiteness Index).
Can the PFXi195/6 be used for non-liquid samples?
It is optimized for transparent or translucent liquids; solid or opaque samples require reflectance accessories (sold separately) and are outside the scope of standard calibration.
How does the RCMSi system enhance regulatory compliance?
RCMSi provides remote verification logs, firmware version tracking, calibration certificate linkage, and electronic signature capability—enabling alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 expectations for computerized systems.
Is user-defined method creation supported?
Yes—users may define custom color tolerances, assign pass/fail limits per parameter, and store proprietary reference spectra for in-house standards.
What maintenance is required for long-term accuracy?
Annual photometric verification using certified liquid or filter standards is recommended; lamp replacement is tool-free and requires no realignment—typical lifetime exceeds 2,000 hours.
