Scattered colorimetry and multivariate data processing as an objective tool for liquid classification and mapping

Scattered colorimetry, that is multi-angle and multi-wavelength absorption spectroscopy performed in the visible spectral range, provides an integrated and global measurement of the color and turbidity of liquids. By a multivariate processing of the spectral data, the liquids can be mapped, classified and compared according to their peculiar characteristics. Details of the instrumentation and data processing are given, and the results achieved by analyzing many different types of liquids such as extra-virgin olive oil, beer, detergent in water and lubricant oil, are presented.