The Vital Role of Colour Measurement in the Chemicals, Petroleum, Oils & Waxes Industries

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Introduction
Importance of colour measurement
International standards
Right colour scale
Conclusion
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FAQs

Colour is more than just an aesthetic feature in the chemical, petroleum, oils, and waxes industries. It's a critical indicator of product quality, purity, and consistency. Understanding the nuances of colour measurement is essential for maintaining standards and ensuring customer satisfaction. This blog delves into why colour measurement matters and how to choose the right colour scale for your needs. 

Why Colour Measurement Matters?

Colour measurement is crucial across various industries, as it influences product quality, consumer preferences, and marketability. In sectors like food and beverages, it directly impacts a product’s appeal, while in industries such as chemicals, petroleum, oils, and waxes, colour can indicate contaminants or the level of refinement. For example, in the oils and fats industry, colour measurement ensures that products meet strict refining standards, preserving brand image and consumer trust. Accurate colour assessment also reveals important quality information, such as the success of chemical reactions or the presence of impurities, helping industries maintain high standards and ensure product reliability. For instance:

  • In the refining of oils and fats, colour measurement is essential to ensure the product meets the industry's strict colour standards, which are critical for maintaining brand image and consumer trust.
  • In the assessment of fuels, colour can be used to mark and recognize different types, ensuring the right fuel is used for the right application.
  • Fuel Identification: Governments often regulate the colour of fuels to differentiate taxed vs. untaxed products or specific fuel grades
  • Regulatory Compliance: Many industries follow specific colour standards to meet government and industry regulations.
  • Purity & Contaminant Detection: Colour shifts may indicate impurities, oxidation, or unwanted chemical reactions, helping manufacturers take corrective action.
  • Quality Control & Consistency: Ensuring the correct colour helps maintain product quality, preventing inconsistencies that could affect performance or usability.

International Standards for Colour Measurement

Several international standards are recognized for colour measurement across different industries:

  • ISO Standards: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides standards like ISO 13655, which specifies how colour measurements and calculations are used in graphic technology. ISO also defines the platinum-cobalt colour scale in standards such as ISO 1557, ISO 6371, ASTM 1209, and DGK F 040. This scale ranges from clear liquids to a distinct shade of yellow and is used in many industries for classifying mineral oil-based products.
  • ISO Standards: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides standards like ISO 13655, which specifies how colour measurements and calculations are used in graphic technology. ISO also defines the platinum-cobalt colour scale in standards such as ISO 1557, ISO 6371, ASTM 1209, and DGK F 040. This scale ranges from clear liquids to a distinct shade of yellow and is used in many industries for classifying mineral oil-based products.
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  • ASTM D1209 is a standard test method for the visual measurement of the colour of essentially light-coloured liquids using the platinum-cobalt scale. This method is applicable only to materials in which the colour-producing bodies present have light absorption characteristics nearly identical with those of the platinum-cobalt colour standards used. The platinum-cobalt scale, also known as Pt-Co scale, is a measure of the colour of clear liquids, with the scale ranging from 0 (colourless) to 500 (dark colour).
  • ISO 6271:2015 specifies a spectrophotometric method for estimating the colour of clear liquids in terms of platinum-cobalt units (Pt-Co units). This standard provides a more precise and objective way to measure colour compared to the visual estimation methods. The ISO 6271 standard is applicable to clear liquids having colour characteristics similar to those of the platinum-cobalt colour standards.

Choosing the Right Colour Scale:

Selecting the appropriate colour scale is vital for accurate measurement. Different scales cater to specific industries and applications. Here are some commonly used colour scales and their applications:

  • APHA/Hazen/Platinum-Cobalt (Pt-Co) Scale: Primarily used for water and clear liquids, this scale measures yellowness. Commonly used for measuring the colour of water, clear liquids, and industrial chemicals. It is standardized under ASTM D1209 and ISO 6271.
  • Saybolt Colour Scale: Traditionally used in the petrochemical industry for pale liquids like gasoline and kerosene, this scale measures yellowness. Used for clear petroleum products like gasoline, jet fuel, and lubricating oils. It complies with ASTM D156 and ISO 2049 standards.

 

  • ASTM D1500 Colour Scale: Another scale for petroleum products, particularly lubricating oils, assigning a single number based on overall colour. Applied to petroleum products, lubricants, and fuels, typically in darker shades. It follows ASTM D1500 standards.
  • Gardner Colour Scale: Used for various coloured liquids like varnishes, syrups, and beverages, assigning a number based on visual comparison. Suitable for resins, varnishes, and oils with deeper yellow to brown shades. It follows ASTM D1544 and ISO 4630.
  • Lovibond® RYBN Colour Scale – Ideal for edible oils, fats, and waxes where precise colour differentiation is crucial. It is recognized in AOCS Cc 13j-97, ISO 15305, and BIS standards for oil and fat colour measurement.
  • Saybolt & ASTM Dual Measurement – Some applications require both Saybolt and ASTM for a comprehensive colour assessment. Compliance with global petroleum testing standards.
  • CIE Lab System: A more scientific approach, defining colour in three dimensions: lightness/darkness, redness/greenness, and yellowness/blueness.

How to Choose the Right Colour Scale?

The decision on which colour scale to use depends on several factors:
  • Industry Standards: Adhere to the standards set by your industry
  • Product Characteristics: Consider the specific properties of your product
  • Measurement Accuracy: Choose a scale that offers the precision needed for your application

Regulatory Requirements: Ensure compliance with any relevant regulations.

However, some guidelines in selecting the appropriate colour scale depends on the type of product and industry requirements:

    • For Clear Liquids (Fuel, Solvents, and Water-like Chemicals): Saybolt or Hazen/APHA
    • For Darker Petroleum Products (Lubricants, Diesel, Crude Oil): ASTM Colour Scale
    • For Industrial Chemicals & Oils: Gardner or Lovibond® RYBN

    For Edible Oils, Waxes & Fats: Lovibond® RYBN for precise differentiation

Long Story Short:

Accurate colour measurement is crucial in chemicals, petroleum, oils, and waxes. It ensures product quality, regulatory compliance, and enhances customer confidence. Understanding and choosing the right colour scale can help manufacturers maintain consistency, detect impurities, and meet industry standards.

If you’re looking for a reliable colour measurement solution tailored to your industry needs, explore our range of instruments designed for precision and ease of use.

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    FAQ's

    The accuracy of a colour scale depends on the application. The CIE Lab System is widely recognized for its scientific approach and precision.

    The frequency of measurements varies by industry and process. It's crucial to measure at critical points to ensure quality control.

    Yes, colour measurement can indicate the presence of contaminants by revealing unexpected colour variations.

    Colour is a powerful tool for brand recognition. Consistent colour across products can strengthen brand identity.

    It depends on the product type. Some scales overlap, but industries often require specific ones for compliance.

    Colour deviations can indicate contamination, oxidation, or formulation errors, helping maintain high-quality standards.

    Spectrophotometers and colour comparators are commonly used for precise colour evaluation.

    Lovibond® instruments and reagents are calibrated to deliver highly accurate and reliable results, meeting international standards.

    Yes! Many modern colour measurement systems are integrated into production lines for real-time monitoring and quality assurance.

    Yes, periodic maintenance and calibration ensure the longevity and accuracy of your Lovibond® instruments. Our team provides support and guidelines for maintaining your equipment.

    You can purchase Lovibond products through our authorized distributors, or by contacting our sales team directly. Contact us at indiamarketing@lovibond.in or leave a message on Whatsapp Icon appearing on our website

    Yes, Lovibond® offers training and technical support to ensure you get the most out of our products. This includes user guides, videos, and expert assistance.
    Our service team is ready to assist with troubleshooting, repairs, or replacements. Contact us for any technical issues or queries. We have a dedicated service team across India to cater to any issues faced with your Lovibond® instrument. Contact us at indiamarketing@lovibond.in or leave a message on Whatsapp Icon appearing on our website

    Yes, we offer customizable solutions tailored to your specific testing requirements, ensuring optimal performance and results.