Clarity Choice Turbidimeter by Choice Analytical

Overview

The Clarity Choice Turbidimeter is an ASTM D8148–compliant automated turbidity analyzer engineered for precise, repeatable measurement of haze and cloud point onset in hydrocarbon-based fluids—particularly diesel fuels, jet fuels, lubricants, and biodiesel blends. Unlike conventional visual or manual photometric methods, the Clarity Choice employs a dual-mode optical detection architecture grounded in nephelometric principles: it quantifies scattered light intensity at 90° relative to the incident beam path while simultaneously monitoring forward-scattered transmission attenuation. This dual-signal acquisition enables robust discrimination between true particulate-induced turbidity and temperature-dependent phase separation phenomena. The instrument is explicitly validated against ASTM D4176 for cloud point correlation and delivers traceable, operator-independent results under ISO/IEC 17025–aligned laboratory conditions. Designed for integration into QC/QA workflows in refinery labs, fuel certification facilities, and OEM R&D centers, the system operates without consumables, moving parts, or inline filters—minimizing drift and maintenance overhead.

Key Features

• Dual-mode turbidity detection: Simultaneous nephelometric (90° scatter) and transmittance-based analysis for IHR (International Haze Rating) and HCI (Haze Clarity Index) generation
• ASTM D8148–certified methodology with full compliance documentation and method validation reports
• IHR scale from 1 to 6 and HCI range from 50 to 100—both traceably calibrated using NIST-traceable formazin and polymeric haze standards
• Integrated Peltier-controlled thermal ramping (−20 °C to +60 °C, ±0.1 °C stability) for time-resolved cloud point profiling
• True-color 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with optional USB keyboard/mouse support for GLP-compliant data entry
• UL 61010-1, TÜV EN 61326-1, CE, and CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1 certified for safety and electromagnetic compatibility
• No optical filters, no mechanical shutters, no fluidic valves—solid-state optical path ensures long-term signal stability

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Clarity Choice accepts standard 15-mL glass vials (ASTM D8148–specified) and accommodates samples with kinematic viscosities up to 15 cSt at 40 °C. It supports transparent to semi-opaque liquids including ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), Jet A-1, biodiesel (B100), synthetic ester lubricants, and white mineral oils. All measurements adhere to ASTM D8148 Section 8 (instrument qualification), Section 9 (calibration verification), and Section 10 (precision and bias statements). The system meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when operated with audit-trail-enabled software configuration. Full compliance documentation—including IQ/OQ protocols, calibration certificates, and uncertainty budgets—is provided with each unit.

Software & Data Management

Firmware v3.2 includes embedded LIMS-ready communication protocols: ASTM E1384-compliant HL7 messaging, direct TCP/IP export to laboratory information management systems, and native CSV/Excel output via USB storage. All measurement sessions are timestamped, user-ID authenticated, and stored with full metadata (temperature ramp profile, raw scatter/transmission curves, IHR/HCI derivation logic, calibration history). Audit trails record every parameter change, calibration event, and report generation—enabling full traceability for GLP, GMP, and ISO 17025 audits. Optional PC-based ClarityLink™ Suite (v2.1) provides advanced trend analytics, multi-instrument fleet monitoring, and automated compliance reporting per ASTM D8148 Annex A1.

Applications

• Cloud point and cold filter plugging point (CFPP) surrogate assessment in distillate fuels
• Monitoring additive-induced haze formation during fuel stability testing (e.g., oxidation, thermal stress)
• Quality release testing of aviation turbine fuels per DEF STAN 91-91 and ASTM D1655
• Quantitative evaluation of wax crystallization kinetics in paraffinic biofuels
• QC screening of lubricant base stocks for water ingress or degradation byproducts
• Method transfer and harmonization across global refinery laboratories operating under API RP 2557 guidelines

FAQ

Does the Clarity Choice require annual recalibration by the manufacturer?
No—users perform field calibration using supplied NIST-traceable standards; annual third-party verification is recommended but not mandatory per ASTM D8148.
Can it measure samples with suspended solids or emulsions?
It is designed for homogeneous liquid phases only; samples must be pre-filtered to ≤5 µm if particulates exceed 10 ppm by mass.
Is method validation data included with the instrument?
Yes—each shipment includes a complete ASTM D8148 validation package: precision statements, interlaboratory study summaries, and bias correction tables.
What data security protocols are implemented for electronic records?
Role-based access control, encrypted local storage, configurable auto-logoff, and full 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail generation are enabled by default.
How is temperature uniformity verified across the sample chamber?
Built-in PT100 sensors monitor chamber wall and sample vial surface temperatures independently; deviation is logged and triggers automatic hold until ±0.05 °C tolerance is restored.