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High-precision benchtop liquid spectrophotometer for chroma measurement (DS-812N/DS-816N)

Image shown is the DS-816N

Left: DS-812N & Right: DS-816N

The DS-812N and DS-816N

are advanced benchtop spectrophotometers specifically developed for the accurate colour measurement of transparent and translucent liquids. Designed for use in pharmaceuticals, beverages, cosmetics, chemicals, and industrial oils, they provide dependable results across a wide range of standards and colour indices.
 

Using a d/0 geometry (diffused illumination, 0° observation) and covering an extended wavelength range of 360–780 nm, these instruments ensure precise and repeatable measurement even for low-volume or temperature-sensitive samples.

The DS-816N model includes a built-in heating module capable of maintaining sample temperatures up to 90 °C—ideal for materials like waxes and fats. Both models support a minimum sample volume of just 1 ml, fast 1.5-second test cycles, and store over 100,000 data entries locally.
 

With built-in support for over 30 industry chroma scales—including Pt-Co, Gardner, Saybolt, and Pharmacopoeia standards—and easy software upgrades via OTA, the DS-812N and DS-816N offer a complete and future-ready solution for high-precision liquid colour analysis.

Wide Wavelength Range (360–780 nm)

The DS-812N and DS-816N offer a spectral range of 360 to 780 nm, beyond the visible spectrum of the human eye, enabling accurate colour measurement of a wide range of transparent and translucent liquids.

Built-in Colour Scales for Industry Standards

Over 30 industry-recognised colour indicators are preloaded, including:

  • Pt-Co (Platinum-Cobalt)

  • Gardner

  • Saybolt

  • ASTM Colour

  • Pharmacopoeia Standards (Chinese, US, and European)

  • EBC (Beer)

  • ICUMSA (Sugar)
    These make the instruments ideal for pharmaceuticals, beverages, cosmetics, petrochemicals, and industrial fluids.

Intelligent Zero Calibration

Advanced zero-point calibration ensures high stability and accuracy with repeatability as fine as ΔE*ab ≤ 0.01 even in fluctuating environmental conditions.

High-Precision Heating Module (DS-816N only)

The DS-816N includes a built-in PTC heating system capable of maintaining sample temperatures up to 90 °C. This feature is particularly useful for substances like waxes and fats that require liquefaction before measurement.

Minimum Sample Volume: Just 1 ml

Thanks to a refined optical design and precise light control, accurate readings are possible with as little as 1 millilitre of liquid—saving valuable sample material. Standard cuvettes are fully supported, with no need for custom holders.

OTA Software Upgrades

Users can easily upgrade the instrument’s software and colour indices via over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring long-term compatibility with evolving industry standards.

Fast Measurement in Under 2 Seconds

Each measurement takes only 1.5 seconds, significantly reducing testing time while maintaining high repeatability.

Intuitive 7” Touchscreen Interface

The large touch display provides clear visualization of results and supports standalone operation without the need for a connected PC. Up to 100,000 data records can be stored directly on the instrument.

DS-812N Technical Specifications

Measurement Geometry: Transmittance d/0 (diffuse illumination, 0° viewing) integrating sphere system.

Conforms to:
CIE No.15, ISO 7724/1, ASTM E1164, DIN 5033 Teil 7, JIS Z8722 Condition C, ASTM D1209, ASTM D5386, ASTM D6045, ASTM D6166, ASTM D1502. 

liquid colorimeter DS-812N 

Integrating Sphere: Φ40 mm with highly diffuse coating.

Sensor: Dual optical array sensor

Light Source: Full spectrum balanced LED (CLEDs)

Wavelength Range: 360 – 780 nm

Wavelength Interval: 10 nm

Spectral Bandwidth: 5 nm

Measurement Range: 0 – 200% transmittance

Resolution: 0.0001

Measurement Time: ≤ 1.5 seconds

Optical Path / Sample Cells:
Supplied: 10 mm glass cuvette, 50 mm glass cuvette
Optional: 33 mm and 100 mm cuvettes

Minimum Sample Volume: Approximately 1 ml

Observer Angles: 2° and 10°

Illuminants:
A, B, C, D50, D55, D65, D75, F1–F12, CWF, U30, U35, DLF, NBF, TL83, TL84, ID50, ID65, LED-B1, LED-B2, LED-B3, LED-B4, LED-B5, LED-BH1, LED-RGB1, LED-V1, LED-V4. 

Repeatability:
Transmittance: standard deviation ≤0.08%
Chromaticity: ΔE*ab ≤0.015 (standard deviation), max ≤0.04

Inter-Instrument Agreement: ΔE*ab < 0.25

Colour Spaces: CIE Lab, LCh, CIE Luv, XYZ, Yxy, Hunter Lab, Munsell, CMYK, Transmittance

Colour Difference Formulae: ΔEab, ΔECH, ΔEuv, ΔECMC (2:1), ΔE*CMC (1:1), ΔE94, ΔE00

Colour Indices: Pharmacopoeia colour standards (Chinese, European, US),
Whiteness Index (ASTM E313-20, ASTM E313-73, CIE, ISO2470/R457, Hunter, Taube Berger Stensby)
Yellow Index (ASTM D1925, ASTM E313-20, ASTM E313-73)
Tint (ASTM E313-20)
APHA / Hazen / Pt-Co
Gardner
Saybolt
ASTM colour
EBC (beer colour)
ICUMSA (sugar colour)
Iron-cobalt index
Allochromic index MI 

Display: 7-inch colour touch screen

Data Storage: Over 100,000 measurement records

Software: ColorExpert, Color QC2

Operation: Standalone operation or PC connected

Special Functions: Intelligent zero calibration, Audit trail support (FDA / CFDA compliant)

DS-816N Technical Specifications

Measurement Geometry:
Transmittance d/0 (diffuse illumination, 0° viewing) integrating sphere system.

Conforms to:
CIE No.15, ISO 7724/1, ASTM E1164, DIN 5033 Teil 7, JIS Z8722 Condition C, ASTM D1209, ASTM D5386, ASTM D6045, ASTM D6166, ASTM D1502.

Integrating Sphere: Φ40 mm with highly diffuse coating

Sensor: Dual optical array sensor

Light Source: Full spectrum balanced LED (CLEDs)

Wavelength Range: 360 – 780 nm

Wavelength Interval: 10 nm

Spectral Bandwidth: 5 nm

Measurement Range: 0 – 200% transmittance

Resolution: 0.0001

Measurement Time: ≤ 1.5 seconds

Optical Path / Sample Cells:
Supplied: 10 mm and 50 mm glass cuvettes
Optional: 33 mm and 100 mm cuvettes

Minimum Sample Volume: Approximately 1 ml

Heating Function: Integrated thermostatic sample tank

Heating Temperature Range: Ambient temperature to 90°C

Observer Angles: 2° and 10°

Illuminants:
A, B, C, D50, D55, D65, D75, F1–F12, CWF, U30, U35, DLF, NBF, TL83, TL84, ID50, ID65, LED-B1, LED-B2, LED-B3, LED-B4, LED-B5, LED-BH1, LED-RGB1, LED-V1, LED-V4.

Repeatability:
Transmittance: standard deviation ≤0.08%
Chromaticity: ΔE*ab ≤0.01 (standard deviation), max ≤0.03

Inter-Instrument Agreement: ΔE*ab < 0.20

Colour Spaces:
CIE Lab, LCh, CIE Luv, XYZ, Yxy, Hunter Lab, Munsell, CMYK, Transmittance

Colour Difference Formulae:
ΔEab, ΔECH, ΔEuv, ΔECMC (2:1), ΔE*CMC (1:1), ΔE94, ΔE00

Colour Indices: Pharmacopoeia colour standards (Chinese, European, US),
Whiteness Index (ASTM E313-20, ASTM E313-73, CIE, ISO2470/R457, Hunter, Taube Berger Stensby)
Yellow Index (ASTM D1925, ASTM E313-20, ASTM E313-73)
Tint (ASTM E313-20)
APHA / Hazen / Pt-Co
Gardner
Saybolt
ASTM colour
EBC (beer colour)
ICUMSA (sugar colour)
Iron-cobalt index
Allochromic index MI 

Display:7-inch colour touch screen

Data Storage: Over 100,000 measurement records

Software: ColorExpert, Color QC2

Operation:Standalone or PC operation

Special Functions: Intelligent zero calibration, Integrated heating module for viscous samples, Audit trail support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the DS-812N and DS-816N?

Both instruments use the same optical system and measure liquid colour using transmission spectrophotometry. The DS-816N includes an integrated thermostatic heating chamber (up to 90°C), allowing accurate measurement of viscous samples such as waxes, oils and fats. It also offers slightly improved repeatability.

Which colour scales can these instruments measure?

The instruments support a wide range of industry colour scales including:

  • APHA / Pt-Co / Hazen

  • Gardner

  • Saybolt

  • ASTM colour

  • EBC (beer colour)

  • ICUMSA (sugar colour)

They also calculate colour values such as CIE Lab*, XYZ and colour difference formulas.

What industries typically use these instruments?

Liquid colour measurement is widely used in:

  • Chemicals and solvents

  • Petroleum and lubricants

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Cosmetics

  • Edible oils and fats

  • Food and beverage production

How much sample is required?

Only around 1 ml of liquid is required for measurement depending on the cuvette used.

Which model should I choose?

If you measure standard liquid samples such as solvents or chemicals, the DS-812N is usually sufficient.
If you work with oils, waxes, fats or other viscous liquids, the DS-816N is recommended as the heated sample chamber keeps the sample fluid during measurement

What is APHA colour (Pt-Co / Hazen)?

APHA colour, also known as Pt-Co or Hazen colour, is a standard scale used to measure the colour of very pale liquids such as water, solvents, plasticisers and pharmaceutical ingredients. The scale compares the sample to a series of platinum-cobalt reference solutions.

The lower the APHA value, the clearer the liquid. For example:

  • APHA 0–10 – very clear liquid

  • APHA 50–100 – noticeable yellow tint

  • APHA 200+ – visibly coloured liquid

Modern spectrophotometers calculate the APHA value automatically, removing the need for visual comparison with glass standards.

What is the Gardner colour scale?

The Gardner colour scale is commonly used for slightly darker liquids such as resins, oils, coatings and chemicals. The scale typically runs from Gardner 1 (very light yellow) up to Gardner 18 (dark brown).

Historically this measurement required visual comparison with coloured glass standards. Spectrophotometers now measure the liquid and calculate the equivalent Gardner value automatically, giving more consistent and repeatable results.

Why use a spectrophotometer instead of visual colour comparison?

Traditional liquid colour testing involved comparing samples against coloured glass standards by eye. While this method is still referenced in many standards, it can produce different results depending on lighting conditions and the person performing the test.

A spectrophotometer measures the sample using controlled illumination and calculates the colour numerically. This provides:

  • Objective and repeatable measurements

  • Improved consistency between operators

  • Automatic calculation of industry colour scales such as APHA, Gardner and Saybolt

  • Digital records for quality control and traceability

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