Lovibond PFXi195/7 Automated Colorimeter

Overview

The Lovibond® PFXi195/7 Automated Colorimeter is a precision optical measurement instrument engineered for objective, repeatable color quantification in liquid samples. Based on standardized photometric principles—using stable tungsten-halogen illumination and interference-filtered photodetectors—the system measures spectral transmittance across the visible range (approximately 400–700 nm) and computes color values according to internationally recognized scales. Unlike visual comparison methods, the PFXi195/7 eliminates observer bias, ambient lighting influence, and inter-operator variability by automating spectral acquisition, algorithmic conversion, and result reporting. It is specifically optimized for routine analysis in food, beverage, and biochemical quality control environments where regulatory compliance, method traceability, and batch-to-batch consistency are critical.

Key Features

• Automated color evaluation with single-button operation—results displayed within 20 seconds after sample insertion
• Dedicated built-in methods for sugar solutions (ICUMSA), honey (Pfund scale), brown liquids (Series 52), and CIE L*a*b* coordinates
• Stainless steel optical cell chamber with removable design for rapid cleaning and chemical resistance to common solvents and acidic/basic media
• RCMSi (Remote Calibration & Maintenance System interface) enables network-based verification, firmware updates, and remote calibration validation via LAN or USB
• Full GLP functionality: timestamped records include date, time, operator ID, sample ID, selected standard, and measured deviation metrics
• Customizable user interface: language selection (including Chinese), password-protected access levels, and configurable display of only relevant color scales
• Support for both static cuvette measurements (10–50 mm pathlength) and continuous-flow analysis using optional flow-through cells

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PFXi195/7 is validated for transparent to semi-transparent liquids including sucrose syrups, clarified fruit juices, honey, edible oils, pharmaceutical excipients, and industrial process streams. Its optical architecture conforms to the fundamental requirements of ASTM D1209 (APHA/Pt-Co), ASTM D1500 (ASTM Color), ASTM D5386 (instrumental color of liquids), ISO 6271 (Pt-Co), ISO 27607 (Gardner), and ISO 20497 (Pfund). Certified reference standards—including traceable liquid color standards (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited) and NIST-traceable interference filters—are supported for daily verification and periodic recalibration. The instrument’s mechanical and software architecture meets ISO 9001 internal audit requirements and supports 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when deployed with appropriate IT infrastructure and procedural controls.

Software & Data Management

The included Lovibond Colour Control Software provides comprehensive post-acquisition analysis: CIE chromaticity diagrams (x,y and u’,v’), spectral reflectance/transmittance curves, delta-E (ΔE_ab, ΔE₀₀) deviation mapping, and custom tolerance banding. Data export is supported in CSV, TXT, and XML formats for integration into LIMS or ERP systems. Instrument control—including method selection, measurement triggering, and calibration execution—can be performed remotely via the software interface. Audit trails log all user actions, parameter changes, and calibration events with immutable timestamps, satisfying GLP and GMP documentation requirements. Spectral datasets are stored with metadata (instrument ID, firmware version, measurement geometry), ensuring full analytical traceability.

Applications

• Quality assurance of cane and beet sugar syrups per ICUMSA Method GS3/3-11
• Honey grading and authenticity verification using Pfund scale (AOAC 980.19)
• Color stability monitoring in citrus, apple, and grape juice production
• Batch release testing of pharmaceutical intermediates and excipients under USP & EP color specifications
• Process control of edible oil refining (e.g., bleaching efficiency assessment via Gardner or AOCS Cc 13b-92)
• Environmental water clarity and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) estimation via Pt-Co correlation

FAQ

What color standards are pre-programmed in the PFXi195/7?

ICUMSA, Pfund, Series 52 (Brown), CIE L*a*b*, CIE XYZ, and spectral transmittance (31-point, 10 nm intervals).
Can the instrument be integrated into a laboratory network for centralized data management?

Yes—via built-in LAN port and RCMSi protocol, enabling remote diagnostics, firmware deployment, and secure data transfer to networked servers.
Is the PFXi195/7 compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?

The hardware and software support Part 11 elements—including electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access—when configured with validated IT infrastructure and documented SOPs.
How is calibration verified between scheduled maintenance intervals?

Using certified liquid standards (e.g., ASTM D1209-compliant Pt-Co solutions) or NIST-traceable glass filters; RCMSi allows automated verification reports with pass/fail status.
Does the instrument support custom color standards derived from user-prepared reference samples?

Yes—users may define and store proprietary reference spectra or tristimulus values as custom methods, with associated tolerance limits and pass/fail logic.