🥼How do Colorimeters work?

In this edition of reverse engineered, we're diving into the fascinating world of colorimeters. Discover how these meters help keep water quality at an all time high, or ensure commercial chemical quality with quick precise measurements. Continue reading to discover how these unique meters can measure all these parameters from a simple chemical reaction.

But First, how do Colorimeters Measure? 

A colorimeter measures the intensity of light that passes through a substance to determine its color and concentration. This process is often based on the Beer-Lambert Law, which states that the absorbance of light is directly proportional to the concentration of the colored substance in a solution. Or in words a more concentrated sample will provide a darker reaction, with less light able to travel or reflect off a sample. 

🔬 Tristimulus Colorimeters
These colorimeters mimic the human eye's perception of colour by using red, green, and blue filters to measure light. The resulting values are expressed in color spaces like L*a*b* or RGB, making them ideal for quality control and colour matching in printing applications.

🧪 Filter Colorimeters (Absorbance Colorimeters)
More commonly used in scientific and chemical applications. Measuring how much light of a specific wavelength a solution absorbs. The device shines a light source through a filter to select a particular colour of light, which then passes through the sample placed in a cuvette. A detector on the other side measures the transmitted light. The less light that gets through, the more concentrated the substance is. Commonly used in water quality testing applications due to its simplicity.

Hanna Instruments | Marine Nitrate High Range | IC-HI782

This single-parameter absorbance colorimeter offers a simple and reliable method for measuring nitrate levels, making it ideal for saltwater aquariums. The meter requires only one reagent to operate. To perform a test, simply add the reagent to a water sample in the cuvette; this will induce a colour change. The colorimeter then accurately measures the colour change to provide a precise nitrate reading.

Other features,
- Intuitive Operation: A user-friendly interface makes testing quick and straightforward
- Compact & Portable: The handheld design is perfect for on-the-go use and field testing
- Clear Digital Readout: Get a fast, definitive measurement, eliminating the guesswork of visual comparison

Lumiso Pooltest 3/6 Parameter Water Test Kits | IC-LMP003\IC-LMP006

Unlock advanced water testing with the Lumiso Pooltest meters. These powerful kits provide comprehensive insights into multiple water quality parameters, all within a single, portable device. Each kit includes a selection of reagents, allowing you to quickly perform colorimetric analysis and get clear, accurate results for a wide range of parameters.

Other features,
- On-board Memory: Store up to 50 data sets directly on the device, perfect for logging test history
- Pool Operator-Centric Design: Engineered for durability and ease of use in professional pool management
- USB Connectivity: Seamlessly transfer data to a PC for in-depth analysis and record-keeping

Free and Total Chlorine Portable Photometer Kit with CAL Check | IC-HI97711C

For superior pool safety, the IC-HI97711C offers highly accurate Free and Total Chlorine measurement with its advanced optical system. Designed for ease of use, it includes an optional tutorial mode to ensure correct operation. The in-built CAL Check feature provides an on-demand calibration check, guaranteeing consistently accurate readings with every measurement. 

Other features,
- Fully Waterproof: Built for daily use in demanding pool environments
- Superior LED Light Source: Delivers long-lasting performance and consistent results
- Built-in Reaction Timer: Automatically ensures the proper reaction time for reagents, eliminating guesswork and boosting accuracy