Lovibond comparator

The Lovibond comparator is a type of colorimeter made in Britain by The Tintometer Ltd. It was invented in the 19th century by Joseph Williams Lovibond and updated versions are still available.

Description
The sample to be tested is mixed in a glass tube with a colour reagent. The glass tube is inserted in the comparator and compared with a series of coloured glass discs until the nearest possible match is found. The concentration of the sample is indicated next to the disc selected.

The result is only an approximation but the comparator is very useful for field work because it is portable, rugged and easy to use. If a more exact measurement is required the sample will be sent to a laboratory for further testing.