Lovibond PFXi Series Colorimeters — Automatic Color Measurement for Petroleum, Fuels & Lubricants
ASTM D1500 · D156 · D1209 · D6045 · ISO 2049 compliant. Four benchtop spectrophotometric colorimeters covering every petroleum color measurement application — from the entry-level PFXi-195/2 for oils and fats, to the PFXi-995/P with the broadest scale coverage available. RCMSi remote calibration. Results in under 30 seconds.
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Petroleum Color Is a Specification Parameter — and Visual Grading Has Always Been the Weakest Link in Measuring It
Color is a direct quality indicator for petroleum products, lubricants, fuels, and waxes. ASTM D1500 color is specified in lubricating oil and fuel oil product standards. Saybolt color per ASTM D156 is the specification parameter for white oils, waxes, kerosene, and aviation fuels. Platinum-Cobalt / Hazen / APHA color per ASTM D1209 is used for chemical quality control and water clarity applications. Every one of these measurements has historically been made by an operator comparing a sample against a physical color disc or glass standard and assigning a number based on visual judgement. The result is operator-dependent, shift-dependent, and a documented source of inter-laboratory variability.
Lovibond’s spectrophotometric colorimeters replace visual grading entirely. The PFXi benchtop series uses 16-filter wavelength technology and a 153mm extended path length chamber to measure color objectively in under 30 seconds — reporting results according to any of 20+ internationally recognized scales simultaneously, in CIE values, or in traditional petroleum grading scales. Scales can be added remotely at any time after purchase, giving labs the flexibility to expand instrument capability without additional hardware investment.
Lovibond has been the global standard for color measurement since 1885. The RCMSi (Remote Calibration & Maintenance Service via internet) system, unique to the PFXi series, allows calibration and servicing to be performed remotely — eliminating the service downtime and cost associated with returning benchtop instruments for factory calibration.
What the Lovibond PFXi Deliver in Your Lab
RCMSi — Remote Calibration & Maintenance via Internet
The PFXi series introduces a unique concept to liquid color control: RCMSi technology allows calibration, servicing, and scale upgrades to be performed remotely via the internet. Eliminate the cost and downtime of returning instruments to a service centre. Add new color scales after purchase without sending the instrument away. RCMSi Certified Calibration Packs — Full, Conformance, and Starter levels — are available to suit different compliance requirements.
153mm Extended Path Length — PFXi-880/950/995 Series
The long path length cell chamber on the PFXi-880/950/995 series accommodates cells up to 6" (153mm) — enabling measurement of extremely light, unsaturated samples and compliance with color scales defined with long path lengths, including Lovibond RYBN and AOCS Tintometer color. Path length is adjustable from 0.1mm to 153mm, covering the full range of petroleum sample opacity.
Optional Integrated Heater — PFXi-880/950/995 Series
For samples such as waxes and heavy petroleum products that must be maintained above their cloud point during measurement, the PFXi-880, -950, and -995 series are available with an optional integrated heater unit. The heater maintains sample temperature at +10°C above the cloud point — preventing solidification and ensuring the sample is in the correct physical state for accurate color measurement throughout the test.
20+ Color Scales — One Instrument
The PFXi series supports over 20 internationally recognized color scales in a variety of combinations — ASTM D1500, Saybolt, Pt-Co/Hazen/APHA, Gardner, Lovibond RYBN, AOCS, CIE L*a*b*, ISO and more. Scales are pre-loaded and field-upgradeable. The Off-Hue Status function reports whether a sample color is characteristic of the selected scale — including hue description (redder, greener), relative saturation, and an off-hue factor.
GLP-Compliant Output & Full Traceability
PFXi results include date, time, sample ID, and user ID — conforming to GLP documentation requirements. Results export via USB, RS232, and Ethernet. Color Control Software for Windows is supplied with every PFXi instrument, enabling spectral and CIE diagrams, data analysis, and direct instrument control from a PC. Conformance filters supplied with a Certificate of Conformity from ISO 9001-controlled manufacturing.
ASTM Method Compliance
Standard Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color Scale)
The primary color specification for petroleum lubricants, heating oils, diesel fuel oils, and similar products. Scale: 0.5 (lightest) to 8.0 (darkest). Supported on: PFXi-880/P, PFXi-950/P, PFXi-995/P, PFXi-195/2.
Standard Test Methods for Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products (Saybolt Chromometer Method)
Color specification for kerosene, aviation fuel, naphtha, white mineral oils, and highly refined waxes. Scale: +30 (lightest) to -16 (darkest). Supported on: PFXi-880/P, PFXi-950/P, PFXi-995/P, PFXi-195/2.
Standard Test Method for Color of Clear Liquids (Platinum-Cobalt Scale)
Also known as Hazen color, APHA color, and True Color Units (TCU). Used for petroleum chemical products, water clarity, solvents, and transparent liquids. Scale: 0 to 500 Pt-Co units. Supported on: PFXi-195/2, PFXi-995/P.
Standard Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE System
Used where internationally recognized CIE L*a*b* and CIE xy chromaticity values are required in addition to traditional scale results. Supported on: PFXi-880/P, PFXi-950/P, PFXi-995/P, PFXi-195/2.
ALSO COMELATED / SUPPORTED
PFXi-195/2 — Petroleum Oils & Fats
The entry-level benchtop PFXi colorimeter for petroleum oils and fats. Standard path length (up to 50mm), 9-filter wavelength measurement, RCMSi remote calibration, and field-upgradeable color scales. Note: no optional heater — for samples requiring temperature maintenance above cloud point, specify PFXi-880/P, -950/P, or -995/P.
Delivery includes: instrument, external power supply, 3 power leads, USB + LAN cable, Quick Start Guide, CD ROM with software, RCMSi Starter Pack, Certificate of Conformity, accessory box with halogen lamp, conformance filter, W600/OG/33 Cell, W600/OG/50 Cell
9 interference filter wavelength measurement — 10nm bandwidth
Path length: 0.1mm to 50mm — max 50mm sample cells
Measurement time: less than 30 seconds
Detector: blue enhanced photodiode
Display: 240 x 128 back-lit graphic (white on blue)
RCMSi remote calibration and scale upgrade capability
20+ color scales — field upgradeable at any time
Off-Hue Status: hue description, saturation, off-hue factor
GLP output: date, time, sample ID, user ID
Interfaces: USB, RS232, Ethernet
Internal storage: 100,000+ measurements
Repeatability: ±0.0004 CIE xy on deionised water
Baseline calibration: single key press, fully automated
Construction: fabricated steel, textured paint finish
Dimensions: 435 x 170 x 195 mm
Weight: 6.8 kg
Power: universal 90–240 VAC, external supply
Compliance: CE, RoHS, WEEE
Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese
Standards supported: ASTM D156, D1209, D1500, D6045, E308, ISO 2049, ISO 6271
Part No. 1371952
PFXi-880/P — Fuels & Waxes
The PFXi-880/P is a 16-filter benchtop spectrophotometric colorimeter configured for petroleum oils and waxes, with 153mm extended path length and optional integrated heater. Measures ASTM D1500, D156 (Saybolt), D6045, and E308 on petroleum samples up to 153mm path length.
Delivery includes: instrument, external power supply, 3 power leads, USB + LAN cable, Quick Start Guide, CD ROM with software, RCMSi Starter Pack, Certificate of Conformity, accessory box with halogen lamp, conformance filter, W600/OG/33 Cell, W600/OG/100 Cell
16 interference filter wavelength measurement — 10nm bandwidth
Path length: 0.1mm to 153mm (0.004″ to 6″) — max 6″/153mm cells
Measurement time: less than 30 seconds
Optional integrated heater: maintains sample +10°C above cloud point (order heated variant P/N 1378803H)
Detector: blue enhanced photodiode
Display: 240 x 128 back-lit graphic (white on blue)
RCMSi remote calibration and scale upgrade capability
20+ color scales — field upgradeable at any time
Off-Hue Status: hue description, saturation, off-hue factor
GLP output: date, time, sample ID, user ID
Interfaces: USB, RS232, Ethernet
Internal storage: 100,000+ measurements
Color Control Software for Windows — included
Illuminants: CIE A, B, C, D65; Observer: 2°, 10°
Repeatability: ±0.0002 CIE xy on deionised water
Baseline calibration: single key press, fully automated
Construction: fabricated steel, textured paint finish
Dimensions: 515 x 170 x 196 mm
Weight: 7.7 kg
Power: universal 90–240 VAC, external supply
Compliance: CE, RoHS, WEEE
Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese
Standards supported: ASTM D156, D1500, D6045, E308, ISO 2049
Part No. 1378803 (standard) · 1378803H (with integrated heater)
PFXi-950/P — Fuels & Waxes
The PFXi-950/P expands the petroleum color scale coverage of the 880/P, adding Pt-Co/Hazen/APHA color (ASTM D1209) and ISO 6271 to the standard petroleum suite. Same 16-filter technology, 153mm path length, and optional heater as the 880 series.
Delivery includes: instrument, external power supply, 3 power leads, USB + LAN cable, Quick Start Guide, CD ROM with software, RCMSi Starter Pack, Certificate of Conformity, accessory box with halogen lamp, conformance filter, W600/OG/33 Cell, W600/OG/100 Cell
16 interference filter wavelength measurement — 10nm bandwidth
Path length: 0.1mm to 153mm (0.004″ to 6″) — max 6″/153mm cells
Measurement time: less than 30 seconds
Optional integrated heater: maintains sample +10°C above cloud point (order P/N 1379502H)
Detector: blue enhanced photodiode
Display: 240 x 128 back-lit graphic (white on blue)
RCMSi remote calibration and scale upgrade capability
20+ color scales — field upgradeable
Off-Hue Status function
GLP output: date, time, sample ID, user ID
Interfaces: USB, RS232, Ethernet
Internal storage: 100,000+ measurements
Color Control Software for Windows — included
Illuminants: CIE A, B, C, D65; Observer: 2°, 10°
Repeatability: ±0.0002 CIE xy on deionised water
Baseline calibration: single key press, fully automated
Construction: fabricated steel, textured paint finish
Dimensions: 515 x 170 x 196 mm
Weight: 7.7 kg
Power: universal 90–240 VAC, external supply
Compliance: CE, RoHS, WEEE
Standards supported: ASTM D156, D1209, D1500, D6045, E308, ISO 2049, ISO 6271
Part No. 1379502 (standard) · 1379502H (with integrated heater)
PFXi-995/P — Fuels & Waxes (Broadest Scale Coverage)
The PFXi-995/P is the most comprehensive petroleum color measurement instrument in the PFXi range — adding AOCS color, Gardner, Lovibond RYBN, ISO 15305, IP 17, BS 684, and ASTM D6166 to the full petroleum suite. Designed for labs that need the widest possible color scale coverage on a single instrument.
Delivery includes: instrument, external power supply, 3 power leads, USB + LAN cable, Quick Start Guide, CD ROM with software, RCMSi Starter Pack, Certificate of Conformity, accessory box with halogen lamp, conformance filter, W600/OG/10 Cell, W600/OG/33 Cell, W600/OG/100 Cell, W600/OG/1″ Cell, W600/OG/6″ Cell
16 interference filter wavelength measurement — 10nm bandwidth
Path length: 0.1mm to 153mm (0.004″ to 6″) — max 6″/153mm cells
Measurement time: less than 30 seconds
Optional integrated heater: maintains sample +10°C above cloud point (order P/N 1379952H)
Detector: blue enhanced photodiode
Display: 240 x 128 back-lit graphic (white on blue)
RCMSi remote calibration and scale upgrade capability
20+ color scales including AOCS, Gardner, Lovibond RYBN — field upgradeable
Off-Hue Status function
GLP output: date, time, sample ID, user ID
Interfaces: USB, RS232, Ethernet
Internal storage: 100,000+ measurements
Color Control Software for Windows — included
Illuminants: CIE A, B, C, D65; Observer: 2°, 10°
Repeatability: ±0.0002 CIE xy on deionised water
Baseline calibration: single key press, fully automated
Construction: fabricated steel, textured paint finish
Dimensions: 515 x 170 x 196 mm
Weight: 7.7 kg
Power: universal 90–240 VAC, external supply
Compliance: CE, RoHS, WEEE
Standards supported: AOCS Cc 13e-92, Cc 13j-97, ASTM D156, D1209, D1500, D1544, D6045, D6166, E308, BS 684, IP 17 method B, ISO 2049, ISO 6271, ISO 15305
Part No. 1379952 (standard) · 1379952H (with integrated heater)
Specifications at a Glance
±0.0002 CIE xy on deionised water
Who Uses the Lovibond PFXi
Petroleum Refinery & Lubricant QC Labs
Product release color testing for lubricating oils, fuel oils, and process oils per ASTM D1500. The PFXi series delivers objective, traceable, GLP-compliant ASTM color results that replace the operator-dependent visual color disc method — with 100,000+ result storage and LIMS connectivity via Ethernet.
Aviation & Specialty Fuel Labs
Saybolt color measurement per ASTM D156 for kerosene, jet fuel, naphtha, and white mineral oils. The PFXi-880/P and PFXi-950/P cover Saybolt measurement with 153mm path length and optional heater — delivering fast, GLP-compliant benchtop Saybolt results for kerosene, jet fuel, naphtha, and white mineral oil QC.
Petroleum Chemical & Solvent QC Labs
Platinum-Cobalt / Hazen / APHA color per ASTM D1209 for petroleum chemicals, solvents, and transparent industrial chemicals. The PFXi-950/P and PFXi-995/P cover Pt-Co / Hazen / APHA color alongside the full petroleum suite on a single benchtop instrument. The PFXi-950/P and -995/P cover the same method on the benchtop with extended scale combinations.
Wax & Specialty Petroleum Product Labs
Color measurement of waxes, paraffin, and petroleum specialties that require sample heating above the cloud point. The PFXi-880/P, -950/P, and -995/P with optional integrated heater maintain the sample at +10°C above cloud point throughout measurement — a critical requirement not available on standard benchtop colorimeters.
Fuel & Process Oil Color QC — Waxes and Specialty Products
Color measurement of waxes, paraffin, and petroleum specialties requiring sample temperature control above the cloud point. The PFXi-880/P, -950/P, and -995/P with optional integrated heater are the only benchtop colorimeters that maintain samples at +10°C above cloud point throughout measurement — essential for accurate color results on materials that solidify at room temperature.
Independent Petroleum Testing Laboratories
Third-party color testing services for refiners, lubricant manufacturers, and petroleum traders. The PFXi series with GLP output, user ID tracking, date/time stamping, and Ethernet connectivity produces the documented, audit-ready color measurement records that accredited testing laboratories and ISO 17025 programs require.
Why Get the Lovibond Colorimeters Through KB Scientific
Three things that set sourcing through KB Scientific apart from ordering direct or through a general scientific equipment distributor without petroleum color measurement experience.
Advised by a Former Lab Manager
Kevin Batt has managed petroleum and lubricant testing labs where ASTM D1500, D156, and D1209 color measurement are routine daily tests. He understands which instrument fits which application — PFXi-195/2 versus 880/P versus 995/P, heated versus standard — and can advise based on your specific sample types, throughput, and compliance requirements.
Authorized Lovibond Representative
KB Scientific is an authorized representative for Lovibond (Tintometer Group) in the Midwest — not a general distributor. Direct manufacturer relationship means accurate instrument selection guidance, correct scale configuration recommendations, and clear accountability for post-delivery support including RCMSi calibration pack sourcing.
Local Midwest Support
Based in Fishers, Indiana, serving 10 states. Kevin is reachable directly by phone or email for pre-sale instrument selection, scale configuration questions, and post-delivery support — not a manufacturer support queue with multi-day response windows.
Frequently Asked
Questions
What petroleum lab managers, QC teams, and procurement professionals ask most often about Lovibond PFXi instruments.
What is the difference between the PFXi-880/P, -950/P, and -995/P?
All three use the same 16-filter benchtop platform with 153mm path length and the same physical dimensions and weight. The difference is the pre-loaded color scale set. The 880/P covers ASTM D1500, D156 (Saybolt), D6045, E308, and ISO 2049 — the core petroleum suite. The 950/P adds Pt-Co (ASTM D1209) and ISO 6271. The 995/P is the most comprehensive — adding AOCS, Gardner, Lovibond RYBN, ISO 15305, IP 17, BS 684, and ASTM D6166 to the full petroleum suite. All models are field-upgradeable via RCMSi, so you can add scales at any time after purchase. Kevin can confirm which scale set matches your application.
What is RCMSi and why does it matter?
RCMSi (Remote Calibration & Maintenance Service via internet) is a unique Lovibond technology that allows a PFXi instrument to be calibrated and serviced remotely via the internet. Instead of returning the instrument to a service centre — which typically means weeks of downtime and significant shipping and service costs — the entire calibration procedure is performed remotely using an RCMSi Certified Calibration Pack and an internet connection. RCMSi also allows new colour scales to be added to the instrument remotely at any time after purchase.
When do I need the optional heater on the PFXi-880/950/995?
The optional integrated heater is required when measuring samples — typically waxes, paraffin, and heavy petroleum products — whose physical state changes below their cloud point. If the sample solidifies or hazes during measurement, the result is invalid. The heater maintains the sample temperature at +10°C above the cloud point throughout the measurement cycle, ensuring the sample stays in its correct liquid, transparent state. To order the heated version, add the “H” suffix to the part number (e.g., 1378803H for PFXi-880/P heated).
What is the difference between the PFXi-195/2 and the PFXi-880/P?
The PFXi-195/2 uses 9 interference filters and accommodates cells up to 50mm path length. The PFXi-880/P uses 16 interference filters and accommodates cells up to 153mm (6″). The 880/P also supports an optional integrated heater — the 195/2 does not. For most petroleum colour applications where samples do not require heating and a 50mm cell is sufficient, the 195/2 is a capable and cost-effective choice. For waxes, highly unsaturated samples, or applications requiring the long-path AOCS and RYBN scales, specify the 880/P or higher.
Other Instruments You May Need
Not Sure Which Lovibond Instrument Fits
Your Color Measurement Application?
Request a Quote or Technical Consultation
Kevin Batt — former petroleum lab manager, authorized Lovibond representative — will review your color measurement standards, sample types, and whether you need benchtop or portable capability, and recommend the right instrument and scale configuration. PFXi-195/2, 880/P, 950/P, or 995/P. Heated or standard. Which scale set fits your application. With heater or without. All covered in a single conversation. No obligation.