PhotoVolt Model 577 (5G) Reflectometer & AquaTest 2010 Coulometric Karl Fischer Moisture Analysis
ASTM compliant. Two purpose-built analytical instruments from PhotoVolt Instruments — the Model 577 (5G) stainless steel reflectometer for appearance measurement of petroleum distillates, fuels, and industrial materials, and the AquaTest 2010 coulometric Karl Fischer titrator for trace moisture determination in petroleum products, chemicals, and industrial samples. Made in the USA. GLP-compliant output.
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Two Properties That Define Petroleum Product Quality — and Two Instruments Built to Measure Them Precisely
Petroleum distillates, fuels, and lubricants are characterised partly by what they contain and partly by how they look. Color and appearance are direct quality indicators — pale, bright petroleum distillates command premium pricing and specification compliance; off-color products raise quality flags. Moisture is a contamination risk — water in petroleum products, chemicals, and process streams causes corrosion, phase separation, filter plugging, and catalyst poisoning. Both properties are measured routinely in petroleum QC labs, and both require purpose-built instrumentation to measure them accurately and repeatably.
PhotoVolt Instruments has been manufacturing reflectance and moisture measurement instruments in the United States since the 1950s. The Model 577 (5G) stainless steel reflectometer is their newest generation portable reflectance colorimeter — a rugged, field-deployable instrument that reads reflectance, color, opacity, hiding power, and brightness directly from a sample using interchangeable search units, with color filters that precisely mimic the color responses of the human eye. The AquaTest 2010 is a full-featured coulometric Karl Fischer moisture titrator for trace moisture determination — delivering rapid, accurate results with maximum isolation from atmospheric moisture, GLP software with statistics and reagent monitoring, and RS-232C ports for simultaneous balance and computer interfacing.
Both instruments are made in the USA by PhotoVolt Instruments, available through KB Scientific Instruments as the authorized Midwest representative. Kevin Batt provides application guidance for both measurement disciplines — from matching the right reflectance search unit to your sample type, to configuring the correct AquaTest 2010 glassware and generator for your moisture application.
What the PhotoVolt 577 (5G) & AquaTest 2010 Deliver in Your Lab
577 (5G) — Portable, Rugged, Stainless Steel Construction
The Model 577 (5G) stainless steel reflectometer is the newest addition to PhotoVolt's 577 series — designed to operate in harsh environments where wind, moisture, and contamination would damage standard instruments. The tough stainless steel exterior provides protection without sacrificing measurement accuracy or portability. Set up in minutes; portable enough for field measurements, process line use, or laboratory bench operation.
577 (5G) — Interchangeable Search Units for Maximum Flexibility
The 577 (5G) base console pairs with any of PhotoVolt's standard search units — Y-A (standard, Part No. 0457710), YS stainless steel (0457711, 0.810" aperture), D (3" diameter, Part No. 0457704), and the stainless steel air curtain unit for hot samples (Part No. 0457704-9). This modularity allows a single base unit to cover diverse applications from oil distillate color to industrial material appearance measurements, by simply swapping the search unit.
577 (5G) — Color Measurement with Tristimulus Filters
Color filters ensure measurements from the 577 (5G) precisely mimic the color responses of the human eye. Optional 3D color coordinates (L*a*b*) output (Part No. 0457704-7) provides internationally recognised CIE color space data directly from the reflectance measurement — extending the instrument from simple reflectance reading to full color characterisation per ASTM E308 and related standards.
AquaTest 2010 — Coulometric Karl Fischer — Maximum Atmospheric Isolation
The AquaTest 2010 uses coulometric Karl Fischer titration — the standard method for trace moisture determination in petroleum products, chemicals, and industrial materials. The instrument design prioritises maximum isolation of the titration cell from atmospheric moisture — critical for accurate low-level moisture results in humid laboratory environments. The diaphragm-type and diaphragm-less generator cartridge options allow the titration chemistry to be optimised for the sample type.
AquaTest 2010 — GLP Software with Statistics & Reagent Monitoring
The AquaTest 2010's GLP software package includes statistics, diagnostics, and reagent monitoring — providing full GLP-compliant documentation of every moisture result. Multiple RS-232C ports allow simultaneous interfacing of a balance (for direct sample weight entry) and a computer (for result transfer and LIMS integration). Optional vaporizer accessory extends moisture analysis to solid and semi-solid samples including lyophilised proteins, pharmaceutical powders, and plastics.
Pyridine-Free Karl Fischer Reagents — Standing Order Programme
PhotoVolt's Karl Fischer reagents are available pyridine-free, in kit and bulk packaging, specifically formulated for the AquaTest 2010 system. A standing order reagent discount programme provides 15% discount and free shipping on regular reagent orders — reducing the ongoing cost of consumables for high-frequency moisture testing labs.
ASTM Method Compliance
Water Using Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration
The primary ASTM method for moisture determination by Karl Fischer titration in petroleum products, chemicals, and industrial materials. The AquaTest 2010 performs coulometric Karl Fischer titration — the preferred variant for trace moisture (ppm level) where volumetric titration lacks the sensitivity required. ASTM E203 coulometric variant is the standard for trace moisture in petroleum distillates, fuels, lubricants, and process streams.
Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Coulometric Karl Fischer
Specifically covers coulometric Karl Fischer determination of water in petroleum products and bituminous materials. The AquaTest 2010 is directly applicable to ASTM D6304 analysis for petroleum QC applications — diesel fuel, jet fuel, naphtha, lube oils, and bitumen moisture content.
Color Measurement by CIE Tristimulus Values
The 577 (5G) with optional L*a*b* 3D color coordinate output (Part No. 0457704-7) supports ASTM E308 color calculation from reflectance measurement. Used for color characterisation of petroleum distillates, industrial materials, and process products where CIE color space data is required alongside traditional reflectance percentage.
Petroleum Color and Appearance
The 577 (5G) reflectometer is applicable to ASTM petroleum color and appearance test methods for oil distillates and fuels — measuring reflectance and appearance properties that correlate with product quality and specification compliance. The Oil Distillates & Fuel application is explicitly listed in PhotoVolt's 577 (5G) application portfolio alongside industrial applications for paper, steel, and specialty materials.
Additional Applications — Model 577 (5G)
Two Instruments. Reflectance Colorimetry and Trace Moisture — Both Covered.
PhotoVolt Model 577 (5G) Stainless Steel Reflectometer
The newest generation of PhotoVolt’s 577 reflectometer series. Portable, accurate, and built in stainless steel for durability in harsh field and process environments. Reads reflectance, color, opacity, hiding power, and brightness directly from samples using interchangeable search units. Set up in minutes.
Green Tristimulus Filter (Part No. 02457001) — MSRP $600
Black Cavity Standard for Y/W search unit (Part No. 02657012) — MSRP $150
Calibration Plaque for D search unit (Part No. 2657003) — MSRP $300
Black Zero Standard for D search unit (Part No. 3671005) — MSRP $325
Calibration Standard 56–60% (Part No. 2657062) — MSRP $575
3D Color Coordinates L*a*b* option (Part No. 0457704-7) — MSRP $200
577 Classic Single Display Reflectometer (Part No. 0257751-S) — MSRP $4,500
577 Advanced Dual Display Reflectometer (Part No. 0257751-D) — MSRP $4,750
Base console: stainless steel housing, portable design
Part No. 0257750-S — Base Console Only
MSRP: $6,500.00 (base console only; search unit ordered separately)
Measures: reflectance, color, opacity, hiding power, brightness
Color filters: mimic human eye color response — tristimulus measurement
Optional 3D L*a*b* color coordinate output — Part No. 0457704-7 ($200)
Interchangeable search units: Y-A standard, YS stainless steel, D (3″ diameter), air curtain for hot samples
Compatible with all PhotoVolt standard search units
Weatherproof stainless steel exterior — wind and water resistant
Field-deployable and laboratory bench suitable
American-made — PhotoVolt Instruments, St. Louis Park, MN
Search Unit Y-A (Part No. 0457710) — MSRP $2,500 — standard; includes black cavity standard and spare bulb (filters sold separately)
Search Unit YS Stainless Steel (Part No. 0457711) — MSRP $3,550 — 0.810″ aperture; includes black cavity standard and spare bulb
Search Unit D (Part No. 0457704) — MSRP $2,850 — 3″ diameter; includes black cavity standard and spare bulb
Air Curtain Search Unit (Part No. 0457704-9) — MSRP $400 — for hot samples
PhotoVolt AquaTest 2010 — Coulometric Moisture Analyzer
A full-featured coulometric Karl Fischer titrator for trace moisture determination in petroleum products, chemicals, and industrial materials. GLP software with statistics, diagnostics, and reagent monitoring. Multiple RS-232C ports for balance and computer interfacing. Pyridine-free reagents. Made in the USA.
PhotoVolt offers a full range of replacement and spare glassware, reagents, and syringes for the AquaTest 2010. Contact Kevin for the complete glassware and consumable accessory list, or visit photovolt.com.
Method: Coulometric Karl Fischer titration — trace moisture (ppm level)
GLP software: statistics, diagnostics, reagent monitoring packages
Multiple RS-232C ports: simultaneous balance + computer interfacing
Quick and accurate moisture analysis
Maximum isolation of titration cell from atmospheric moisture
Optional Vaporizer: extends analysis to solids (pharmaceutical powders, lyophilised proteins, biomedical, plastics)
Pyridine-free Karl Fischer reagents — available in kit and bulk packaging
Standing order reagent discount: 15% discount + free shipping
Power: 110V/220V, 50/60 Hz — worldwide operation
Made in the USA — PhotoVolt Instruments
0092010 — Complete System with Reagents — MSRP $11,500 — diaphragm-type generator; includes main unit, titration vessel, generator cartridge, sensing electrode, straight vent tube, stir bar, 1 mL syringe with needle, silica gel, sealing grease, pennyhead stopper, thermal paper (5 rolls), pyridine-free reagent kit, instruction manual
0092012 — Complete System with Reagents (diaphragm-less) — MSRP $11,750 — diaphragm-less generator cartridge; all other inclusions same as 0092010
0092011 — Complete System with Drain Spigot Vessel — MSRP $11,500 — includes titration vessel with drain spigot, diaphragm-less generator, plus injection port assembly, silicone rubber squares, silicone septa
0092010-R — No Reagents — MSRP $11,250 — complete system minus reagent kit; all glassware and accessories included
0092010-G — No Glassware — MSRP $8,750 — main unit with reagent kit; no glassware
0092010-GR — No Glassware or Reagents — MSRP $8,500 — main unit and thermal paper only; no glassware or reagents
Specifications at a Glance
Interchangeable search units measure reflectance, color, opacity, hiding power, and brightness across petroleum distillates, fuels, and industrial materials — in the lab or in the field.
Coulometric Karl Fischer titration with maximum atmospheric isolation, GLP statistics and reagent monitoring, and RS-232C ports for simultaneous balance and computer interfacing.
GLP-compliant with statistics, diagnostics, reagent monitoring
Who Uses the PhotoVolt 577 (5G) & AquaTest 2010
Petroleum Refinery & Fuel QC Labs
Reflectance and color measurement of petroleum distillates and fuels per ASTM petroleum color standards using the 577 (5G). Trace moisture determination in refined fuels, diesel, jet fuel, naphtha, and lubricant base stocks using the AquaTest 2010 per ASTM D6304 — moisture in fuel causes corrosion, fuel system icing, and filter plugging, making trace moisture testing a standard product release requirement.
Lubricant & Base Oil QC Labs
Coulometric Karl Fischer moisture analysis of lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids, and gear oils where water contamination accelerates bearing wear, corrosion, and additive degradation. The AquaTest 2010's maximum atmospheric isolation and trace sensitivity at ppm level make it suitable for the low moisture specifications required in high-performance lubricant products.
Chemical & Petrochemical Process Labs
Trace moisture determination in petrochemicals, solvents, process streams, and chemical intermediates where water contamination compromises product quality, catalyst activity, or process chemistry. The AquaTest 2010 Vaporizer option extends analysis to solid petrochemical materials and polymer products where moisture cannot be directly dissolved into the Karl Fischer reagent.
Industrial Material & Process Control
The 577 (5G) reflectometer covers industrial appearance measurement applications beyond petroleum — including paper and hygiene products (brightness and opacity), steel surface reflectance, bank note security paper, and other materials requiring accurate, portable reflectance characterisation. The stainless steel construction and portability make it deployable at process lines and in-field inspection environments.
Independent Testing & Inspection Laboratories
Third-party petroleum product testing laboratories providing moisture and appearance measurement services for refiners, traders, and product inspectors. GLP software output from the AquaTest 2010 and calibrated reflectance from the 577 (5G) produce the documented, traceable results that accredited testing and inspection programmes require.
Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Labs
The AquaTest 2010's optional Vaporizer accessory and pyridine-free reagent system extend moisture analysis to pharmaceutical powders, lyophilised proteins, and biomedical materials — applications where precise moisture content is a critical quality specification and where conventional Karl Fischer dissolution is not possible for the sample matrix.
Why Get PhotoVolt Instruments Through KB Scientific
Three things that set sourcing through KB Scientific apart from ordering direct or through a general scientific equipment distributor.
Advised by a Former Petroleum Lab Manager
Kevin Batt has managed petroleum and lubricant testing labs where moisture in fuel and lubricants is a routine analytical parameter and where reflectance measurement of petroleum distillates is part of product quality characterisation. His guidance on AquaTest 2010 configuration — which glassware type, which generator cartridge, whether the Vaporizer is needed — comes from direct experience with these measurement applications.
Authorized PhotoVolt Representative
KB Scientific is an authorized representative for PhotoVolt Instruments in the Midwest. Direct manufacturer relationship means accurate product configuration, correct search unit and glassware selection for your application, and access to PhotoVolt's maintenance packages, calibration services, and standing order reagent programme.
Local Midwest Support
Based in Fishers, Indiana, serving 10 states. Kevin is reachable directly by phone or email for pre-sale configuration questions — which AquaTest 2010 variant, which search unit for the 577, whether the Vaporizer fits your sample types — and for post-delivery support. Not a national distributor queue.
Frequently Asked
Questions
What petroleum lab managers and analytical chemistry teams ask most often about PhotoVolt reflectance and moisture instruments.
Which AquaTest 2010 configuration should I order?
The right configuration depends on whether you need the complete glassware setup or already have compatible glassware from an existing unit. If you are setting up from scratch, order 0092010 (complete with reagents, diaphragm generator) or 0092012 (complete with reagents, diaphragm-less generator — preferred for petroleum and chemical samples where the diaphragm may be attacked by the sample). If you have a drain spigot preference for high-frequency use, order 0092011. If you already have compatible glassware, the -R (no reagents) or -G / -GR variants reduce the initial cost. Kevin will confirm the right configuration for your sample types and existing equipment.
What is the difference between the diaphragm and diaphragm-less generator cartridge?
The diaphragm-type generator (standard in 0092010) uses a physical diaphragm to separate the anode and cathode compartments during electrolysis. The diaphragm-less version (0092012, 0092011) uses a different electrochemical cell design that eliminates the diaphragm — making it less susceptible to chemical attack from aggressive sample matrices such as hydrocarbons, strong acids, or samples containing compounds that degrade standard diaphragm materials. For petroleum and petrochemical moisture analysis, the diaphragm-less generator is often the preferred configuration. Kevin can confirm which is right for your specific sample types.
What search unit do I need for the 577 (5G) for petroleum distillate color?
For most petroleum distillate reflectance and color applications, the Y-A standard search unit (Part No. 0457710, MSRP $2,500) is the appropriate starting point. The YS stainless steel version (Part No. 0457711) is recommended where the search unit itself may come into contact with petroleum products or harsh environments and needs the same durability as the stainless steel base console. The D unit (3″ diameter) is used for applications requiring a larger measurement aperture. Kevin will confirm the right search unit for your specific petroleum measurement application.
Can the AquaTest 2010 analyse solid samples?
The standard AquaTest 2010 is designed for liquid and dissolved samples. For solid materials — pharmaceutical powders, lyophilised proteins, plastic pellets, biomedical materials — the optional Vaporizer accessory is required. The Vaporizer heats the solid sample to vaporise its moisture content, which is then swept into the Karl Fischer titration cell. This extends the AquaTest 2010 to the full range of solid and semi-solid sample types without the need to dissolve the sample in solvent before analysis.
What reagents does the AquaTest 2010 use?
The AquaTest 2010 uses pyridine-free Karl Fischer reagents, available from PhotoVolt in kit packaging (included in complete system orders) and bulk packaging for high-volume labs. PhotoVolt’s standing order reagent discount programme provides 15% discount and free shipping on regular reagent orders — contact Kevin to set up a standing order arrangement through KB Scientific.
Other Instruments You May Need
Ready to Configure the Right
PhotoVolt Instrument for Your Lab?
Request a Quote or Technical Consultation
Kevin Batt — former petroleum lab manager, authorized PhotoVolt representative — will review your sample types, moisture measurement requirements, and reflectance applications, and recommend the right AquaTest 2010 configuration and 577 (5G) search unit combination. One conversation covers both instruments. No obligation.