subject: Nir Instruments The Analysis Boon [print this page] NIR instruments play an important role in multifarious industries like polymers, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemicals, petrochemicals, food industries etc. The earlier instruments were the very conventional kinds like the very basic instrument called spectrometer which is primarily utilized for the calculation and analysis of a chemical sample component with the help of the electromagnetic spectrums near infrared region.
These instruments are widely used across various industries because of the multitude of benefits they offer. Their benefits include timely reports, safe and secure usability, ease of handling the instruments and operation and durability factor. These instruments do not involve high maintenance costs, and do not emit any byproducts that could be harmful.
The latest in NIR technology is the FT-NIR, viz. the Fourier Transform near Infrared Spectroscopy, which make use of interferometers that manage the splitting of source light. Two mirrors are utilized in the process. One of the rays falls on the optical mirror while the other is reflected through the fixed mirror.
These rays are then again brought together to create an interferogram. The spectrum is then produced with the application of a Fourier Transform. NIR instruments as well as near infrared transmission standards that are recognized are useful in determining the wavelengths and bandwidths so that the reflectance scales can be adjusted properly. The FT-NIR instruments are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industries.
The biggest advantage is the feasibility of smooth method as well as calibration transfer within instruments. This facility is extremely essential in the manufacturing process, quality monitoring, research and development that surely involve a lot of analysis etc. While FT-NIR instruments find their applications in the food industry to a large extent. NIR instruments find their major utility in the farming sector. Specifically for grain marketing and various decisions during harvesting that include the quality of the grains produced, from where should the harvest initiate and which all parts require preference, for how long can the grains be stocked and which of them should be stocked.
The NIR instruments aid the farmers in immediate decisions and correct decisions as well for a better outcome. Those that are usually used for determining the proteins and the moisture in grains are the BM1000, which is cost friendly as well. Though, they are more advanced than the conventional ones, the expenditures are very high comparatively. Then annual maintenance cost is also there which has to be kept on the mind during purchase. Even so, these instruments are a boon to various businesses and are useful on a long term.
