Comparator 3000 Series

OPERATORS INSTRUCTION MANUAL

CODE: 303399 ISSUE NO: V1.1

 Contents

Introduction 1

Information
Permanent Colour Glass Standards 2
Special Disc Service 2
Colorimetric Chemical Analytical Methods 3

Technical Specifications 3

Parts Diagram 4

Operating Instructions Comparator 3000 Series 5

Operating Instructions for measuring ASTM Color

scale on the Comparator 3000 Series 7

Reading the ASTM Discs 9

Maintenance
Replacing the Lamp 10
Cleaning the Glass Standards 10
Cleaning the Optical Cells 10

Accessories / Spare Parts

High Quality Optical Cells 11
Optional Extras 12

Sales Offices 13
 Comparator 3000 Series

Introduction

The Lovibond® Comparator 3000 Series instruments are single scale

3-field instruments used for visual grading to determine the colour of a
sample, achieved by direct comparison of Lovibond® Glass Standards and
the liquid sample.

To achieve rapid colour grading within pre-determined colour limits, the

glass standards are mounted in two discs so that it is easy to check that
the sample is within tolerance.

The two discs containing the relevant colour scale are brought together
by a prism and viewed simultaneously alongside the sample making it
easier to achieve an optimum match.

When seen through the prism, the sample is viewed in the centre. The
colour standards are viewed either side of the sample, as in the following
diagram:

Colour Colour
Standard Sample Standard

The human eye perceives colour differently according to the lighting

conditions, so constant lighting conditions are essential for consistent
colour comparison. The Comparator 3000 Series uses a tungsten halogen
lamp which is colour corrected to CIE standard Illuminant C to produce a
consistent light source.

1
The Comparator 3000 Series are available to measure the following
colour scales.:

Comparator 3000 Series Order

Code
ASTM Color 34 50 30
EBC Colour 34 50 00
FAC Colour 34 50 20
Gardner Color 34 50 10

Information

Permanent Colour Glass Standards

The colour standards for use with the Comparator 3000 Series consist of
flat chemically produced glass. Unlike plastics, Lovibond® permanently
coloured glass standards are guaranteed not to fade with continuous
exposure to daylight and will give reliable accurate results every time.
The standards are mounted into a disc which is easily positioned in the
Comparator 3000 Series.

Special Disc Service

The Tintometer Ltd. is able to produced customised glass standards to

suit your requirements, for special chemical and colorimetric analysis.
The Company has great experience in the development of such standards,
and they are manufactured in accordance with the procedures required
by The Tintometer Ltd’s ISO 9001 certification.

The standards are mounted in a disc for use with the Lovibond®
Comparator 3000 Series.

2
“Colorimetric Chemical Analytical Methods” – CCAM

This CD, now in its 9th edition, is a comprehensive reference for the
chemical methods used for the range of Lovibond® discs.

The Individual methods and techniques are clearly laid out, enabling the
reader to see the principles of the various chemical methods as well as the
actual techniques for carrying out the tests.

The order code for this CD is 17 02 00.

Technical Specifications

Specification Description
Light Source 12V 20 Watt Tungsten Halogen
Optical System Fully Prismatic
Sample Requirements Sample, Glass Cells and Lovibond®
Glass Colour Standards
Instrument Housing Moulded Fire Retardant ABS
Power Pack:
Input Voltage 100-240V
Output voltage 12V DC
Power Consumption 2 amps 20 Watts (Max).
Operating Temperature Range -10°C to +70°C
Dimensions: 231w x 273l x 142h
Weight: 1.5 Kg
Technical Assistance Technical Services Department
The Tintometer Ltd
Lovibond House
Solar Way
Solstice Park
Amesbury. SP4 7SZ
Tel: +44 (0) 1980 446800
Fax: +44 (0) 1980 625412
E-mail: [email protected]

3
 Parts Diagram

Lid

Top

Sample
Halogen chamber
Lamp

Disc

On/Off
switch

Disc Knobs

4
 Operating Instructions for the Comparator 3000 Series
All scales except ASTM color

See test method or

sample preparation for
instructions on sample Min
liquid. 50 mm
Height

5
 Press Once = 1 minute
illumination
Press twice = 2 minutes
illumination
Press three times = 3 minutes
illumination
Press and Hold = Off

Colour Colour
Standard Sample Standard

Note: The best colour match is obtained by viewing with one eye closed

Rotate the discs by turning the knobs on the front of the instrument until
the oil sample matches or falls between two Colour Standards. A reading
can then be taken from the disc.

FAC / EBC:- To change the disc pair: open the lid, pull the knobs and lift
out the discs. To insert the discs: pull the knobs, insert the discs and
rotate the knobs until they engage in the discs.

6
Operating Instructions for measuring ASTM colour scale on the
Comparator 3000 Series

1/2

1/2
 Press Once = 1 minute illumination
Press twice = 2 minutes illumination
Press three times = 3 minutes illumination
Press and Hold = Off

Colour Colour
Standard Sample Standard

8
 Reading the Petroleum Oil - ASTM Discs

NOTE: The best colour match is obtained by viewing with one eye closed.

Rotate the discs by turning the knobs on the front of the instrument until
the oil sample matches or falls between two Colour Standard. A reading
can then be taken from the disc.

If the sample is not clear, heat to 6°C above its cloud point and measure
the colour at that temperature. Petroleum waxes including Petrolatum,
should be heated to 11°C to 17°C above the congealing point. If the
sample is darker that 8 ASTM color, mix 15 volumes of sample with 85
volumes of solvent kerosene.

 Report to one colour standard e.g. 7.5 ASTM Color

 If the colour falls between two standards report to the colour

darker than the sample and precede it by LIGHTER THAN or “L”
e.g. LIGHTER THAN 7.5 ASTM Color or L7.5 ASTM Color.

 If diluted add “DIL” after the colour e.g L7.5 DIL ASTM Color

9
 Maintenance

Replacing the lamp

 Always disconnect the Comparator 3000 Series from the main
power supply before removing the cover

 Undo the four screws on the case using a suitable screwdriver

 Lift the top clear of the unit. The lamp housing is located on the
base.

 Remove the old lamp and replace with the new in the same
position, using the protective sleeve.

NOTE: always avoid touching the lamp as this can significantly

reduce the life of the lamp.

 Replace the cover.

To maintain the performance of the Comparator 3000 Series

instrument, spillages on the instrument and in the sample chamber
should be cleaned up immediately.

Should a spillage occur in the sample chamber, simply remove the cell or
glass tubes, remove the sample chamber and clean.

Cleaning the Glass Standards

To clean the glass standards simply remove from the unit by lifting the lid,
pulling the knob and lifting out the disc containing the glass standards.
The standards can be cleaned with a lens tissue and polished with a soft
lint free cloth or brush.

Cleaning the Optical Cells and Tubes

The optical cells and Tubes should be emptied and rinsed with a suitable
solvent, washed in laboratory detergent, rinsed in distilled water and
allowed to dry. Avoid vigorous scrubbing which may scratch the glass and
impair the luminance.
10
 Accessories / spare parts

Lovibond® High Quality Optical Cells

Precision fused glass cells and moulded glass tubes are made to the
highest quality standards. The cells perform an important dual function in
the Comparator System. Not only do they serve to contain the sample
being analysed, but the intensity of the colour sample is directly
proportional to the optical path length of the cell. For this reason it is
important to use cells with a path length matched to the colour standards
and the disk.

Description Order
Code
Gardner / FAC Test Tube AF228T 35 22 80
AF763 Reference Tube (ASTM D1500) 35 76 30
W680 2.5 mm fused glass cell 60 67 80
W680 5 mm 60 67 90
W680 10 mm 60 68 10
W680 15 mm 60 68 40
W680 20 mm 60 68 50
W680 25 mm 60 68 60
W680 33 mm 60 68 80
W680 40 mm 60 68 90

11
 Optional Extras

Description Order
Code
Tungsten Halogen Lamp 12V 20W 12 23 40
4/30-1 Gardner Comparator 3000 disc 24 00 10
4/30-2 Gardner Comparator 3000 disc 24 00 20
4/32A FAC/A Comparator 3000 disc 24 02 10
4/32B FAC/B Comparator 3000 disc 24 02 20
4/32C FAC/C Comparator 3000 disc 24 02 30
4/32D FAC/D Comparator 3000 disc 24 02 40
EBC/1 Comparator 3000 disc 24 04 50
EBC/2 Comparator 3000 disc 24 04 60
EBC/3 Comparator 3000 disc 24 04 70
EBC/4 Comparator 3000 disc 24 04 80
ASTM D1500 Comparator 3000 disc 0.5 - 7.5 24 02 80
ASTM D1500 Comparator 3000 disc 1.0 – 8.0 24 02 90
Certificate of Conformity for new discs (order with discs) QA1
Conformance Filter Recertification (Certificate of QD2
Conformity)
Colour Disc Calibration (ISO 9001 Calibration Certificate) CAL2

12
 Sales offices

Germany United Kingdom

Tintometer GmbH The Tintometer Ltd

Schleefstr. 8-12 Lovibond House
DE 44287 Dortmund Solar Way
Germany Solstice Park
Amesbury SP4 7SZ

Tel: (+49) (0)231 945100 Tel: +44(0)1980 664800

Fax: +44(0) 1980 625412
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tintometer.de Website: www.tintometer.com

North America South East Asia

@ Orbeco Hellige, Inc TINTOMETER South East Asia

6456 Parkland Drive Unit C-11-3A, 3 Two Square,
Sarasota No. 2, Jalan 19/1, Petaling Jaya,
Florida 34243 46300, Selangor D.E
USA MALAYSIA.

Tel: 941 756 6410 Tel: +60(0) 3 7955 4013

Fax: +60(0) 3 7955 4014
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Website: www.orbeco.com Website: www.tintometer.com

Switzerland

Tintometer AG
CH5212 Hausen
Switzerland

Tel: (+41) 56 442 2829

Email: [email protected]

Lovibond® and Tintometer® are registered trade marks of The Tintometer Ltd. Amesbury, UK.
All translations and transliterations of Lovibond® and Tintometer® are asserted as trade marks
of The Tintometer Ltd.

13