Lovibond PFXi950/P Automated Colorimeter

Overview

The Lovibond^® PFXi 950/P Automated Colorimeter is a high-precision, benchtop spectrophotometric color measurement system engineered for rigorous quality control in petroleum refining, lubricant manufacturing, chemical production, and specialty fluid analysis. Based on fixed-wavelength photometry using 16 precision interference filters, the instrument delivers traceable, repeatable color assessment across standardized scales—including ASTM D1500 (petroleum products), Saybolt Color, and CIE-based chromaticity values (x,y; L*a*b*; L*C*h*). Its optical architecture employs a stable tungsten-halogen light source with selectable CIE illuminants (A, B, C, D65) and dual standard observer angles (2° and 10°), ensuring metrological consistency aligned with ISO/CIE colorimetric conventions. Designed for industrial laboratory environments, the PFXi 950/P operates within a spectral range of 420–710 nm at a nominal bandwidth of 10 nm, supporting both transmission and absorbance-based color evaluation of transparent to semi-transparent liquids.

Key Features

• Automated baseline calibration with single-button initiation—eliminates manual zeroing drift and reduces operator dependency.
• Integrated heated cell holder option (PFXi 950/P+Heated) enables temperature-controlled measurements up to 95 °C, critical for viscosity-sensitive or wax-prone petroleum distillates.
• Robust steel enclosure with textured epoxy finish provides mechanical stability and resistance to laboratory chemicals and ambient humidity.
• Large 240 × 128 pixel backlit LCD display ensures legibility under varied lighting conditions; on-screen prompts guide users through SOP-compliant workflows.
• 23-membrane-key keypad with tactile feedback and audible confirmation supports gloved operation and minimizes input errors during high-throughput testing.
• Multi-language interface (9 languages) facilitates deployment across global R&D and QC sites without retraining overhead.
• Comprehensive data handling via USB, RS232, and Ethernet (LAN) ports—enables direct integration with LIMS, ELN, and MES platforms.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PFXi 950/P accommodates cuvettes and sample cells with path lengths from 0.1 mm to 153 mm (0.004–6 inches), accommodating low-absorbance solvents and highly colored viscous fractions alike. Its optical design conforms to ASTM D1500, ASTM D6045, ISO 2049, ISO 11475, and CIE Publication 15:2018 requirements for colorimetric instrumentation. The system meets CE marking directives, RoHS 2011/65/EU restrictions on hazardous substances, and WEEE compliance for end-of-life equipment management. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant out-of-the-box, audit-trail functionality—including user ID logging, timestamped measurement records, and immutable data export—can be configured to support GLP/GMP-aligned validation protocols when deployed with validated software extensions.

Software & Data Management

Instrument control and data review are supported via Lovibond’s proprietary ColorSoft™ PC software (Windows-compatible), which enables method setup, statistical reporting (mean, SD, CV%), trend charting, and PDF report generation. All 100,000 stored measurements retain full metadata: date/time stamp, operator ID, sample ID, cell path length, illuminant/observer selection, and raw filter response values. Export formats include CSV, XML, and PDF—structured for seamless ingestion into enterprise QA databases. Firmware updates are delivered via USB or network connection, ensuring long-term alignment with evolving industry test standards and regulatory expectations.

Applications

• Petroleum products: Crude oil fractions, diesel, jet fuel, lubricating oils, transformer fluids, and biodiesel per ASTM D1500 and IP 196.
• Chemical intermediates: Sulfuric acid, nitric acid, glycols, and organic solvents where color indicates oxidation state or impurity load.
• Edible oils and fats: Refined vegetable oils, fish oils, and hydrogenated shortenings assessed against AOCS Cd 13b-92 or ISO 17071.
• Pharmaceutical excipients: Liquid carriers and active ingredient solutions requiring color consistency per USP or EP 2.2.41.
• Water treatment chemicals: Ferric chloride, polyaluminum chloride (PAC), and coagulant solutions monitored for degradation-related discoloration.

FAQ

Does the PFXi 950/P require annual recalibration by an accredited lab?
No—its optical stability and built-in reference calibration routine enable user-performed verification between formal service intervals. However, annual traceable recalibration by a UKAS-accredited provider is recommended for ISO/IEC 17025-certified laboratories.
Can the instrument measure opaque or turbid samples?
No—the PFXi 950/P is designed exclusively for transmission-mode analysis of optically clear to slightly hazy liquids. Turbid or particulate-laden samples require prior filtration or alternative techniques such as reflectance colorimetry.
Is spectral data export available for custom algorithm development?
Yes—raw 16-channel filter response values (digital counts per channel) are accessible via USB or LAN export, enabling third-party spectral modeling or multivariate correlation studies.
What power supply specifications are required for continuous operation?
The unit accepts universal AC input (90–240 V, 50/60 Hz) via external switching power adapter; no internal battery or DC input is provided.
How is measurement repeatability verified during routine use?
Repeatability is confirmed using certified NIST-traceable liquid color standards (e.g., Lovibond^® Reference Standards for ASTM D1500), with acceptance criteria set at ≤ ±0.0002 Δx,y per ICH Q2(R2) guidance for analytical instrument performance verification.