Lovibond PFXi-195 Series Automated Colorimeter

Overview

The Lovibond PFXi-195 Series Automated Colorimeter is a precision photometric instrument engineered for high-reproducibility color measurement across liquid samples in regulated industrial and laboratory environments. It operates on the principle of fixed-wavelength photometry using nine calibrated interference filters, enabling direct quantification of absorbance and tristimulus values without spectral scanning. This architecture delivers robust performance under routine QC conditions while maintaining traceability to CIE-defined color spaces—including CIE L*a*b*, CIE XYZ, and CIE xyY—and supporting over 20 industry-specific color scales. Designed for compliance-critical workflows, the PFXi-195 meets foundational requirements for method validation per ISO/IEC 17025 and supports audit-ready documentation when integrated with validated software protocols.

Key Features

• Fixed-filter photometric design with nine interference filters (420–710 nm, 10 nm FWHM), optimized for stability and long-term repeatability (ΔE* ≤ 0.04)
• Integrated dual-standard observer capability (2° and 10°) and multiple CIE illuminants (A, B, C, D65) for flexible color space conversion
• Automated one-touch baseline calibration with built-in reference verification—no external standards required for daily operation
• Modular firmware architecture supporting remote, over-the-air updates of industry-specific color scales via RCMSi (Remote Calibration & Maintenance Service interface)
• Steel enclosure with textured epoxy coating, IP20-rated housing, and 23-key tactile membrane keypad with audible feedback for glove-compatible operation
• Onboard data logging (100,000 measurements), timestamped storage, and export via USB/LAN/RS232 with CSV and XML support

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PFXi-195 accommodates transparent to semi-transparent liquids across diverse viscosity and thermal stability profiles, with pathlength selection ranging from 0.1 mm (for highly concentrated solutions) to 50 mm (for dilute or low-absorbance matrices). Its optical system is validated for use with standard 10–50 mm glass cuvettes (included), and optional thermostatted cells are recommended for samples exhibiting cloud point behavior (e.g., waxes, fats). The instrument conforms to CE, RoHS, and WEEE directives and supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through configurable user access levels, electronic signature prompts, and audit trail generation when paired with Lovibond’s ColorSoft Pro software. Method-specific compliance includes ASTM D1209 (APHA/Hazen), ASTM D1500/D6045 (petroleum), AOCS Cc13a-43 (FAC), ICUMSA GS1-7/GS2/3-9 (sugar), USP , EP 2.2.24, and EBC 11.1.1.

Software & Data Management

ColorSoft Pro—a dedicated Windows-based application—is supplied with each unit and provides full control over measurement configuration, report generation, statistical analysis (mean, SD, CPK), and trend visualization. The software enforces 21 CFR Part 11 compliance through role-based permissions, electronic signatures, and immutable audit logs covering all parameter changes, calibration events, and result exports. Data synchronization supports both local network deployment and secure cloud backup. Instrument firmware and color scale libraries (e.g., ASBC, Saybolt, Pfund, Hunter Lab, ADMI) are remotely upgradable without physical service intervention—reducing downtime and ensuring ongoing alignment with evolving pharmacopoeial or industry standard revisions.

Applications

The PFXi-195 Series serves as a primary color verification tool across vertically segmented quality control laboratories. In petrochemical settings, it validates ASTM D1500 color grading of lubricants and crude distillates. Within food & beverage production, it monitors ICUMSA indices in cane syrup, FAC values in edible oils, and ASBC/EBC units in malt extracts and finished beer. Pharmaceutical labs apply it for USP/EP-compliant visual equivalence assessment of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients. Cosmetic formulators rely on its Gardner, Pt-Co, and Delta E* outputs for batch-to-batch consistency in emulsions and pigmented solutions. Environmental testing labs utilize ADMI and Hunter Lab modes for wastewater effluent characterization per Standard Methods 2120 E.

FAQ

Does the PFXi-195 support real-time temperature control during measurement?

No—the base model lacks integrated heating/cooling. For temperature-sensitive samples (e.g., waxes, molten fats), Lovibond recommends the PFXi-880/950/995 series with optional Peltier-controlled cell holders.
Can custom color scales be added beyond the pre-installed ones?

Yes—custom scales may be commissioned via Lovibond’s Application Support team and deployed remotely using RCMSi, subject to optical feasibility and metrological validation.
Is the instrument suitable for non-liquid samples?

No—it is designed exclusively for transmission-mode liquid color analysis. Opaque, turbid, or solid-phase samples require reflectance-based instrumentation (e.g., Lovibond LCi series).
What is the calibration frequency recommendation under ISO/IEC 17025?

Annual third-party verification is advised; internal verification using certified reference filters (supplied) should occur before each analytical session or at least daily in high-throughput environments.
Are consumables such as lamps and filters user-replaceable?

Yes—the 5 V / 10 W halogen lamp and interference filter wheel are field-serviceable using standard tools and documented procedures in the operator manual.