NORMALAB SC CLASSIC Saybolt Colorimeter
| Brand | NORMALAB |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | SC CLASSIC |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The NORMALAB SC CLASSIC Saybolt Colorimeter is a precision optical instrument engineered for the quantitative assessment of color intensity in petroleum-based liquids according to the Saybolt chromatic scale. It operates on the principle of visual comparison between a test sample and standardized reference discs under controlled illumination, conforming strictly to the photometric methodology defined in ASTM D156, ISO 2049 (equivalent to SIS K2580), NF M 07-003, DIN 51411, and GB/T 3555. Unlike spectrophotometric systems, the SC CLASSIC relies on human observer evaluation under calibrated daylight-simulating conditions—ensuring traceability to legacy industrial specifications still mandated in refinery QC, fuel certification, and regulatory submissions across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific markets.
Key Features
- Daylight-simulating light source integrated into the base housing, compliant with CIE Standard Illuminant C (6500 K correlated color temperature), minimizing spectral deviation during visual assessment.
- Three fixed-position Saybolt standard color discs (designated as 0, 1, and 2) mounted with certified interference-filtered glass elements—each disc reproduces the exact spectral transmittance profile required by ASTM D156 Annex A.
- Optical path geometry optimized to eliminate parallax error: sample tube axis aligned coaxially with viewing aperture and reference disc plane, ensuring consistent observer alignment independent of operator experience level.
- Robust aluminum alloy chassis with anti-reflective black interior finish to suppress stray light and enhance contrast resolution during comparative evaluation.
- No electronic calibration drift: mechanical reference system ensures long-term stability without firmware updates, sensor recalibration, or annual metrological verification beyond routine NIST-traceable disc validation.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SC CLASSIC is validated for transparent to lightly hazy hydrocarbon liquids meeting ASTM D156 scope criteria—including undyed motor gasoline, aviation gasoline (avgas), jet fuel (Jet A/Jet A-1), naphtha, kerosene, petroleum wax melts, and pharmaceutical-grade white mineral oil. Samples must be free of suspended particulates and water droplets; filtration through 0.8 µm membrane prior to testing is recommended per ASTM D4176 practice. The instrument satisfies mandatory color reporting requirements for API MPMS Chapter 9.1, EN 228 (gasoline), EN 590 (diesel), and USP <631> for white mineral oil used in pharmaceutical excipients. All operational procedures align with GLP-compliant laboratory documentation frameworks and support audit readiness for ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing laboratories.
Software & Data Management
The SC CLASSIC is a manual, non-digital instrument and does not incorporate embedded software, data logging, or connectivity interfaces. Color determinations are recorded manually in laboratory notebooks or LIMS-compatible spreadsheets using the standardized Saybolt unit notation (e.g., “+25”, “–10”, “0”). To support digital workflow integration, NORMALAB provides a companion PDF-based Record Template (SC-RT-01) compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles—featuring designated fields for analyst ID, date/time stamp, sample ID, observed disc match, environmental conditions (ambient temperature/humidity), and dual-signature verification lines. This template is designed for scanned archiving with hash-verified integrity and retention periods matching ASTM E2500-17 guidelines.
Applications
- Refinery final product release testing for gasoline and jet fuel color compliance prior to pipeline injection or marine loading.
- Batch-to-batch consistency monitoring of naphtha feedstocks entering catalytic reformers or isomerization units.
- Pharmaceutical excipient qualification per USP <631>, where color limits directly correlate with oxidation stability and heavy metal contamination thresholds.
- Contract laboratory services supporting ASTM D156 interlaboratory studies and proficiency testing programs administered by ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants.
- Educational use in petroleum engineering curricula for hands-on instruction in classical hydrocarbon characterization methods and metrological traceability concepts.
FAQ
Does the SC CLASSIC require periodic recalibration?
No—its measurement basis is physical reference discs traceable to NIST SRM 1936. Discs should be inspected annually for scratches or coating degradation; replacement discs are supplied with individual calibration certificates.
Can the instrument be used for diesel fuel color testing?
No—diesel is evaluated under ASTM D1500 (ASTM Color Scale), not Saybolt. The SC CLASSIC is explicitly excluded from diesel applications per ASTM D156 Section 1.1.
Is the daylight source replaceable, and what is its rated service life?
Yes—the tungsten-halogen lamp assembly (part no. SC-LAMP-01) has a nominal lifetime of 2,000 hours. Replacement requires only a Phillips #1 screwdriver and takes <90 seconds.
What sample volume is required per test?
45 mL minimum, filled to the etched meniscus line on the included 50 mL borosilicate glass sample tube (ISO 3585-compliant).
Are there documented equivalencies between Saybolt and other color scales (e.g., ASTM, Gardner)?
No universally accepted mathematical conversion exists. Cross-scale correlations are matrix-specific and require empirical correlation studies per ASTM D5386; such conversions are not supported by the SC CLASSIC design or regulatory standards.
