Koehler OIL-1 Petroleum Product Colorimeter
| Origin | Japan |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | OIL-1 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The Koehler OIL-1 Petroleum Product Colorimeter is a portable, microprocessor-controlled color measurement instrument engineered for rapid, standardized assessment of liquid petroleum products and related hydrocarbon-based fluids. It operates on the principle of transmitted light photometry using a stable, temperature-insensitive LED light source and calibrated silicon photodiode detection. Unlike visual comparison methods, the OIL-1 quantifies color by measuring spectral transmittance at defined wavelengths corresponding to internationally recognized color scales—including ASTM D1500 (ASTM Color), ASTM D1209 (APHA/Hazen), ASTM D156 (Saybolt), and ASTM D1544 (Gardner). Its optical architecture is optimized to minimize stray light interference and ensure high inter-instrument reproducibility across laboratories. Designed for field deployment and QC benchtop use, the instrument complies with the optical geometry and illuminant requirements specified in ISO 2211 and ASTM E308 for tristimulus-based color evaluation in transparent liquids.
Key Features
- Multi-scale color quantification: Simultaneous calculation and display of ASTM Color (0–8.0), APHA/Hazen (0–500), Saybolt (-15.0 to +35.0), and Gardner (0–18) indices from a single measurement cycle.
- Integrated thermal printer: Built-in dot-matrix printer enables immediate hardcopy output of test results—including sample ID, date/time stamp, scale used, and numerical value—supporting audit-ready documentation per GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
- Onboard data management: Stores up to 100 measurements per color scale (400 total entries), with timestamp and operator ID tagging. Data export via RS-232C interface supports traceable transfer to LIMS or QA databases.
- Portable dual-power operation: Rechargeable NiCd battery (1.5 h charging time, ~8 h continuous operation) or AC adapter—enabling use in refinery labs, storage terminals, or mobile inspection units without external power dependency.
- Ergonomic design: Compact footprint (210 × 105 × 70 mm), lightweight construction (~660 g), and high-contrast English-language LCD display facilitate one-handed operation and readability under variable ambient lighting conditions.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The OIL-1 is validated for use with clarified, non-turbid petroleum distillates including lubricating oils, diesel fuels, kerosene, white oils, solvents, and glycols. Sample volume requirements are scale-specific: 6 mL for ASTM D1500, APHA, and Gardner; 16 mL for Saybolt measurements—ensuring compatibility with standard ASTM sample handling protocols. All optical calibrations are referenced against NIST-traceable liquid standards preloaded into firmware, eliminating manual calibration drift. The instrument meets the geometric and photometric criteria of ASTM D1500 Annex A1 (instrumental method), ISO 2049:2021 (petroleum product color determination), and JIS K 2580 for domestic Japanese refinery compliance. CE marking confirms conformity with EU Electromagnetic Compatibility (2014/30/EU) and Low Voltage (2014/35/EU) directives.
Software & Data Management
Optional Koehler ColorLink™ software (v3.2+) provides full bidirectional communication via RS-232C, enabling remote configuration, batch report generation, statistical analysis (mean, SD, CV%), and PDF export compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including electronic signatures, audit trails, and user access controls. Raw absorbance data and metadata (e.g., ambient temperature, battery level, calibration status) are logged alongside each result. Instrument firmware supports firmware updates via serial interface, ensuring long-term alignment with evolving ASTM and ISO revision cycles.
Applications
- Refinery process control: Monitoring color stability of hydrotreated naphthas and base oils during catalytic treatment.
- Fuel quality assurance: Verifying APHA limits for aviation turbine fuel (ASTM D1655) and diesel (ASTM D975) prior to dispatch.
- Lubricant formulation QC: Tracking Gardner number shifts in alkyd resins and white mineral oils during oxidation aging studies.
- Regulatory compliance testing: Generating auditable reports for EPA, API, and JIS-certified product release documentation.
- Third-party inspection: Field verification of color specifications in custody transfer agreements for exported petroleum products.
FAQ
Does the OIL-1 require annual recalibration by an accredited lab?
No—its factory-calibrated LED photometer and embedded reference standards eliminate routine recalibration. However, users must perform daily verification using supplied check standards per ASTM D1500 Section 8.3.
Can the instrument measure opaque or viscous samples?
No. The OIL-1 is designed exclusively for transparent, low-turbidity liquids meeting ASTM D1500 clarity criteria. Samples exceeding 10 NTU turbidity or requiring heating for fluidity must be pre-filtered or diluted per ASTM D4176 guidance.
Is the thermal printer compatible with modern Windows/macOS systems?
The built-in printer produces local hardcopy only. For digital archiving, use the RS-232C interface with Koehler ColorLink™ software or generic terminal emulators supporting ASCII print capture.
What is the warranty coverage and service support structure?
Koehler provides a 24-month limited warranty covering parts and labor. Global service network includes authorized calibration centers in North America, EMEA, and APAC regions—with certified technicians trained to ISO/IEC 17025 procedures.
