Lovibond Model Fx Automated Lovibond Colorimeter

Overview

The Lovibond® Model Fx Automated Lovibond Colorimeter is a high-precision, benchtop spectrophotometric color measurement system engineered for objective, quantitative analysis of transparent liquid samples in quality control and process monitoring environments. Unlike traditional visual Lovibond comparison methods—prone to inter-observer variability and lighting dependency—the Model Fx employs a calibrated tungsten-halogen light source, precision optical collimation, and a diffraction-grating monochromator to deliver traceable, repeatable colorimetric data across the visible spectrum (380–780 nm). Its core measurement principle follows CIE-compliant spectral transmittance methodology, enabling direct conversion of spectral data into standardized color scales including Lovibond RYBN, AOCS RY, Lovibond RY10:1, chlorophyll, and β-carotene concentrations. Designed for integration into ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories and GMP-regulated production facilities, the instrument supports full auditability through timestamped measurement logs and user-accessible calibration history.

Key Features

• Automated spectral acquisition with <5-second measurement cycle time, guided by intuitive multilingual menu interface (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Chinese)
• Integrated sample heating module with real-time temperature monitoring (range: ambient to 80°C), critical for preventing crystallization artifacts in high-melting-point oils (e.g., palm oil, cocoa butter)
• Chemically resistant, powder-coated aluminum chassis—fully recyclable and compliant with EU RoHS and WEEE directives
• Sealed, removable quartz cuvette cell with O-ring sealing; designed for rapid cleaning and long-term stability under aggressive refinery conditions (e.g., caustic washes, phosphoric acid treatment)
• Optical path optimized for low stray light (<0.01% T) and high photometric linearity (±0.01% T), ensuring accuracy across broad absorbance ranges (0–100% transmittance)
• Wavelength accuracy ±0.2 nm with spectral bandwidth <15 nm—meeting ASTM E308 and ISO/CIE 15266 requirements for colorimetric instrumentation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Model Fx is validated for routine use with edible oils (soybean, sunflower, rapeseed, palm), biodiesel feedstocks, pharmaceutical solvents, petrochemical distillates, and food-grade syrups. It conforms to over 20 internationally recognized standard methods, including AOCS Cc 13b-45 (RY scale), AOCS Cc 13j-97 (refined oil color), ISO 15305 (vegetable oil color), BS 684 Section 2.20 (β-carotene), and GB/T 22460-2008 (Chinese national standard for edible oil color). All embedded color scales are pre-loaded with certified reference values traceable to NPL (UK National Physical Laboratory) and PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt). The instrument meets CE marking requirements and supports GLP/GMP documentation workflows via optional 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software modules.

Software & Data Management

Instrument control and data export are managed via Lovibond’s proprietary PC-based ColorSoft™ v5.2 software, supporting USB and RS232 connectivity. Software features include automated method selection, batch reporting with customizable templates (PDF/CSV/XLSX), statistical process control (SPC) charting, and electronic signature capability. All raw spectral scans, calibration records, and user actions are stored with immutable timestamps and operator ID tagging—enabling full compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 and ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7. Data integrity is reinforced by dual storage: internal flash memory (≥10,000 measurements) and external secure archive.

Applications

• Refinery QC: Monitoring decolorization efficiency during bleaching earth treatment of crude vegetable oils
• Edible oil trading: Objective verification of color grade against contract specifications (e.g., AOCS RY ≤ 1.0 for extra virgin olive oil)
• Biodiesel production: Quantifying residual pigments post-treatment to meet EN 14214 color limits
• Pharmaceutical excipient release testing: Confirming absence of oxidative discoloration in glycerin or propylene glycol batches
• Research labs: Correlating spectral absorption profiles with pigment degradation kinetics under accelerated shelf-life studies

FAQ

Does the Model Fx require annual recalibration by an accredited service provider?

Yes—Lovibond recommends annual factory calibration with NIST-traceable standards; certificates include uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025.
Can the instrument measure opaque or turbid samples?

No—it is optimized exclusively for transparent liquids with optical clarity ≥95% at 450 nm; turbid samples require prior filtration or centrifugation.
Is the heating module compatible with all standard cuvettes?

Only with the supplied 10-mm pathlength quartz cell; third-party cells may not achieve thermal uniformity or seal integrity.
How is compliance with ISO 15305-1998 verified during operation?

The software enforces mandatory wavelength weighting functions and tristimulus integration algorithms defined in Clause 6.2 of the standard, with validation reports generated per measurement.
What is the expected lifetime of the tungsten-halogen lamp?

Rated for ≥2,000 hours of continuous operation; lamp replacement is field-serviceable with built-in alignment verification protocol.