AELAB Colorimeter CT1500 – Petroleum Product Color Testing Instrument

The AELAB CT1500 Colorimeter is engineered to determine the color of various lubricating oils and petroleum products in accordance with SH/T 0168-92 “Test Method for Color of Petroleum Products” and GB/T 6540. The method involves filling a test sample into the color comparing tube and matching it with a standard color to determine the color number precisely.

The instrument combines optical accuracy with mechanical precision to deliver consistent and reproducible readings for oil analysis laboratories and petroleum quality control environments.

⚙️ Design & Construction

The AELAB CT1500 consists of a standard color dial, observation lens, light source, and color comparing tube assembly. It uses a 220 V, 100 W grinding milk-white light bulb with a color temperature of 2750 ± 50 K, filtered by milk-white and sunshine glass to simulate daylight conditions. The color comparing dial has 26 holes (Φ14 mm) and accommodates 25 color numbers plus one blank. The unit’s structure includes a precision optical lens system with adjustable focus and concave mirror arrangement for accurate viewing.

🔬 Working Principle / Testing Method

The instrument measures color by comparing the test sample with standard reference colors. Two parallel beams of filtered light illuminate both the sample and standard simultaneously, and the operator observes the color difference through the concave mirror observation lens. Manual rotation of the color dial via handwheel allows fine adjustment to match hues and determine the corresponding color number according to GB/T 6540 petroleum color scale.

💡 Key Advantages

• Complies with SH/T 0168-92 and GB/T 6540 petroleum color standards
• 26-hole color dial enabling fine color differentiation from No. 1 to 25 + blank
• High-intensity 100 W light source simulating natural daylight spectrum
• Concave mirror optical system for clear two-field semicircle comparison
• Adjustable optical focus ensuring consistent calibration and clarity
• Manual handwheel operation with stable mechanical alignment
• Low maintenance design with easily replaceable lamp and glass tubes

🔗 Connectivity & Integration

The CT1500 operates as a standalone optical comparator. Although not digital, it integrates easily into laboratory workflows and supports GLP documentation when coupled with external calibration logs. Power is supplied via standard AC 220 V / 50 Hz connection.

🧠 Model Insight

🧪 Testing Applications

The AELAB CT1500 Colorimeter is ideal for color testing of lubricating oils, fuel oils, base oils, and petroleum derivatives in laboratory and field environments. It supports quality control in petrochemical, refinery, and research facilities, ensuring compliance with standard petroleum color classification systems.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

The instrument adheres to GB/T 6540 and SH/T 0168-92 test procedures, ensuring reliable and repeatable measurements. Manufactured under ISO and CE guidelines, each AELAB CT1500 is calibrated against certified color reference liquids for traceable accuracy and GLP compliance.