Near Infrared (NIR) Analyzers

How do NIR analyzers work? 

NIR analyzers use non-destructive spectroscopic techniques to analyze the composition of a sample. The NIR region of the electromagnetic spectrum ranges from approximately 780 to 2500 nm and is primarily used for the analysis of organic compounds. NIR analyzers work by measuring the absorption of NIR light by a sample and analyzing the resulting spectrum to determine the sample's chemical composition. 

The absorption of NIR light by a sample is related to the presence and concentration of molecular groups such as C-H, N-H, and O-H bonds. The NIR light interacts with these molecular groups, causing vibrations that result in the absorption of light at specific wavelengths. The intensity of the absorption at each wavelength corresponds to the concentration of the specific molecular group in the sample. 

NIR analyzers typically use a spectrometer to measure the absorption spectrum of a sample in the NIR region. The sample is illuminated with a broadband NIR light source, and the resulting absorption spectrum is collected using a detector. The spectrum is then analyzed using chemometric methods, such as multivariate regression analysis, to determine the chemical composition of the sample. 

Chemometric methods involve the use of mathematical algorithms to analyze complex data sets, such as NIR spectra. The spectra are compared to a library of known spectra to identify the compounds present in the sample. This process can also be used to quantify the concentration of each compound in the sample. 

Advantages of NIR analyzers 

NIR analyzers have several advantages over other types of analytical instruments. Here are some of the key advantages: 

• Non-destructive analysis: NIR analysis is a non-destructive technique that allows samples to be analyzed without being destroyed. This is particularly important in the food and agricultural industries where samples may be limited or expensive. 
• Rapid analysis: NIR analysis is a rapid technique that can provide results in a matter of seconds or minutes. This allows for high-throughput analysis of large numbers of samples. 
• Multi-component analysis: NIR analysis can provide simultaneous analysis of multiple components in a sample. This is particularly useful in complex matrices such as food and feed samples. 
• No sample preparation: In most cases, NIR analysis requires little or no sample preparation, which reduces analysis time and cost. 
• Portable analysis: NIR analyzers are available in portable configurations, making them ideal for field use or in-process monitoring. 
• Non-toxic analysis: NIR analysis does not use any hazardous or toxic reagents, making it safer and more environmentally friendly than other analytical techniques. 
• Low cost: NIR analyzers are relatively low cost compared to other analytical instruments, making them accessible to a wider range of users. 

Industries and applications that uses NIR analyzers 

NIR analyzers are versatile instruments that find applications across various industries. Let's look at some of the most common industries and applications where NIR analyzers are used. 

In the agriculture and food industry, NIR analyzers play a vital role in analyzing agricultural products like grains, seeds, and animal feed. They are also used for food quality control, where they help determine protein, moisture, and fat content in food products. 

The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on NIR analyzers for analyzing raw materials, excipients, and finished products. They are essential for determining drug content, uniformity of dosage, and physical characteristics of drugs. 

NIR analyzers are also widely used in the chemical industry to analyze chemical compounds like polymers, plastics, and petrochemicals. These analyzers help determine the chemical composition, molecular weight, and physical properties of these materials. 

Environmental monitoring is another critical application of NIR analyzers, where they are used to test soil, water, and air. They are particularly useful in determining nutrient content, moisture content, and pollutants present in these samples. 

NIR analyzers also have a significant role in forensic science, where they are used to analyze drugs, explosives, and other substances. They help in determining the chemical composition and identifying these substances. 

In the textile industry, NIR analyzers are used for analyzing textile materials like cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers. These analyzers are particularly useful in determining the fiber composition, moisture content, and other physical properties of these materials. 

Finally, in the petroleum industry, NIR analyzers are used for analyzing crude oil and petroleum products. They help in determining the chemical composition, viscosity, and other physical properties of these materials. 

Important considerations when selecting NIR analyzers 

When selecting an NIR analyzer, there are several important considerations to consider. These include: 

• Application-specific requirements: It is important to ensure that the selected NIR analyzer can meet the specific requirements of the application. This includes factors such as the required measurement range, precision, and accuracy. 
• Sample characteristics: The sample characteristics such as particle size, color, and texture can affect the performance of the NIR analyzer. It is important to choose an instrument that can handle the sample properties. 
• Wavelength range: The wavelength range of the NIR analyzer should match the spectral characteristics of the sample. The selected wavelength range should provide enough spectral information for accurate analysis. 
• Detector type: The detector type used in the NIR analyzer can affect the instrument's sensitivity and accuracy. It is important to choose a detector that can provide high sensitivity and low noise. 
• Sampling technique: The sampling technique used can affect the accuracy and precision of the NIR analysis. It is important to choose a sampling technique that is appropriate for the application and can provide representative samples. 
• Instrument calibration: The accuracy and precision of the NIR analyzer are heavily dependent on the calibration of the instrument. It is important to choose an instrument with a reliable and accurate calibration method. 

Why buy NIR analyzers from AxFlow 

AxFlow offers NIR analyzers for the widest range of industries and applications. Only at AxFlow do you receive individual advice from industry-experienced process engineers and the manufacturer-independent selection of the world's leading process technology. Do you need support in selecting the right analyzers for your needs? Do not hesitate to get in touch. AxFlows experts and engineers can provide guidance for selecting, specifying, installing, and maintaining your fluid handling equipment.