Spectrophotometer Automates Oil Color Analysis

Tintometer (Salisbury, U.K.) has introduced the Lovibond PFX880/P, a high-precision spectrophotometer for objective color analysis of petroleum fuels, oils, waxes and petrochemicals. It is designed to conform to the requirements of ASTM D 6045, which covers the automatic determination of both Saybolt and ASTM Color of a wide range of petroleum products. Results can also be displayed in terms of CIE values and spectral data.

According to Tintometer, the PFX880/P is an easy to use, automatic instrument, which eliminates time-consuming procedures of visual measurement methods. There is no need to build up calibration curves as they are already established in the instrument. When measuring Saybolt Colour, the 100-mm sample path length enables the PFX880/P to obtain precise color measurements, even with unsaturated samples such as white oils and waxes. This accuracy and the repeatability of data provided by the instrument allow for tighter color specifications and greater color consistency, giving companies the confidence needed to make important decisions regarding high-value consignments and refining operations.

The PFX880/P is fabricated with a rugged steel housing, and it can function equally as a QC instrument within the laboratory or on 24-h operation in a production environment. An integrated heater unit is available as a factory-fitted option to prevent heated samples such as waxes from solidifying in the cell.

For regular conformance testing the colorimeter is supplied with a colored glass filter of known Saybolt value. Sets of graded glass filters, representing a spread of colors from the Saybolt or ASTM Color scales, are also available for quick and simple calibration checks.

For more information:
Jan Bradford
Tintometer Ltd.
The Colour Laboratory
Waterloo Rd Salisbury SP12JY
U.K.
Tel: 44 1722 327242
Fax: 44 1722 412322