Lovibond PFXi195 Series Automatic Colorimeter

Overview

The Lovibond® PFXi195 Series Automatic Colorimeter is a precision-engineered, benchtop color measurement system designed for objective, repeatable, and traceable color evaluation in regulated laboratory and industrial quality control environments. Based on the principle of absorbance photometry at fixed wavelengths—optimized for standardized color scales including APHA/Pt-Co, Gardner, Saybolt, ASTM D1500, and Iodine Value—the PFXi195 eliminates human visual variability through consistent optical path geometry, stable tungsten-halogen illumination, and factory-aligned interference filters. Its optical architecture conforms to CIE 1931 tristimulus principles where applicable, ensuring metrological alignment with international colorimetric conventions. The instrument operates under fixed-pathlength (10 mm or 20 mm, depending on cuvette configuration) conditions, delivering results compliant with ISO 27677 (color measurement of liquids) and ASTM D5386 (instrumental color measurement of transparent liquids). Unlike subjective visual comparison methods, the PFXi195 provides digital output in standardized units (e.g., APHA units, Gardner units, or absorbance at 430 nm), enabling direct integration into LIMS and QA documentation workflows.

Key Features

• Automated measurement cycle with single-button operation and on-screen step-by-step guidance
• Stainless steel cuvette holder—removable without tools for rapid cleaning, solvent compatibility verification, and residue inspection
• RCMSi (Routine Calibration Management System interface)-certified verification kit included for daily performance checks per ISO/IEC 17025 internal verification requirements
• Password-protected administrator mode supporting user-defined access levels (operator, supervisor, calibration technician)
• Tungsten-halogen light source with >2,000-hour service life and field-replaceable lamp module—no alignment required post-replacement
• Integrated memory storing up to 1,000 measurements with timestamp, operator ID, and method ID tags
• Preloaded color scales covering APHA/Pt-Co (0–500), Gardner (1–18), Saybolt (-16 to +30), ASTM D1500 (0–8), and iodine value (0–200 g I₂/100 g)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PFXi195 accommodates clear to slightly hazy liquid samples in standard Lovibond® glass or quartz cuvettes (10 mm or 20 mm pathlength). It is validated for use with petroleum distillates, edible oils, pharmaceutical solvents, polymer solutions, and water treatment chemicals. All preconfigured methods adhere to ASTM, ISO, AOCS, and USP monograph specifications—including ASTM D1209 (APHA), D1500 (petroleum), D5386 (instrumental color), ISO 4630 (Gardner), and USP (color of solutions). The system supports GLP/GMP documentation requirements via audit-trail-enabled software logging, electronic signature capability (when used with ColorSoft v5.x), and full compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with appropriate IT validation protocols.

Software & Data Management

Lovibond® ColorSoft v5.x (Windows 10/11 compatible) provides comprehensive data handling: method creation, batch reporting, statistical process control (SPC) charting, export to CSV/PDF/XML, and automated report generation with embedded instrument metadata. The software enables method locking, version-controlled calibration records, and electronic archiving compliant with ISO 17025 clause 7.7 (result reporting). Data transfer occurs via USB 2.0; no network dependency is required for basic operation, though optional Ethernet connectivity kits are available for centralized fleet management. All raw absorbance values (at primary and secondary wavelengths) are stored alongside calculated color indices, facilitating root-cause analysis during out-of-specification (OOS) investigations.

Applications

• Quality release testing of white mineral oil, glycerin, and propylene glycol in pharmaceutical manufacturing
• In-process monitoring of decolorization efficiency in edible oil refining (e.g., bleaching earth efficacy)
• Specification conformance of jet fuel, diesel, and lubricating base oils per ASTM D1500
• Stability assessment of dyed polymers and coatings via accelerated aging studies
• Environmental lab analysis of wastewater effluent color (APHA compliance reporting)
• Raw material acceptance testing for surfactants, alcohols, and organic solvents in fine chemical production

FAQ

Does the PFXi195 require annual factory recalibration?
No—routine verification using the included RCMSi kit satisfies ISO/IEC 17025 internal verification requirements. Full recalibration is recommended only after physical shock, lamp replacement beyond specification, or failure of verification checks.
Can the instrument be validated for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—when operated with ColorSoft v5.x under a validated IT infrastructure (including electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access), it meets predicate rule requirements for electronic records and signatures.
Is there support for custom color scales not listed in the firmware?
Custom scales may be programmed via ColorSoft v5.x and uploaded to the instrument; however, they do not inherit regulatory method accreditation unless independently verified against reference standards.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for routine operation?
Daily: Visual inspection of cuvette holder and cleaning with lint-free cloth; Weekly: RCMSi verification; Annually: Lamp output verification and optical path cleanliness audit by authorized service engineer.