Lovibond PFXi 950 Automated Colorimeter
| Brand | Lovibond (Tintometer Ltd.) |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Model | PFXi 950 |
| Compliance | ASTM D1209, ASTM D1500, ASTM D6045, AOCS Cd 13b-97, ISO 2761, ISO 4630, ISO 6271, Gardner ASTM D1544, Saybolt ASTM D156 |
| Measurement Principles | Transmission colorimetry using tungsten-halogen light source and precision interference filters |
| Display | High-resolution LCD with multilingual interface (including English & Chinese) |
| Sample Path Length Options | 10 mm, 20 mm, 33.3 mm, 50 mm, 100 mm |
| Output Data | CIE L*a*b*, CIE XYZ, CIE Yellowness Index (YI), Whiteness Index (WI), spectral reflectance/transmittance (380–720 nm, 10 nm intervals), and proprietary color scales |
| Connectivity | RS-232, USB, optional Ethernet |
| Software Compatibility | ColorSoft™ PC software for data export, audit trail, and report generation |
| Regulatory Support | FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant configuration available (with user authentication, electronic signatures, and full audit trail) |
Overview
The Lovibond® PFXi 950 Automated Colorimeter is a precision transmission colorimeter engineered for objective, repeatable color assessment in quality control laboratories across chemical, petrochemical, food, pharmaceutical, and industrial oil sectors. It operates on the principle of standardized visible-light transmission photometry, utilizing a stable tungsten-halogen illuminant and calibrated interference filters to measure absorbance across the 380–720 nm spectral range at 10 nm increments. Unlike subjective visual comparison methods, the PFXi 950 eliminates observer bias by delivering quantitative, instrument-based color values traceable to international standards—including ASTM, ISO, and AOCS protocols. Its modular optical path design supports variable cell path lengths (10 mm to 100 mm), enabling accurate measurement of both highly colored and low-absorbance samples without dilution or signal saturation.
Key Features
- Automated measurement cycle completed in under 30 seconds—no manual filter selection or zeroing required
- Multi-standard compliance: direct readout of ASTM D1500 (petroleum), ASTM D1209 (Pt-Co/Hazen), ASTM D1544 (Gardner), ASTM D156 (Saybolt), AOCS Cd 13b-97 (fats/oils), and ISO 2761/4630/6271
- Proprietary Lovibond® RYBN and Tintometer® color scales integrated alongside CIE L*a*b*, XYZ, Yellowness Index (E313), and Whiteness Index (CIE/ASTM)
- Large-capacity sample compartment accommodating standard 10–100 mm pathlength cuvettes, including cylindrical and rectangular cells
- Onboard memory stores up to 1,000 measurements with timestamp, operator ID, and method identifier
- ColorSoft™ PC software enables GLP-compliant data management: customizable reports, statistical analysis (mean, SD, CV%), trend charts, and full electronic audit trail
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PFXi 950 is validated for transparent to semi-transparent liquid samples—including mineral oils, edible fats, solvents, syrups, resins, and aqueous solutions. Its broad dynamic range accommodates samples conforming to ASTM D1209 (0–500 Pt-Co units), ASTM D1500 (0–8 scale), and Gardner (1–18 scale). Instrument calibration follows NIST-traceable standards; factory calibration certificates include uncertainty statements per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. The system supports GMP/GLP environments through optional 21 CFR Part 11–enabled firmware, providing role-based access control, electronic signatures, and immutable audit logs for all measurement and configuration events.
Software & Data Management
ColorSoft™ software provides full traceability and regulatory readiness. Users can define custom test methods, assign sample IDs, and configure pass/fail limits against internal specifications or pharmacopeial monographs (e.g., USP , EP 2.2.47). Raw spectral transmittance data (380–720 nm) is exportable in CSV and XML formats for integration with LIMS or ERP systems. All data modifications are logged with user ID, timestamp, and reason-for-change metadata—ensuring alignment with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).
Applications
- Quality release testing of base oils, lubricants, and biodiesel per ASTM D1500 and ISO 4630
- Refined vegetable oil grading (palm, soybean, sunflower) using AOCS Cd 13b-97 and Lovibond® RYBN scales
- Pharmaceutical excipient color verification per USP and EP 2.2.47
- Process monitoring of polymerization reactions where yellowness index correlates with thermal degradation
- QC of cleaning agents, surfactants, and glycols where Pt-Co or Hazen color indicates purity
- Research applications requiring full-spectrum transmittance profiles for spectral deconvolution or formulation optimization
FAQ
Does the PFXi 950 require annual recalibration by an accredited service provider?
Yes—routine recalibration every 12 months is recommended to maintain traceability to NIST standards. Certificate of Calibration includes measurement uncertainty per ISO/IEC 17025.
Can the instrument store custom color tolerance limits for in-house specifications?
Yes—up to 50 user-defined methods with configurable upper/lower limits, alarm thresholds, and automatic pass/fail flags.
Is spectral data acquisition supported in real time during measurement?
Yes—the instrument captures full 380–720 nm transmittance spectra at 10 nm resolution for each reading and stores raw data points onboard.
What cell materials are compatible with the PFXi 950’s optical path?
Standard quartz, borosilicate glass, and UV-grade fused silica cuvettes (10–100 mm pathlength) are supported; polycarbonate cells are not recommended due to UV absorption.
How does the PFXi 950 handle turbid or particulate-containing samples?
It is designed exclusively for clear, particle-free liquids. Turbid samples must be filtered (0.45 µm membrane) prior to analysis to avoid scattering artifacts and erroneous absorbance readings.
