Treatment of results Presentation of sample

Samples can be divided into transparent and non-transparent, i.e. those which require to
Application of be viewed by transmitted light and those which need to be viewed by reflected light.
Standardisation of sample presentation is extremely important for the reproducibility of
Beer/Lambert Laws It is entirely misleading to measure a liquid in a half inch cell and then to double this and results. The colour of Transparent liquids should be measured by placing the liquid in
report it as the value of a one inch cell. The popular interpretation of the Beer/Lambert one of the W600 range of Lovibond glass cells. The windows of the glass cells must be
laws should be relied upon. In an extremely simplistic version, these laws may be clean otherwise discrepancies in measurement will occur. (See section Choice of Cell
translated that for a given wavelength, the transmission of a liquid is proportional to its Path length and section Sample Preparation).
concentration and/or thickness through which the observer looks. This is commonly
taken to mean that the colour of a liquid is halved when viewed in half the thickness or Non-transparent samples may include materials such as solid surface colours, inks, jam,
double the dilution. It is important to note that the laws refer to” a given wavelength”, powders, sauces, pastes, cloths, yarns etc. Viscous liquids, pastes and powders may be
i.e. monochromatic light and not white light. Many liquids are dichroic and do not obey poured into a W600/OG/1” Lovibond glass cell. This is placed either in the cell channel at
these laws when viewed in white light. Dichroic substances show entirely different the rear of the sample chamber or held against the outside of the lower aperture using
colours when viewed at varying thicknesses, a liquid that appears green when viewed the Solid Sample Holder. Any solid should be presented against the rear of the instrument
through a one inch thickness may look red at six inches. Even with those liquids which in the same manner. Very large samples may be pushed against the rear of the cabinet.
appear to have a colour which varies in proportion to the layer thickness, it is unsafe
to assume that simple proportional reckoning can be used with the Tintometer. The Note: The coloured glass filters must always be viewed against the Halon
transmission curves of the sample and the combination of glasses will almost certainly be standard white reference (see section Accessories and Spares).
dissimilar, therefore no such relationship will hold.

Choice of cell
Relevance of difference
path length Unless working to particular specification, the optical path length of the cell used should
in colour readings It is important to remember that although every increment of one unit in the Lovibond be related to the colour intensity of the sample. As a guide , it is advisable that the depth
Scale is an equal physical one, the eye becomes less sensitive to increases when the colour of colour should never be greater than that which may be matched by a total of 20
value is high. For example, one unit added to thirty units is a less obvious change than one Lovibond units. This is because slight differences are most easily perceived in intensities
unit added to three units. This is especially true in yellow, where a typical observer will ranging between approximately 3 and 10 units of the predominating colour.
see little apparent difference between thirty and thirty five units. This leads to the Discrimination of small differences falls off with increasing intensity. It is essential that
suggestion that the operator selects the cell path length to obtain colour readings the cell size used is recorded (see section Recording results).
between three and ten units in the predominant colour. (See section Choice of Cell).
This must be taken into account when considering differences between colour matches
e.g. large discrepancies above thirty units are far less significant than smaller
Measurement
discrepancies at a lower level.
Having placed the sample in position, focus the viewing tube until a sharp image of the
aperture is obtained. Slide the tabs controlling the coloured filters to the right. The
proportions of Red, Yellow and Blue must be adjusted until a colour match is obtained.
Before commencing the match, a rough estimate of the colour may be made and set up,
thus avoiding time wasted on unlikely combinations of colours. If the sample requires the
employment of only one or two of the colour series and glasses appear duller than the
sample, neutral slides should be used over the sample. If a combination of all three colour
series appears duller than the sample, then a reduction of the colour series with the
lowest value should be made. Where all three colour series in combination are used
neutral slides should NEVER be used over the sample. (See section Use of Neutral
Racks).

Do not stare into the eyepiece for longer than necessary; discrimination decreases with
fatigue. Rest the eyes by looking away, preferably at a neutral coloured surface for a few
seconds, then recheck, arriving at a measurement in short steps rather than in one
long observation. The values, in Lovibond Units, for the colour match may be read in the
indicator apertures in the slotted guide plate (See also section Recording Results).

Use of Neutral racks

The two neutral racks, marked with black numerals on a white background, should be
used for dulling the colour of the sample. If the colour of the sample appears bright when
viewed against one or two of the colour series in combination, neutral filters should be
introduced over the sample until a colour match is obtained. It is important that
brightness is adjusted; brightness difference of the sample to the glass standards may
cause errors in the colour match. The amount of neutral used should be recorded
(see section Recording Results).

10 7
 Note: Neutral racks must not be used if all three colour series are used to
Preparation of Samples
produce a colour match, the colour with the lowest value should be reduced to
adjust the dullness of the matching colour slides. Introduction
The Tintometer Model F will accept samples of most materials providing that they fit into
the lower field of view in the instrument without interfering with the reference filter field;
alternatively the sample may be located at the rear of the sample chamber for surface
Recording results
colour measurement (see section Non transparent Samples below).
A colour measurement record sheet is supplied with the Lovibond Tintometer Model F.
This can be used as a master for photocopying (order code 18 11 19). The following is
a suggested record for each colour measurement:
Transparent samples
• date Liquids Non viscous transparent liquids should be poured into an optical glass cell which is placed
within the channel in the sample chamber insert. Please ensure that the optical glass
• time (if relevant) window of the cell is positioned flush against the front lower aperture. When measuring
transparent samples inside the instrument the Halon standard white reflector must cover
• name of observer top and bottom apertures at the rear of the sample chamber (see section Presentation
of sample).
• description of sample
There will possibly be standard procedures relating to the measurement of many
• sample reference number (if relevant) substances. In the absence of any direct rules which require otherwise the optical path
length of the cell should be chosen to suit the intensity of colour to be measured (see
• temperature of sample if heated section Choice of Cell Path Length).

• any comments on condition of sample (e.g. turbid or dirty etc.) To obtain accurate results, cells must be absolutely clean.

• path length of optical cell Solids

Transparent solids such as glass or gelatine may be placed over the lower front aperture
• colour match (Lovibond Red, Yellow and Blue values) and measurements made as for liquids.

• neutral values used (must be recorded for reference)

Samples which
• any other information required by the organisation
require heating In the case of fats, tallows etc. some form of heating will be necessary. Some oils are
turbid and need to be warmed before measuring.
• any comment relevant to the colour match.

Where hot samples are to be used it is recommended that Borosilicate Cells

(W600/B/range) are employed. Cells should be warmed before filling with hot fats
otherwise the fat may start to solidify around the windows.

Any spills inside the sample chamber should be dealt with immediately;
discoloration of the white sample chamber may lead to errors (see
section Care of instrument).

Non transparent
samples Opaque or translucent samples may be measured by reflected light in the Tintometer
Model F (see section Presentation of sample). Alternatively reflected colours may be
measured by placing the sample immediately against the rear lower aperture on the
outside of the instrument using the solid sample clamp.
Note: Always remove the white sample chamber insert when measuring
samples outside the instrument.

Measurements on other solid samples can be carried out as above providing that samples
placed outside of the cabinet are adequately illuminated. Granular and other non-uniform
samples may cause problems in measurement. Please contact The Technical Services
Department at The Tintometer Limited for advice.

It is essential that methods used in sample presentation are accurately recorded and
repeated for subsequent measurements otherwise differences and errors will result.

8 9
 The racks
The colour standards are housed in eleven black plastics racks, each rack containing a
graduated range of the Lovibond Red, Yellow, Blue and Neutral scales. Only coloured
Replacing the lamps glass manufactured by The Tintometer Limited Glassworks is used. It is acknowledged
Always disconnect the instrument from the power supply before that Lovibond glass standards are stable over very long periods.
opening to replace lamps or clean/replace sample chamber.
For consistent results the racks should always be assembled in the following order with
• Open the sample chamber lid to its natural extent. the first rack towards the back of the instrument.

• Unscrew and remove the two casing thumbscrews on the sides of the instrument and
place in a safe place. Rack (1) Red 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9
Rack (2) Red 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0
• Next, slide the instrument top cover forward (1) and then lift upwards (2) as shown in Rack (3) Red 10.0, 20.0, 30.0, 40.0, 50.0, 60.0, 70.0
the diagram below, using the viewing tube as a gripping point.
Rack (4) Yellow 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9
Rack (5) Yellow 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0
Rack (6) Yellow 10.0, 20.0, 30.0, 40.0, 50.0, 60.0, 70.0

Rack (7) Blue 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9
Rack (8) Blue 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0
Viewing tube Rack (9) Blue 10.0, 20.0, 30.0, 40.0
Casing thumbscrews

Rack (10) Neutral 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9
Rack (11) Neutral 1.0, 2.0, 3.0
2

Sample chamber lid

• Lift the cover clear of the base of the instrument and turn upside down to give easy access
to the lamps located on the underside of the lid.

• Remove the old lamps (always replace in pairs) and dispose of carefully. Carefully replace
with the new lamps using the protective plastic sleeving.

Avoid touching the lamps directly with fingers as this will significantly
reduce the life of the lamps.

• Return the top cover to its original position ensuring that it has located properly on the
front overhang. This will allow all the optics to align and will lock the top cover securely
in position once the thumbscrews have been replaced.

12 5
 Method of operation Maintenance
Electrical safety warning - before connecting the instrument to the Care of instrument To maintain the performance of the Tintometer Model F, spillages on
mains supply, please read the instructions below. Always disconnect
the instrument or in the sample chamber should be cleaned
from mains before removing the cover.
immediately.

The Lovibond Tintometer Model F comes complete with a purpose built external power
supply unit. Before using the instrument check that the correct voltage setting has been
selected for the local supply voltage. The voltage selector switch is located on the power Care of filters
supply unit and can be adjusted, if necessary, with a suitable screw driver. Coloured glass filters should be kept as clean as possible or errors may be introduced
into measurements. The glass may be cleaned using a soft, lint-free cloth or cotton bud.
The instrument is supplied with a power lead fitted with a moulded plug which should Glass filters are retained in the plastics rack by a stainless steel circlip; care should be
conform to local requirements. If however the plug is not of the correct type, a taken not to remove the glass from the rack. If glasses are accidentally removed from the
replacement should be obtained. Please note when replacing plugs or leads that this unit rack they must be returned to their original position or readings will be invalidated.
must be earthed.

Set up Care of the viewing

Place the instrument so that ambient light from windows or other bright sources does
tube The viewing tube can be dismantled for cleaning as shown in the diagram below.
not shine into the eyes of the operator when making colour matches. Facing a neutral
coloured blank wall is the ideal position. The height of the instrument should be such that
• Carefully unscrew the locking bezel (1) and remove the draw tube (2) from the main base
the observer can look straight into the eyepiece without undue physical strain.
tube.
The instrument should be set up as follows :
• Unscrew the slotted locking nut (3) from the bottom of the draw tube which will release
the blue correction filter (4), the black spacer (5) and finally the focusing lens (6).
• open the sample chamber lid

• Clean the lens (6) and replace it, followed by the spacer (5), ensuring the rebated end is
• check that there are no obstructions or samples in the chamber
facing the bottom of the draw tube.
• ensure that the removable sample chamber insert is not soiled by the residue from
• Clean the blue correction filter (4) and locate it back into the rebate on the spacer.
previous samples. Any discoloration will affect the colour of the illumination and the
result of any measurement. The insert is easy to replace if necessary (see section
• Finally screw in the slotted locking nut to secure all the internal optical components.
Cleaning or replacing sample chamber).
Check the draw tube for optical clarity and retighten the locking bezel.
• connect the instrument to an appropriate power supply
Note: Always use a suitable soft lens cloth for cleaning optical components.
• switch the instrument on

1
• check that both lamps are working

2
• ensure that the Halon white standard is clean and in position

• close the sample chamber lid

• push all racks to their extreme left position

• look into the eyepiece

• both semicircular fields should now appear uniform.

6

5
Diagram of viewing aperture
4
3

Sample colour Matched colour

6 11
 The Lovibond Colour Scale
Care of glass cells
Lovibond Red Yellow Blue
Cells should be cleaned immediately after use and examined for cleanliness before reuse
Neutral scale This is the original Lovibond scale and was developed more than 100 years ago. This scale
in order to preserve the true transmittance of the sample. The type of cleaning will
designed for visual measurement, remains in use today in many different industries. It
depend upon the nature of the material under test.
employs 84 calibrated glass colour filters of different densities of magenta (red), yellow, and
blue, graduating from desaturated to fully saturated, and a range of neutral filters which can
The cells should be immersed in a suitable strength warm solution of laboratory
be used in various combinations to reproduce any required colour match. Since several
detergent e.g. Decon 90 for several hours if necessary. When the soiling is removed rinse
million combinations are possible, an excellent match can be made, and a sample’s colour can
thoroughly in deionised water, and finally in alcohol or acetone, before allowing to dry.
thus be accurately defined in terms of the filter combination necessary to produce that match.
Never attempt to clean cells by pushing a piece of cloth down inside it, the leverage may
The Lovibond Unit of colour is an arbitrary one which, through long and world wide use,
crack the windows.
has gained international acceptance. The system is easily understood by anyone, and has
proved satisfactory for most colour measuring purposes provided that all users obey the
When cells are not in use, store where the windows will be protected from accidental
same conventions. The system must be used as intended or discrepancies will result. The
damage.
system has the outstanding merit, frequently mentioned by writers of many nationalities,
that a match obtained by the use of its three “subtractive primary colours” is much nearer
an “energy match” than that obtainable by any other means. The visual colour produced
by a combination of Lovibond glasses is likely to be the same composition in its various
constituent parts as the colour of the natural object being matched. Hence there is a
greater likelihood of agreement between observers.

If, for any reason, an operator alters the method of use or changes any convention, it is
important that he should give details when recording results, otherwise confusion could
ensue (see section Recording results). For example, observers employ neutral glasses
to dull a bright sample, but omit to report the fact. In other cases they endeavour to make
the best possible match without using neutral glasses although they were needed, or use
different colours in combination only in a fixed ratio according to some arbitrary
convention.

Colour Nomenclature
The Lovibond system provides its own simple language of colour which can fully describe
the appearance of any colour in the least possible number of words and figures to avoid
language difficulties. For convenience of laboratory records, or in communicating
readings between laboratories, many industries record their results on a three colour
basis, quoting the Red, Yellow and Blue instrumental values as they stand. These values
cover every possible requirement.

Some industries find it more convenient to simplify these terms by using the six divisions
of the spectrum.

Red
Orange - combination of red and yellow.
Yellow
Green - combination of yellow and blue.
Blue
Violet - combination of red and blue.

These six terms are used in combination with “bright” and “dull”.

A sample is described as being bright when the nearest possible match appears dull in
comparison. When this occurs, neutral values are introduced and recorded as sample
brightness.

A sample is described as being dull when red, yellow and blue are required to make a
match. The value of the colour which is least is expressed as dullness.

14 3
 Description Cleaning or replacing
the sample chamber
Introduction To maintain the performance of the Tintometer Model F spillages on
The Lovibond Tintometer Model F is a versatile and easy to use visual colorimeter for the instrument or in the sample chamber should be cleaned
measuring the colour of liquids, solids, powders and pastes in terms of Lovibond Red, immediately.
Yellow, Blue and Neutral units. The Lovibond Colour Scale has been established for well
over one hundred years, and is specified in a number of British Standards and other Should a spillage occur in the sample chamber, the Tintometer Model F has been specially
National and International Standard Specifications. designed to ensure that cleaning or replacing the sample chamber is as quick and simple
as possible.

The instrument • Remove the top cover as described in the section ‘Replacing the Lamps’ and lift clear
of the instrument base.
The Tintometer Model F comprises a cabinet containing two lamps; the light they
generate passes through diffusing glasses into a central integrating chamber. This
• The Tintometer Model F has a sample chamber insert with an integrated cell location
arrangement ensures identical conditions for both sample and reference fields. An
channel, which can be removed from the instrument as shown below.
optical system allows the colour of a sample to be determined by moving sets of standard
coloured filters into view until a colour match is obtained.

The main parts of the instrument are :

Self adhesive white halon
• a sheet steel cabinet finished in a tough, textured-finish, grey paint
Integrated cell location
channel
• two quartz-halogen lamps

• a light diffusing system

Sample chamber
insert
• a prismatic viewing system with integral blue filter for light correction

• 11 black plastic racks containing graduated Lovibond glass colour standards

• a disposable white plastic sample chamber liner with a channel for cell location

• positive illuminating on/off switch on the top of the cabinet (IP68 sealed)

• a 12 volt power pack which is selectable to suit either a 110 volt or 220 volt supply

• Halon standard white reflector

• fittings for the presentation of solid samples

• fused optical glass cells.

• The sample chamber insert can be either rinsed clean or replaced entirely depending on
age and discoloration. Alternatively, the tray can be cleaned and a new self-adhesive
white halon reference can be positioned if necessary.

• Replacement packs for sample chambers are listed in the ‘Accessories & Spares’
section.

• Replace the cleaned/new sample chamber insert to its original position, ensure the back
edge locates securely under the rear lip of the instrument.

• Replace the top cover and thumbscrews and check optical alignment.

Cleanliness is fundamental to the accuracy and repeatability of test

results. Discoloration of the white sample chamber will lead to errors
especially in higher tolerance measurements.

4 13
 Accessories and spares
Optional extras
Description Order Code

Model F Tintometer solids accessory pack 18 01 00

Replacement parts
Lamp 12V 10W pair 12 41 02
Replacement sample chamber insert 18 10 39
Replacement sample chamber insert (pack of 3) 18 01 10
Lovibond
Self adhesive halon white reference 18 30 79
Magnetic halon for solids pack 18 30 59 TINTOMETER
Set of racks Model F Tintometer 18 02 00
Red rack 0.1 - 0.9 Model F 18 03 00
Red rack 1.0 - 9.0 Model F 18 03 10 MODEL F
Red rack 10.0 - 70.0 Model F 18 03 20
Yellow rack 0.1 - 0.9 Model F 18 03 30
Yellow rack 1.0 - 9.0 Model F 18 03 40 OPERATORS INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Yellow rack 10.0 - 70.0 Model F 18 03 50
Blue rack 0.1 - 0.9 Model F 18 03 60
Blue rack 1.0 - 9.0 Model F 18 03 70
Blue rack 10.0 - 40.0 Model F 18 03 80
Neutral rack 0.1 - 0.9 Model F 18 03 90
Neutral rack 1.0 - 3.0 Model F 18 04 00
Master Record Sheet 18 11 19

Metric Optical Glass Cells

supplied in the
following pathlengths
W600/OG/2.5mm 60 59 40
W600/OG/5mm 60 59 50
W600/OG/10mm 60 59 60
W600/OG/15mm 60 59 70
W600/OG/20mm 60 59 80
W600/OG25mm 60 59 90
W600/OG/33mm 60 60 10
W600/OG/40mm 60 60 20
W600/OG/100mm 60 60 30

Imperial Optical Glass Cells

supplied in the
following pathlengths
W600/OG/1/16” 60 60 40
W600/OG/1/18” 60 60 50
W600/OG/1/4” 60 60 60
W600/OG/1/2” 60 60 70
W600/OG/1” 60 60 80
W600/OG/2” 60 60 90
W600/OG/3” 60 61 00
The Tintometer Ltd, Lovibond House, Solar Way, Solstice Park, Amesbury,
Wiltshire, SP4 7SZ, UK
W600/OG/4” 60 61 10
Telephone: +44 (0)1980 664800 • Fax: +44 (0)1980 625461
W600/OG/5” 60 61 20
E-mail: [email protected] • www.tintometer.com
W600/OG/5 1/4” 60 61 30
W600/OG/6” 60 61 50
CODE: 18 10 99 • Version 2.0 • Date 09/06/97

Part No. 18 10 99

16 1
 CONTENTS LIST Wiring diagram
The Lovibond 2

Colour Scale ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3 1
Colour nomenclature ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Description ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4
The instrument ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4
The racks ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
3

Method of operation ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6

Set up ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Presentation of samples ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Choice of cell pathlength ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7 1 2 connector power input jack (3.5mm)
Measurement ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7 2 lamp on/off switch
Use of Neutral racks ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7 3 12V 10W tungsten halogen lamps
Recording results ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8

Preparation of samples ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9

Technical specification
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Transparent samples ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Light source : 2 x 12V 10 Watt tungsten halogen lamps
Samples which require heating ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Non transparent samples ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Optical system : Fully prismatic and adjustable with manual focusing

Treatment of results ...................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Sample requirements : Liquid or transparent solids. Lovibond precision optical
Application of glass cells are available (see section “Accessories and
Beer/Lambert Laws ...................................................................................................................................................................... 10 spares” on page 16)
Relevance of difference
in colour readings ...................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Instrument housing : Fabricated steel with durable textured ‘Trimite’ paint
finish

Maintenance ...................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Power pack : Input voltage 110/220 V AC switchable
Care of the instrument ...................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Output voltage 12V AC
Care of filters ...................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Care of the viewing tube ...................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Instrument Input voltage : 12V AC
Replacing the lamps ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Cleaning or replacing the Input frequency : 50 - 60 Hz
sample chamber insert ...................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Care of glass cells ...................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Power consumption : 2 amps 20 Watts (max.)

Wiring diagram ...................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Environmental

Technical specification ...................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Requirements : Temperature range
Operating: -10°C to +70°C

Accessories and spares ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Dimensions : width 330mm

Optional extras ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16 depth 410mm
Replacement parts ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16 height 230mm
Optical glass cells ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Instrument weight : 8.3kg

Technical assistance : The Technical Services Dept. The Tintometer Ltd,

Lovibond House, Solar Way, Solstice Park, Amesbury
Wiltshire, SP4 7SZ, UK
Telephone: +44 (0)1980 664800
Fax: +44 (0)1980 625461
Email: [email protected]

2 15