Choice Analytical Color Choice hz Automatic Color and Turbidity Analyzer

Overview

The Choice Analytical Color Choice hz is an integrated, benchtop optical analyzer engineered for simultaneous, standardized measurement of color and turbidity in liquid hydrocarbon and refined petroleum products. It operates on dual-principle photometric detection: for color analysis, it implements spectrophotometric quantification across visible wavelengths (380–780 nm) calibrated to ASTM D1500 (Saybolt, ASTM, and Gardner scales), ASTM D1209 (APHA/Pt-Co), ASTM D5386 (instrumental color), ISO 2049, and IP 196; for turbidity, it employs near-infrared (NIR) transmission and backscatter geometry compliant with ASTM D8148—ensuring traceable, repeatable assessment of suspended particulate content in clear to mildly opaque samples. Designed specifically for QC laboratories in refineries, lubricant blending facilities, and fuel distribution centers, the instrument eliminates subjective visual grading and manual filtration steps, delivering objective, audit-ready data aligned with global refinery specifications and internal quality control protocols.

Key Features

• Automated dual-mode analysis: single-sample injection yields both ASTM-compliant color grade and turbidity index (IHR 1–65 and HCI 50–100) without mode switching or hardware reconfiguration
• Optical architecture based on a stabilized tungsten-halogen light source and high-resolution CCD array spectrometer—no moving filters, no mechanical shutters, no consumable optical elements
• True-color 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with full Windows-compatible HID support (external keyboard/mouse optional)
• Onboard calibration verification using NIST-traceable liquid standards; field calibration possible without external software or service tools
• UL 61010-1, CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1, CE (EMC & LVD), and TÜV Rheinland certified for industrial laboratory use
• Zero-maintenance optical path: no filter degradation, no lamp alignment drift, no fluidic pump wear—designed for >5 years of continuous operation under ISO 17025-controlled environments
• Integrated trend engine: time-stamped IHR/HCI values correlated with sample temperature (±0.1 °C) and elapsed hold time for stability profiling

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Color Choice hz accepts standard 10-mm or 20-mm pathlength glass cuvettes (supplied) and accommodates transparent to semi-opaque hydrocarbon liquids—including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel (Jet A/A-1), base oils, white mineral oils, and synthetic lubricants. It is validated per ASTM D4176 for turbidity equivalence and meets all instrumental requirements of ASTM D8148 Annex A1 (Instrumented Hazen Turbidity Index). Color measurement conforms to the spectral weighting functions defined in ASTM E308 and CIE 15:2018, ensuring metrological traceability to national standards. The system supports GLP/GMP workflows through user-access-level permissions, electronic signature capability, and full 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trail generation (including method versioning, calibration logs, and result modification history).

Software & Data Management

Firmware v3.2 includes embedded ColorLink™ OS with local database storage (≥5,000 test records), CSV/Excel export, and direct LIMS integration via ASTM E1384-compliant HL7 or TCP/IP socket protocol. All results include embedded metadata: operator ID, instrument serial number, calibration timestamp, ambient temperature/humidity, and raw spectral scan (380–780 nm at 1-nm intervals). Optional Ethernet/Wi-Fi connectivity enables remote firmware updates and centralized fleet monitoring. Data output formats include PDF reports (with embedded color space coordinates CIELab ΔE*ab), printer-ready thermal printouts, and structured XML for ERP ingestion.

Applications

• Refinery final product release testing for ASTM D975 (diesel), D1655 (jet fuel), and D445 (viscosity index improvers)
• Monitoring oxidation stability in turbine oils via turbidity onset and color darkening kinetics
• Batch-to-batch consistency verification of white oils used in pharmaceutical excipient manufacturing (USP , EP 3.2.1)
• Investigation of filter plugging mechanisms by correlating HCI trends with particle size distribution (PSD) from offline laser diffraction
• Supporting root-cause analysis during nonconformance events involving haze formation or color shift in finished fuels

FAQ

Does the Color Choice hz require annual factory recalibration?
No. The system features self-diagnostic optics and onboard reference standards; only user-performed periodic verification (per ASTM D8148 Section 8.2) is required. Factory recalibration is recommended only after physical impact or exposure to >85 °C ambient conditions.
Can it measure samples with dissolved dyes or fluorescent additives?
Yes—provided the dye concentration remains below fluorescence saturation thresholds. The instrument’s spectral deconvolution algorithm isolates absorbance contributions in the 400–450 nm range to minimize interference from common UV stabilizers and antifoams.
Is method validation documentation provided?
Yes. Each unit ships with a Certificate of Conformance, IQ/OQ protocol templates, and a complete Method Validation Package covering specificity, linearity (R² ≥ 0.999), repeatability (RSD ≤ 0.8% for color, ≤ 1.2% for IHR), and robustness per ICH Q2(R2).