HunterLab UltraScan VIS Pharmaceutical Colorimeter
| Brand | HunterLab |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | UltraScan VIS Pharmaceutical Colorimeter |
| Product Type | Color Difference Meter |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop |
| Optical Geometry | d/8° Integrating Sphere |
| Light Source | Pulsed Xenon Lamp |
| Spectral Range | 360–780 nm |
| Repeatability | ΔE*ab ≤ 0.03 |
Overview
The HunterLab UltraScan VIS Pharmaceutical Colorimeter is a precision benchtop spectrophotometer engineered for quantitative color measurement of pharmaceutical products—including tablets, capsules, powders, solutions, suspensions, and excipients—under strict regulatory and quality control requirements. It operates on the CIE-recommended visible spectral range (360–780 nm) using a d/8° integrating sphere optical geometry with pulsed xenon illumination, enabling accurate tristimulus value calculation (CIE XYZ, L*a*b*, L*C*h°) and compliance with ISO 11664, ASTM E308, and USP guidelines for color assessment in pharma manufacturing. The instrument’s dual-beam silicon photodiode array architecture provides real-time reference correction at every wavelength, eliminating drift and ensuring high photometric stability across extended operational cycles. Its design supports both reflectance and transmittance modes—including specular component included (SCI) and excluded (SCE)—to accommodate opaque, translucent, and transparent dosage forms without manual recalibration.
Key Features
- High-precision d/8° integrating sphere optics with matte-finish barium sulfate coating for uniform diffuse illumination and minimized stray light
- Pulsed xenon lamp with >1 million flashes lifetime, spectrally matched to CIE Illuminant D65 and capable of UV-induced fluorescence detection down to 360 nm
- Dual-aperture configuration: 25 mm and 9.5 mm port sizes for flexible sample accommodation—from large tablet batches to micro-volume liquid cuvettes
- Robust mechanical architecture featuring stainless-steel fasteners, vibration-damped optical platform, and thermally stabilized electronics for long-term measurement reproducibility
- Automated mode switching between SCI and SCE with motorized baffle control; no manual reconfiguration required
- Integrated status indicator LEDs for immediate visual confirmation of measurement mode, calibration state, and port selection
- Ergonomic sample stand with adjustable tilt and modular clamping fixtures for solids, liquids, gels, and irregularly shaped pharmaceuticals
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UltraScan VIS accommodates solid, liquid, and semi-solid pharmaceutical samples per ICH Q5C and USP specifications. It measures color of coated tablets, oral suspensions, injectable solutions, ointments, and lyophilized powders under controlled geometric and illuminant conditions. Its open-top transmission compartment allows insertion of oversized containers (e.g., 100 mL volumetric flasks or amber glass vials), while the 9.5 mm aperture enables high-resolution analysis of small-batch R&D samples. The instrument meets GLP/GMP data integrity requirements when paired with EasyMatch QC software supporting 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails, electronic signatures, and user-access controls. All factory calibrations are traceable to NIST-traceable standards, and optional verification kits include certified ceramic tiles and liquid filter sets for routine performance qualification (PQ).
Software & Data Management
EasyMatch QC software serves as the validated control and reporting interface for pharmaceutical applications. It supports method-driven workflows compliant with FDA and EMA expectations—including SOP-based measurement protocols, tolerance limits defined by ΔE*ab, ΔL*, Δa*, or Δb*, and automated pass/fail flagging against master batch references. Raw spectral data (10 nm intervals from 360–780 nm) is stored in vendor-neutral CSV and XML formats. Batch reports include metadata (operator ID, timestamp, instrument serial number, calibration history), statistical summaries (mean, SD, CV%), and graphical overlays for trend analysis across production lots. The software supports IQ/OQ/PQ documentation templates aligned with Annex 11 and ISO 13485 frameworks.
Applications
- Batch-to-batch color consistency verification of solid oral dosage forms per USP
- Quantitative evaluation of yellowing or oxidation in polymer-based packaging materials
- Color stability testing during accelerated stability studies (ICH Q1A)
- Excipient compatibility screening via chromatic shift detection in blend uniformity assays
- Transmittance and haze measurement of parenteral solutions using CIE TCI and Haze Index algorithms
- Fluorescence-enabled detection of degradation markers in UV-sensitive APIs (e.g., riboflavin, tetracyclines)
- Support for PAT (Process Analytical Technology) initiatives through OPC UA integration and real-time data streaming to MES systems
FAQ
Is the UltraScan VIS compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records?
Yes—when used with validated EasyMatch QC software configured with role-based access, audit trail logging, and electronic signature enforcement.
Can it measure turbid or hazy pharmaceutical suspensions?
Yes—the d/8° sphere geometry and SCE/SCI mode flexibility enable accurate color and haze quantification per ASTM D1003 and ISO 14782.
What calibration standards are included with the system?
NIST-traceable white ceramic tile, black trap, and liquid filter set (optional); annual recalibration services available via HunterLab-certified labs.
Does it support custom color difference formulas beyond CIEDE2000?
Yes—EasyMatch QC allows user-defined tolerances and weighted delta-E equations for proprietary quality specifications.
How is thermal drift managed during extended measurement sessions?
The instrument employs active thermal stabilization of the detector array and xenon lamp power supply, maintaining spectral accuracy within ±0.1 nm over 8-hour continuous operation.
