Version MJR2 [24/02/2010]

Transition from a Model F to a PFX or PFXi

®
The fundamental difference between the Lovibond Tintometer Model F and the PFX/PFXi range is that is
®
that the Lovibond Tintometer Model F measurement method is a subjective, visual comparison method
(relying to a high degree on the judgment and skill of the operator) whilst the PFX/PFXi range is a
faster, automatic, non-subjective, repeatable measurement.

These facts need to be considered during the transition from subjective colour assessment to non-subjective.

To ensure a satisfactory transition from Model F to PFX/PFXi the following steps should be taken. (Please
note the steps advised in this document can also be applied to the AF710 and Model E instrument.)

Check you are comparing like for like

o Are you using comparable cells? Check that cell path length and type (Optical Glass, Borosilicate or
Plastic) are identical and the cells are clean and undamaged.

o Confirm the correct colour scale is selected on you PFX/PFXi instrument? Historically a number of
scales are available that report Red & Yellow values. This is a common source of error.

For example; a standard Model F reports Lovibond® Red, Yellow, Blue and Neutral units (RYBN). An
AF710 reports AOCS-Tintometer® in terms of Red & Yellow (RY). A PFX/PFXi (depending on model)
®
may be configured to display both RYBN and RY. If unsure please contact Lovibond directly for
guidance

Check the condition of your Model F

o Check when your instrument was last serviced/calibrated? The condition of your instrument needs to be
taken into account when comparing it to a PFX/PFXi or another Model F.

o Are the complete RYBN filter racks in place? If not please contact The Tintometer Ltd.

o Check the cleanliness of the instruments glass filters, the W600 glass cells you intend to use & viewing
tube. (Please see Manual- Care of filters & Care of the viewing tube.)

o Examine the sample chamber for any contamination, precipitate of material or yellowing. (Please see-
Cleaning or replacing the sample chamber.)

Check the condition of your PFX Instrument

o Check when your instrument was last serviced/calibrated? The condition of your instrument needs to be
taken into account when comparing it to another PFX/PFXi or Model F.

o Check the cleanliness of the instruments, sample chamber, glass filters and the W600 glass cells you
intend to use.

o Ensure that the correct operation parameters are chosen. (Please see PFX/PFXi Operation Manual.)

o Measure the Certified standard supplied with the instrument to check its performance.

Check the material you will be measuring

o Should samples require heating, care should be taken to ensure samples are in an identical state when
compared between a PFX/PFXi and Model F.

o Turbidity in samples must be avoided (i.e. bubbles or cloudiness) this will seriously negatively effect
measurements made on a PFX/PFXi instrument.
The Tintometer Ltd, Lovibond House, Solar Way, Solstice Park, Amesbury, SP4 7SZ, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1980 664800 Fax: +44 (0)1980 625412 Email: sales@tintometer.com
Version MJR2 [24/02/2010]

o Darker samples may require a shorter cell path.

Recommended Measuring technique Model F

o To maintain the performance of the Tintometer Model F spillages on the instrument or in the sample
chamber should be cleaned immediately. (Please see manual- Cleaning or replacing the sample
chamber.)

o Check operator’s ability to correctly operate the instrument by measuring standard liquid or glass
standards and comparing reading to known values.

o The colour of transparent liquids should be measured by placing the liquid in one of the W600 range of
Lovibond glass cells. The windows of the glass cells must be clean on the inside and outside otherwise
discrepancies in measurement will occur. (Please see manual- Care of glass cells.)

o Correct measurement technique. (Please see- Method of operation, Measurement, Use of Neutral
racks & Recording results.)

o Application of Beer/Lambert Laws: It is entirely misleading to measure a liquid in a half inch cell and then
to double this and report it as the value of a one inch cell. (Please see manual- Application of
Beer/Lambert Laws.)

o Lovibond Scale resolution: Discrimination of small differences falls off with increasing intensity.
Although increments in the Lovibond scale are uniform the eye becomes less sensitive to increases
when the colour value is high. E.g. one unit added to thirty units is a less obvious change than one unit
added to three units. This is especially true in yellow, where a typical observer will see little apparent
difference between thirty and thirty five units.

Unless working to particular specification, the optical path length of the cell used should be related to the
colour intensity of the sample. As a guide, it is advisable that the depth of colour should never be greater
than that which may be matched by a total of 20 Lovibond units. (Please see- Relevance of difference
in colour readings & Choice of cell path length.)

Recommended Measuring technique PFX/PFXi Instrument

o The detailed instructions provided in the PFX Manual should be followed to the letter

o The correct measurement parameters are set for the measurement, the appropriate baseline
measurement has been made, the sample is clear with no cloudiness or bubbles and the glass cell
windows are clean inside and outside. (Please see manual – Measuring a sample).

o The instrument should be clean inside and its performance checked with a calibrated glass filter or Liquid
reference standard. (Please see manual – Regular Maintenance).

Still facing issues?

If you are still not satisfied with the agreement between your PFX/PFXi and Model F please contact The
Tintometer Ltd by telephone or via sales@tintometer.com. Alternatively contact our local representative.

We will require at least 6 samples of your material, representing your typical range of colour. We will also
require data on you Model F and PFX reading for these samples prior to our own analysis.

We are very happy to work with you to identify and resolve any issues that may be hindering your
satisfaction with our instrument.

The Tintometer Ltd, Lovibond House, Solar Way, Solstice Park, Amesbury, SP4 7SZ, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1980 664800 Fax: +44 (0)1980 625412 Email: sales@tintometer.com