Method and apparatus for measuring the color properties of fluids

Abstract

An apparatus for inspection of fluids, particularly dispersions and tints, having a fluid analysis cell with a cavity enclosed by two light transmitting windows and having a spacer member fixedly positioned therebetween which provides a fluid analysis chamber of fixed pathlength where fluid flows by the windows and wherein the flow is laminar and at a uniform shear to provide accurate color measurements. The apparatus is particularly useful in the manufacture of dispersions and tints used in the manufacture of paints, so that the color of material being made can be accurately matched to a standard color in the wet state with confidence that the color will match in the dry state.

1 . A method of measuring a color property of a wet fluid comprising supplying a sample volume of liquid to a transmission cell, allowing the fluid to pass through the cell at a fixed pathlength and zero bypass through two viewing windows enclosing each end of the cell, and measuring the color property of the sample volume by light transmittance while the sample is flowing in the cell.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  in which the flow of the sample is unidirectional and laminar.