Liquid color, haze, and clarity instrument, and method of measurement

An apparatus for measuring haze of liquids, the apparatus comprising:

• a sample chamber;
• a source of electromagnetic radiation positioned relative to the sample chamber to direct electromagnetic radiation through the sample chamber;
• a first photodetector optically coupled with the sample chamber and positioned to receive at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the sample chamber;
• a second photodetector optically coupled with the sample chamber and positioned to receive at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the sample chamber;
• a lens positioned between the source of electromagnetic radiation and the sample chamber and optically coupled therewith, wherein the lens is configured to collimate the electromagnetic radiation;
• a chamber window positioned between the source of electromagnetic radiation and the sample chamber and optically coupled thereto;
• wherein the apparatus is configured to measure haze of liquid samples to determine an instrument haze rating and a haze clarity index of liquid samples.

A method for measuring optical properties of liquids, the method comprising:

• providing a liquid sample in a sample chamber;
• directing electromagnetic radiation from a source of electromagnetic radiation through the liquid sample in the sample chamber;
• receiving at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the liquid sample with a first photodetector;
• receiving at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the liquid sample with a second photodetector;
• and
• determining a haze of the liquid sample, including determining an instrument haze rating and a haze clarity index of the liquid sample.

An apparatus for measuring haze of liquids, the apparatus comprising:

• a source of electromagnetic radiation;
• a first photodetector positioned to relative to the source of electromagnetic radiation to receive a first portion of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the source of electromagnetic radiation and to measure transmittance of the electromagnetic radiation;
• a second photodetector positioned to relative to the source of electromagnetic radiation to receive at least a portion of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the source of electromagnetic radiation and to measure scatter of the electromagnetic radiation;
• and
• a computer in data communication with the first and second photodetectors, wherein the computer is configured to receive data signals from the first and second photodetectors that correspond with the electromagnetic radiation detected by the first and second photodetectors, and wherein the computer is configured to process the data signals to determine an instrument haze rating and a haze clarity index.

A method for measuring haze of liquids, the method comprising:

• directing electromagnetic radiation through a liquid;
• measuring transmission of the electromagnetic radiation through the liquid;
• measuring scatter of the electromagnetic radiation through the liquid;
• and
• determining a haze of the liquid based on the measured transmission and scatter of the electromagnetic radiation, including determining an instrument haze rating and a haze clarity index of the liquid sample.